Miracle of Mercy – Wk 4
Luke 1:67-77 (NLT)
67 Then his father, Zechariah, was filled with the Holy Spirit and gave this prophecy:
68 “Praise the Lord, the God of Israel,
because he has visited and redeemed his people.
69 He has sent us a mighty Savior
from the royal line of his servant David,
70 just as he promised
through his holy prophets long ago.
71 Now we will be saved from our enemies
and from all who hate us.
72 He has been merciful to our ancestors
by remembering his sacred covenant—
73 the covenant he swore with an oath
to our ancestor Abraham.
74 We have been rescued from our enemies
so we can serve God without fear,
75 in holiness and righteousness
for as long as we live.
76 “And you, my little son,
will be called the prophet of the Most High,
because you will prepare the way for the Lord.
77 You will tell his people how to find salvation
through forgiveness of their sins.
Luke 1:13-18 (NLT)
13 But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John. 14 You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15 for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or other alcoholic drinks. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. 16 And he will turn many Israelites to the Lord their God. 17 He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly.”
18 Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure this will happen? I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.”
How to overcome insecurity:
1. Use your voice.
Luke 1:19-20 (NLT)
19 Then the angel said, “I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news! 20 But now, since you didn’t believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.”
2. To prepare the way of the Lord.
Luke 3:4-6 (NLT)
4 Isaiah had spoken of John when he said,
“He is a voice shouting in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming!
Clear the road for him!
5 The valleys will be filled,
and the mountains and hills made level.
The curves will be straightened,
and the rough places made smooth.
6 And then all people will see
the salvation sent from God.’”
3. For the next generation to hear.
Luke 1:77-79 (NLT)
You will tell his people how to find salvation
through forgiveness of their sins.
78 Because of God’s tender mercy,
the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us,
79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
and to guide us to the path of peace.”
The path to finding salvation through the forgiveness of sins is wrapped in God’s tender mercy.
COMMUNITY GROUP MEETING OUTLINE
Where your faith intersects with real life!
Reconnect:
Each person shares a recent high and low from their life.
Explore:
Review the message notes.
Big Idea: Use your voice to proclaim God’s mercy to the next generation.
Consider:
Choose one or two questions for your Group to discuss as time allows.
▶ Read Luke 1:67-77. What are some of the enemies Jesus came to rescue us from?
▶ Read 2 Corinthians 12:9. How could your insecurity be the perfect place for the miracle of God’s mercy to be on display?
▶ Read Luke 1:19-20. Where might it be difficult to believe the words of God in your life or in our world?
▶ Read Luke 3:4-6. What are some ways we can “clear a path” for the Lord in other people’s lives?
Activate:
Spend a moment in silence to consider your response, then share your decision with the Group.
Read Luke 1:77-79. Ask God for one person you could focus on to bring light into their dark place and offer His path of peace?
Prayer:
Thank God for the highs and lift up the lows.
Pray by name for the people you identified who need to experience the mercy of God.