160103 Lesson 1 - The Births of John and Jesus Foretold

 LESSON 1 (January 3) . Luke 1:1-38 . The Births of John and Jesus Foretold 1. Carefully read Luke's introduction in 1:1-4. What do you see of importance? Why is Luke writing this account? How should we look at what he has compiled? 2. When Luke writes something like, "ln the days of Herod, king of Judea..." why should we pay attention? What value is there in framing his account in this way? 3. Who were Zechariah and Elizabeth (t:s-l)? 4. Take a moment to read  Malachi 3-4. How do they relate to Luke 1,:8-17? 5. In your own words, what is the angel of the Lord saying in Luke 1.:1.6-t7? 6. The angel identifies himself as Gabriel. Where else have we heard that name? what do we learn about angels from Luke 1:19? 7. Does Luke 7:1,8-25 sound familiar? Do any Old Testament examples come to mind? 8. What do the incredible things Gabriel promises to Mary mean in Luke 1,:26-33? 9. Why is the angel's answer in Luke 1:35 so important to understand? 10. Take a moment to marvel at Mary's response in Luke 1:38. Is there anything we can learn from her example?.