Welcome to Day 2779 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom.
Day 2779– The Prophet of the Most High – Luke 1:57-80

Putnam Church Message – 12/14/2025

Luke’s Account of the Good News – “The Prophet of the Most High”

Last week, we continued our year-long study of Luke’s Narrative of the Good News in a message titled: “The Day Mary Met Gabriel.” – Peace in the Unexpected.

This week is the third Sunday of Advent, which is Joy, as we continue to build anticipation of the coming Messiah. Today’s passage is the story of: “The Prophet of the Most High.” Joy to the World – Our Core verses for this week will be Luke 1:57-80, found on page 1589 of your Pew Bibles.

 The Birth of John the Baptist

⁵⁷ When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. ⁵⁸ Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.

⁵⁹ On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah, ⁶⁰ but his mother spoke up and said, “No! He is to be called John.”

⁶¹ They said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who has that name.”

⁶² Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. ⁶³ He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s astonishment he wrote, “His name is John.” ⁶⁴ Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God. ⁶⁵ All the neighbors were filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things. ⁶⁶ Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, “What then is this child going to be?” For the Lord’s hand was with him.

Zechariah’s Song

⁶⁷ His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:

⁶⁸ “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,
because he has come to his people and redeemed them.
⁶⁹ He has raised up a horn> of salvation for us
in the house of his servant David
⁷⁰ (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago),
⁷¹ salvation from our enemies
and from the hand of all who hate us—
⁷² to show mercy to our ancestors
and to remember his holy covenant,
⁷³     the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
⁷⁴ to rescue us from the hand of our enemies,
and to enable us to serve him without fear
⁷⁵     in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.

⁷⁶ And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High;
for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,
⁷⁷ to give his people the knowledge of salvation
through the forgiveness of their sins,
⁷⁸ because of the tender mercy of our God,
by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven
⁷⁹ to shine on those living in darkness
and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

⁸⁰ And the child grew and became strong in spirit^[d]; and he lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel.

OPENING PRAYER

Heavenly Father, as we gather on this third Sunday of Advent, we come with hearts eager to receive>Your joy—a joy not rooted in circumstances, not dependent on emotions, but flowing from Your faithfulness and Your unfailing promises. Open our hearts and minds as we revisit the story of John’s birth and Zachariah’s prophetic song. Help us see Your hand at work in seasons of waiting,> silence, discipline, and hope. Speak to us through Your Word and make us a joyful people whose lives bear witness to the coming of our Savior.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

INTRODUCTION — “THE DARKNESS BEFORE THE DAWN”

It is often said that the night is darkest just before the dawn. Israel knew this feeling intimately. Centuries earlier, God had spoken through Malachi:

“Look, I am sending you the prophet Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the Lord arrives. — Mal. 4:5 (NLT)

And then… silence… Four centuries of it… Four hundred years with no prophet, no new Scripture, no voice from heaven.

Yet faithful Israelites clung desperately to this promise. They repeated it at family gatherings. They whispered it in the synagogue. They prayed it into their children.

“He will send Elijah… He will prepare the way… The Messiah is coming…”

But the world around them looked nothing like God’s kingdom. Under Herod the Great—paranoid, violent, corrupt—Israel endured oppression, fear, and injustice. Spiritually, politically, emotionally, they were living in a long night.

And then, as Luke tells us, “When it was time for Elizabeth’s baby to be born, she gave birth to a son. — Luke 1:57

• The dawn began with the cry of a newborn prophet.
• John’s birth broke heaven’s silence.
• His arrival pierced the darkness.
• His life would prepare the way for Jesus—the Light of the World.

This Advent, we look at this text, through the lens of JOY—because joy is the first fruit of God fulfilling His promises. Joy is the overflowing evidence that God has not forgotten His people. Joy is what rises when God steps into our impossible situations.

POINT 1 — JOY BREAKS THROUGH WHEN GOD’S PROMISES ARE FULFILLED

Luke 1:57–60

Picture the hill country of Judea. Stone homes clustered together. Families whose lives intertwine—everyone knows everyone’s business.

Elizabeth, far beyond typical childbearing age, has carried a miracle in her womb for nine months. Word has spread. Every neighbor has watched with curiosity. Some whispered with amazement; others likely wondered if the story Zachariah “wrote down on his tablet” was really true.

In these small Jewish villages, childbirth was not private. Women gathered. Midwives assisted. Family and neighbors filled the air with prayer and anticipation.

Then the cry came. A son!

The joy exploded. The Scripture says: “And when her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had been very merciful to her, everyone rejoiced with her.” — Luke 1:58

This wasn’t just Elizabeth’s joy. This was community joy.
Because when God fulfills a promise, joy always overflows onto others.

Historical & Cultural Background

In first-century Judaism:

• A barren woman was seen as having lost God’s favor.
• A child—especially a son—was considered a sign of divine blessing.
• Names were chosen to preserve family honor and legacy.

So, when Elizabeth delivered a son, and in her old age, it was seen not merely as a personal blessing… but as a divine reversal—God restoring dignity that had been lost.

And then came the naming ceremony on day eight—the day of circumcision, when a Jewish boy was formally brought into the covenant of Abraham.

Everyone assumed the baby would be named Zachariah, after his father. But Elizabeth said, “No, his name is John.” (1:60)

It shocked them. Why?
Because:

• Names carried identity.
• Names carried destiny.
• Names tied a child to the story of their people.

A name outside the family line? Something unusual was happening.

And then Zachariah, still unable to speak, wrote: “His name is John.”

Instantly, Zechariah could speak again, and he began praising God. (1:64)

Illustration — “The Joy That Breaks a Long Silence”

Have you ever waited for a phone call that never seemed to come? /Perhaps a doctor’s report. /News about the birth of a grandchild. /A job offer. /A message from a family member who has grown distant.

Silence can be heavy. / Silence can be frightening. /Silence can drain the joy out of your soul.

But when the waiting is finally broken…when the message comes…when hope is realized…joy erupts.

Elizabeth and Zachariah had lived in silence—one personal, the other divinely imposed. Israel had lived in silence for 400 years. And suddenly—God broke both silences with one cry of a baby.

Object Lesson — “A Bell After a Long Quiet” (Handbell)

“There are seasons in our lives when God seems silent. When we pray… and wait… and nothing seems to happen. But when God fulfills a promise, even the smallest moment can ring with joy—just like this bell.”

Then ring it. – Let the single note represent the breakthrough.

Explain: “Elizabeth’s home had been quiet for years. But when John was born, God rang the bell of joy. And everyone around her heard it.”

Summary Narrative — Main Point 1

Joy breaks through when God fulfills His promises.

The birth of John the Baptist teaches us:

• God has perfect timing.
• God does not forget His people.
• God turns silence into song.
• God turns longing into laughter.

When God moves—even in small ways—His joy spills out into our lives and into the lives of those around us.

POINT 2 — JOY RETURNS WHEN OBEDIENCE IS RESTORED Luke 1:61–66

As the community gathered on the eighth day, they fully expected the boy to be named after his father. In their minds, this was obvious.

Honoring family lineage was a deeply embedded tradition:

• The father’s name was preserved.
• The family story continued.
• The tribe’s identity remained strong.

But Elizabeth said firmly, “No! His name is John.”

The people protested: “What?” they exclaimed. “There is no one in all your family by that name.”  Luke 1:61

To name a child outside tradition was highly unusual—almost unthinkable.

So, they turned to Zachariah to overrule her. But Zachariah, still deaf and mute, asked for a writing tablet and wrote: “His name is John.”

• Not “will be.”
• Not “should be.”
• Not “we plan to name him…”
• But IS—because in the mind of a man transformed by God’s discipline, obedience was now his only response.

In that moment of obedience, Luke tells us:

“Instantly Zachariah could speak again, and he began praising God.” — Luke 1:64

Theological Insight

Why did God tie Zachariah’s restored speech to the naming of the child? Because God’s discipline was never punishment—it was correction. Zachariah’s original disbelief had robbed him of his voice. Now, faith, expressed through obedience, restored it.

There is a powerful spiritual truth here: Joy follows obedience.

Obedience doesn’t earn God’s favor. Obedience positions our hearts to receive it.

Israel had been disobedient for generations. Their silence—no prophet, no message from God—reflected that. But now, with this act of obedience in naming the child according to God’s command, joy was restored. The silence was broken. Heaven was speaking again.

Historical & Cultural Background

In Jewish culture:

• A father’s voice carried authority.
• Spoken blessings were considered legally binding.
• Discipline was intended to restore honor and relationship.

So, when Zachariah spoke again, his very first words were: Praise. Worship. Joy.

This cultural expectation reinforces a spiritual truth: When God restores us,
when He lifts us from the consequences of our doubt or disobedience,
the only fitting response is JOYFUL PRAISE.

Illustration — “When the Lights Come Back On”

Imagine a major power outage in winter. Houses go dark. Heaters shut down. Refrigerators stop humming. Families sit together under blankets, waiting in cold silence.

Then—after hours, maybe days—the electricity flickers, buzzes, and comes back on.

What happens?

• Cheers
• Laughter
• Relief
• JOY

The simple return of power brings life back to the home. This is what happened to Zachariah.  His “power” had been cut. His voice had been darkened. For nine months, he lived in quietness, contemplating God’s message.

But when obedience was restored, the lights came back on. He spoke. He praised. He rejoiced.

Summary Narrative — Main Point 2

Joy does not merely happen. Joy grows where obedience takes root.

Zachariah teaches us:

• Obedience restores what doubt has broken.
• God’s discipline is meant to bring joy, not punishment.
• Praise is the natural overflow of restored fellowship.

When we walk in obedience, joy springs back to life, even after long seasons of silence.

POINT 3 — JOY OVERFLOWS WHEN GOD’S PROMISES ARE FULFILLED

Luke 1:67–75

Now that Zachariah’s voice is restored, Luke tells us: “Then his father, Zachariah, was filled with the Holy Spirit and gave this prophecy…” — Luke 1:67

This means the first words he spoke after nine months of silence were not complaints, explanations, or apologies. They weren’t even words of relief. They were prophetic praise. Not small praise. Not polite praise. Not quiet praise.

A full, overflowing, Spirit-inspired praise erupting from deep inside a man who had tasted the discipline of God and now was tasting His faithfulness. Zachariah’s joy is not shallow—it is Scripture-saturated, covenant-rooted joy. Let’s walk through the elements of his prophetic psalm known as the Benedictus.

1. Joy rooted in redemption (vv. 68–69)

“Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited and redeemed his people.” — Luke 1:68

In the ancient world, “visited” meant more than stopping by. It meant “intervening powerfully to help.”

For 400 years, they thought God had not “visited.” Now, He was breaking through. Zachariah sees John’s birth not just as a family blessing but as a national and spiritual one:

• Redemption is beginning.
• God’s silence is ending.
• The Messiah is near.

This is joy beyond circumstances.

2. Joy rooted in covenant promises (vv. 70–73)

Zachariah points backward:

• To Abraham
• To David
• To the prophets
• To God’s covenant mercy

Why? Because joy increases when we remember we are part of God’s story.

Ancient Israel understood covenant joy:

• God had promised a Redeemer.
• God had promised deliverance.
• God had promised salvation.

Now, standing in his own home, holding his long-awaited son, Zachariah realizes: “God is doing what He said He would do!” His joy is anchored not in emotions
but in God’s unshakeable faithfulness.

3. Joy rooted in deliverance from fear (v. 74)

Zachariah proclaims: “We have been rescued from our enemies so we can serve God without fear…” — Luke 1:74

For centuries, Israel lived under fear:

• Fear of Rome
• Fear of corrupt leaders
• Fear of losing their identity
• Fear that God might never restore them.

But now, joy replaces fear. In Scripture, the opposite of fear is not courage—
the opposite of fear is joyful trust.

4. Joy rooted in restored purpose (v. 75)

“…in holiness and righteousness for as long as we live.” — Luke 1:75

Zachariah’s joy expands beyond his own life: Now that the Messiah’s coming is at hand, God’s people can return to their true identity and calling. Joy comes when we rediscover God’s purpose for us.

Ancient & Cultural Insight — “Joy in Covenant Memory”

Jewish worship was rooted in remembering:

• God’s faithfulness to Abraham
• God’s deliverance from Egypt
• God’s covenant with David

Joy was not emotional hype; it was deep, settled confidence in a God who keeps His word. In the first century, Jews recited daily prayers that rehearsed the mighty acts of God. This wasn’t tradition—it was fuel for hope. In the same way, Zachariah bursts with joy because he sees: The God of history is now acting in the present.

Summary Narrative — Main Point 3

Joy erupts when we recognize that God keeps His promises.

Zachariah’s prophetic song teaches us:

• Joy flows from redemption
• Joy strengthens when we remember God’s faithfulness.
• Joy replaces fear with trust.
• Joy restores our sense of purpose.

Where God’s promises are fulfilled, joy always rises.

POINT 4 — JOY MULTIPLIES WHEN GOD’S PURPOSE IS REVEALED IN US

Luke 1:76–80

After praising God for redemption, covenant faithfulness, and the coming Messiah, Zachariah turns his attention to the tiny infant in his arms.

Imagine the scene:

• An elderly father.
• Holding the child, he thought he would never have.
• Speaking for the first time in nine silent months
• Filled with the Holy Spirit
• Prophesying over his son

Every parent wonders about their child’s future, but Zachariah knows his son’s destiny: “And you, my little son, will be called the prophet of the Most High,
because you will prepare the way for the Lord.” — Luke 1:76 (NLT)

These are not sentimental words. These are divinely inspired words. John’s purpose is not generic. He is not merely “important.” He is not simply “special.”
He is uniquely called, Consecrated, Commissioned, and Empowered.

He will prepare the people for the arrival of the Messiah.

Cultural & Historical Background — “The Role of a Forerunner”

In the ancient Near East, before a king traveled:

• Roads were repaired.
• Obstacles removed.
• Crooked paths straightened.
• Debris cleared.

A herald went ahead proclaiming: “Prepare the way! The king is coming!”/ Isaiah 40:3 had predicted exactly this. Jews knew the prophecy. They recited it in synagogue. They believed the forerunner would come before the Messiah.

Zachariah realizes:

• The forerunner is here.
• The preparation has begun.
• The Messiah is next.

Joy floods him because God is using his son to prepare the world for salvation.

A Father’s Joy in God’s Purpose

Listen to the joy in Zachariah’s words: “You will tell His people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins.” — Luke 1:77

This is not the joy of accomplishment. This is the joy of calling. Why? Because joy is deepest when we discover the purpose for which God created us.

John was created not to be popular, not to be influential, not to be powerful,
but to be faithful in pointing people to Christ. And that is our purpose, too.
It is what fills the heart with joy.

John’s Early Years — “Growing Strong in the Wilderness”

Luke concludes the section with a brief but powerful summary: “John grew up and became strong in spirit. And he lived in the wilderness until he began his public ministry to Israel” — Luke 1:80

Why the wilderness?

• It was a place of spiritual formation.
• A place of separation
• A place of pruning and preparation
• A place where God often shaped prophets

Moses met God in the wilderness. Israel was formed as a nation in the wilderness.
Elijah heard God’s whisper in the wilderness. John grows up away from the noise, the corruption, the politics, the crowds. His joy comes from preparation, not popularity.

Ancient Story Parallel — “The Apprentice Rabbi”

In the first century, young men longed to follow a rabbi. If chosen to be a disciple, they felt overwhelming joy and honor. A rabbi might say: “Come, follow me. I will teach you, and you will proclaim my message.”

John, however, is called not by a rabbi, but by God Himself:

• Not to imitate another man
• Not to repeat traditional teaching
• But to prepare the nation for the Messiah

This calling carries immeasurable joy because it connects directly to God’s redemptive plan.

Modern Analogy — “A Surgeon Preparing for the Operating Room”

Before a surgeon operates:

• They scrub in
• Wear sterile garments
• Prepare the tools
• Create the environment for healing

John is spiritually “scrubbing in” to prepare people’s hearts for Christ. Joy comes
not from being the healer but from preparing the environment for Jesus to heal.

Object Lesson — “The Road Crew Sign”

Hold up a small “ROAD WORK AHEAD” sign (or print one).

Say: “This sign means something important is coming. Someone is preparing the road so people can reach their destination safely.”

Then connect it:  “John the Baptist was God’s road crew. His ministry was spiritual roadwork. His calling gave him joy because he cleared the obstacles that kept people from meeting Jesus.”  Place the sign down.

“We find joy when we accept our role in preparing the way for Christ in the lives of others.”

Summary Narrative — Main Point 4

Zachariah rejoiced when he realized God’s purpose for his son.

From this we learn:

• Joy deepens when God reveals His purpose.
• Joy grows as we embrace our calling.
• Joy strengthens in seasons of preparation.
• Joy multiplies when our life points others to Christ.

This is joy not of circumstance, but of divine calling.

PART 5 — APPLICATIONS & TAKEAWAYS THREE APPLICATION TRUTHS FOR ADVENT JOY

After witnessing the birth of John, the restored voice of Zachariah, and the prophetic celebration of God’s faithfulness, Luke leads us to three powerful Advent applications.

APPLICATION 1 — JOY GROWS WHEN WE CLING TO GOD’S PROMISES

Tied to Luke 1:57; Malachi 4:5–6; 2 Corinthians 1:20

Waiting is one of the hardest spiritual disciplines.

Israel waited 400 years between Malachi and Luke. Zachariah waited nine months in silence. Elizabeth waited decades for a child. John would wait years in the wilderness before beginning his ministry.

God’s people were waiting, longing, aching for hope. Yet what sustained them?

The promises of God.

Zachariah’s first words after silence were essentially: “God did exactly what He said He would do.”

Paul echoes this truth centuries later:

“For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding YES!”
— 2 Corinthians 1:20

Ancient Analogy — “The Scroll That Sustained Hope”

Jewish families often kept scrolls or portions of Scripture in their homes.
Malachi’s final promise—that Elijah would come—was read countless times.
In times of fear or oppression, families whispered: “Hold on… God has spoken. He will not forget.” Those promises were the anchor of their joy.

Object Lesson — “The Promise Candle”

Hold up a candle. Say: “This candle represents every promise of God. It may feel small. It may flicker. It may seem fragile. But even in darkness, it burns.”

Light the candle. “As long as God’s promise stands—and it always stands—
joy has a flame that cannot be extinguished.”

Summary Narrative — Application 1

Joy deepens when we:

• Cling to God’s promises during dark or silent seasons.
• Remember that waiting is not wasted.
• Rehearse God’s faithfulness in our past.
• Trust that His timing is perfect.

Joy grows when we grip the promises that God never breaks.

APPLICATION 2 — JOY RETURNS WHEN GOD RESTORES WHAT DOUBT HAS BROKEN Tied to Luke 1:59–64; Psalm 51:12; Isaiah 61:7

Zachariah’s doubt cost him his voice.
And doubt often silences us too:

• It silences joy.
• It silences confidence.
• It silences witness.
• It silences worship.

But when Zachariah obeyed God by naming the child John, his tongue was loosed. Obedience restored what doubt had broken. His first words were praise. Many believers think: “I have blown it too badly.” “I doubted too long.” “God won’t use me now.” But Advent announces the opposite: When God restores, joy returns.
And what was broken begins to sing again.

David prayed: “Restore to me the joy of your salvation.” — Psalm 51:12

Isaiah promised: “Instead of shame and dishonor, you will enjoy a double share of honor.” — Isaiah 61:7

God delights in restoring joy.

Summary Narrative — Application 2

Joy returns when:

• God restores what doubt has damaged.
• He replaces silence with praise.
• He heals shame with honor.
• We rediscover our voice in worship and witness.

Your joy can be restored—and stronger than before.

APPLICATION 3 — JOY MULTIPLIES WHEN WE WALK IN GOD’S CALLING Tied to Luke 1:76–80; Ephesians 2:10; John 15:11

John the Baptist grew up with a clear calling:

• Prepare the way for the Messiah.
• Announce forgiveness.
• Lead people to repentance.
• Shine the light in dark places.

This calling gave him joy, not despair. Many Christians today struggle with purpose: “What does God want from me?” “What is my role?” “How can I make a difference?”

Joy blooms when calling becomes clear, because God designed us to find joy in serving Him.  Paul writes: “For we are God’s masterpiece… created to do good works He prepared in advance for us.” — Ephesians 2:10

Jesus Himself said: “I have told you these things so that My joy may be in you
and that your joy may be complete.” — John 15:11

Joy is most complete when we do what we were created to do.

Ancient Analogy — “The Trumpet Caller Before the King”

In ancient Israel, a herald with a silver trumpet went ahead of the king. His job was simple: Announce the king’s coming, Clear the way, Call the people to prepare.  He was not the king, but he had the joy of announcing Him. That was John’s joy. And that is ours too.

Summary Narrative — Application 3

Joy multiplies when:

• We embrace God’s calling.
• We shine Christ’s light.
• We prepare others to meet Him.
• We walk in the purpose He designed for us.

Joy is not only what we receive; it is what we release in our calling.

CLOSING SUMMARY — A JOY THAT BREAKS THE SILENCE

The story of John’s birth in Luke 1:57–80 is not merely a historical account—
it is a testimony of joy breaking through silence, darkness, and delay.

Across these passages, we see four powerful truths:

1. Joy Arrives When God Breaks Long Silences
2. Joy Returns When Obedience Is Restored
3. Joy Overflows When God Fulfills His Promises
4. Joy Multiplies When God Reveals His Purpose in Us

Advent Joy for Today

As we light the Third Candle of Advent—The Candle of Joy,
we remember:

• Joy does not depend on circumstances.
• Joy can break long seasons of silence.
• Joy is restored when God restores us.
• Joy grows as we walk in our calling.
• Joy multiplies when we point others to Jesus.

This is the joy Zachariah sang about, the joy John proclaimed,
and the joy Jesus brought to the world.

This is Advent Joy. Joy that breaks the silence. Joy that restores the past.
Joy that looks toward the Light of the World.

CLOSING PRAYER

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the joy that only You can bring— a joy that rises even out of seasons of silence, doubt, and waiting. Thank You for the story of Zachariah, Elizabeth, and John, for showing us that your promises never fade
and your faithfulness never fails. Lord, restore joy where it has been dimmed.
Renew joy where it has been lost. Strengthen joy where it has grown weary.
And deepen joy as we walk in the calling You have given us. As we celebrate this Third Sunday of Advent, fill us with the joy of the coming King— the joy of salvation, the joy of redemption, the joy of purpose, the joy of Emmanuel—God with us. May this week be marked not by the noise of the world but by the song of joy in our hearts. May we carry the light of Christ wherever we go, and may our lives prepare the way for others to encounter Your love. We ask all this in the glorious name of Jesus, the Joy of every longing heart. Amen.

Next week is the fourth Sunday of Advent, which is the Sunday of Love. We will continue to prepare our hearts for the coming Messiah. Our message will be “Nativity Revisited.”  It will cover the scriptures of Luke 2:1-20.