The Old Folks

Passage

Luke 5:1-25

Sermon Summary

Zechariah's encounter with Gabriel in the temple sets in motion the narrative surrounding Jesus' birth. More than a setup, though, it illustrates the gracious, pursuing character of God toward all of his people. God not only answers the prayer for children that Zechariah and Elizabeth had surely stopped praying, but also his prayers for the redemption of Israel and for his own growth. Zechariah's request for a cool sign is denied, but God gives him a humbling sign instead. And the basic contours of Jonn's calling reveal the heart of God to reconcile people to himself and to each other.

Discussion Questions (choose any—you don't have to answer them all!)

1. [Optional starter question] What stood out or stuck with you from the sermon?
2. Did you encounter God in real time while litening to the sermon? What was he saying to you?
3. How do you pursue mundane faithfulness like Zechariah and Elizabeth? What motivates you to keep doing it?
4. Can you relate to Zechariah and Elizabeth in any way? How does their story comfort you?
5. Lately, how confident are you that God sees and knows you? What life factors tend to affect how you answer that?
6. Think of a circumstance you've asked God to change, or maybe even stopped praying about altogether. What else might God be doing—to change you, or to change everything?
7. Who might God be calling you to turn toward? What specific first step could you take today?

Prayer Prompts

• Thank you, Father, for showing me that you __________
• Forgive me, Jesus, for underestimating what you may be doing in __________
• Give me courage, Lord, to move toward___________

Resources Consulted

• Africa Bible Commentary, ed. Tokunboh Adeyemo
• True to Our Native Land, ed. Bryan K. Blount
• The New Testament in Color, ed. Esau McCauley
• Luke fr Everyone, NT Wright
• IVP Commentary on Luke, Darrell Bock
• The Message of Luke, Michael Wilcock
• A Walk with God in Luke, RC Sproul
• Tyncale Commentary on Luke, Leon Morris
• The Body Teaches the Soul, Justin Whittle Earley

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