What Jesus Did! 'A Joy to Many' — Luke 1:14-16

Friday, January 6, 2023

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[The angel said to Zechariah,] "You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at [John's] birth, 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. And he will turn many Israelites to the Lord their God."
— Luke 1:14-16 NLT

Key Thought

John's birth to Zechariah and Elizabeth brought joy to their village, their relatives, and especially to his parents in their old age. [1] John played a crucial role in preparing the way for God's promised Messiah, Jesus Christ. [2] He touched many hearts that the religion of the day could not reach. Even from his mother's womb, John's life was focused on announcing the arrival of God's Messiah. [3] His diet, dress, and lifestyle showed his dedication to his task, [4] to draw sinful people and call them to find their joy in following him. Like John, we should all aspire to prepare people to open their hearts to find, follow, and experience the joy of Jesus.

[1] Luke 1:13, 18.
[2] Luke 1:17, 7:27.
[3] Luke 1:42-44.
[4] Matthew 3:4.

Today's Prayer

Dear heavenly Father, God of all the universe, please look down on the little babies I know in my family and church family [list several by name] and do mighty things through them. Guard their parents. Nurture them in your truth. Bring the experiences into their lives that will make them most useful to you. In Jesus' name. Also, please strengthen and guide me so I will be like John and prepare people to receive Jesus. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Judges 13:3-7
  • Luke 1:57-66
  • Galatians 4:19

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 1:14-16 NLT — "You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at [John's] birth, for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord.

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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