SUNDAY LESSON NOTES
JANUARY 25, 2026
- READ LUKE 1: 5-17
- Both Zechariah and Elizabeth were priestly descendants
- They were in their old age, alive in the time of the Roman Empire and under the rule of King Herod of Judea, but still faithful to God and keeping the Laws
- Zechariah was performing his priestly duties when an Angel of the Lord appeared to him. Zechariah became afraid but the Angel consoled him and told him that his prayer was heard
- GOD DOES HEAR OUR PRAYERS!!
- The Angel told Zechariah he would have a son and the son’s name would be JOHN- meaning THE LORD IS GRACIOUS
- John would be great and filled with the Holy Spirit even in his mother’s womb
- John would turn the hearts of the people back to God. He was coming in the Spirit and Power of Elijah to make a people prepared for the Lord
- READ MALACHI 4:1-6
- Here is the prophecy that Elijah would be sent to turn back the hearts of men!
- READ LUKE 1: 18-25
- Zechariah was a priest in the temple, yet doubted that God was able to make his wife pregnant. He was having memory troubles about the story of Abraham and Sarah, who was advised by the Lord that they would have a son named Isaac in their old age. He was not able to speak until John was born as a sign that this was a message from the Lord.
- Gabriel was a powerful angel who stood in the presence of God to deliver the message from the Lord. He delivered the message that nothing was impossible with God. Elizabeth went home and became pregnant with John in her old age.
- Elizabeth gave the credit to God and acknowledged God’s favor was on her.
- READ LUKE 1: 26-38
- Gabriel also showed up to Mary and gave her a message that she would become pregnant with Jesus. The prophecy of Jesus would come true--he would be on the throne in the line of David. He would be called the Son of the Most High God.
- John would prepare the way for Jesus, the Messiah and Son of God.
- Gabriel helped her faith by answering her question how this would happen. Gabriel also told her that her cousin Elizabeth was going to have a child. She went and visited Elizabeth for a time of encouragement later on.
- READ LUKE 1: 39-45
- John leaped for joy in his mom’s womb when Mary, who was pregnant with Jesus, showed up to visit Elizabeth.
- God provides good company for us even in times of distress!
- Even from the womb, Jesus was bringing joy to those around him!
- The JOY JESUS brings does not depend on our life circumstances. Nothing is impossible with God.