STUDY: Luke 1:1 – 56.
Read with the class: Luke 1:26-33. 46-55.
Text for memorization: YOUNGER CHILDREN: Luke 1:47
OLDER: Luke 1:46-47.
OBJECTIVES:
1. To prove that the coming of Christ into the world was announced much in advance and at
different times throughout the ages.
2. To show that the angel appeared both to Mary and to Joseph at different times and gave
them both the same message about the conception of Christ.
3. To point out that Mary’s words showed her to be a sinner needing a Saviour.
4. To teach that God continues to reveal His Son as the Sent One to save from sin.
SCENE No. 1. Prophets who lived before Christ’s coming.
DEVELOPMENT of the lesson: – Genesis 3:15 is the first prophecy in the Bible that
refers to the coming of the Lord Jesus.
- It was given by God when speaking to the serpent (Satan) in the Garden of Eden.
- It was a prophecy that warned of the defeat Satan was going to suffer.
- A later prophecy was given to Abraham. Gen. 22:18.
- This was the promise that the nations of the world would be blessed through one of
Abraham’s descendants. - Moses spoke to the Children of Israel about a
coming Prophet. Deut. 18:15. This refers to the Messiah, Christ Jesus.
- Isaiah 7:14 speaks of a virgin who would conceive.
Cmt. These are not the only references that could be mentioned, but are some of a number
of prophecies that told of the coming of the Messiah.
Cns. It may be difficult for children to understand the importance of the fulfilment of
the prophecies at the birth of Christ, for we live in a time when His birth is an event of
the past. However, it is important that they understand something of the
miraculous nature of His birth.
Cmt. The virgin birth of the Lord Jesus is the ground for disproving so much of
today’s doctrinal error concerning the person of Christ. To understand the
birth correctly is to acknowledge that Jesus was Emanuel, God with us.
SUMMARY OF THE PROPHECIES:
- The prophecy given in Eden speaks of a battle in which Christ overcomes the enemy,
Satan.
- The prophecy to Abraham speaks of a Person who brings blessing.
- Moses points to a Prophet who reveals the will of God.
- Isaiah mentions the miraculous aspect of the child who is born.
Apl. Just as in ancient times, those who preach Christ today tell of the coming of
the Saviour.
- The difference between the past and the present is that previously they looked ahead to
a Saviour who was coming to die, while today we look to One who is coming to reign in
majesty.
- With so many ancient prophecies to be fulfilled, there was a sense of expectancy and
excitement in those who looked for Him.
SCENE No. 2. Mary and then Joseph receive a visit from an angel.
DEVELOPMENT of the lesson: - The visit of the angel and his news brought changes not
only to Mary’s life but also to Joseph’s.
Ex. Joseph changed his mind about breaking off his engagement with Mary. Instead,
they married.
- As we read the accounts of the different conversations, we see several details that show
the faith of these persons.
Lsn. How lovely to see the great change that is produced in their lives upon
receiving the news. Both were characterized by trusting the word spoken to
them. They had faith.
Apl. There are many today who have heard the good news of salvation and it has produced a
noticeable change in their lives because of receiving the Saviour.
- Mary, in her later song of praise, recognizes her “low estate” and gives all
the praise and worship to God. Despite being “highly favoured”, she
takes no credit to herself, nor gives any reason for any religion of today to
worship her.
Apl. Spiritual joy in the heart is seen in the face and actions of the person who
trusts God, simply doing His will.
- There is nothing impossible with God, nor is anything hidden that He does not know.
Mary replies, “be it unto me according to thy word”.
Sug. Imagine Joseph and Mary conversing after they were married, comparing
“notes” on what had been revealed to them by the angel. Even the choice of
the name Jesus was specified. Also the work of the Holy Spirit.
Cmt. With older students, you might find them doubting the miraculous aspects of the case.
Make reference to Simeon’s and Ana’s reaction months later as recorded in
Lu 2:25-39. They show approbation and both were directed by the Holy Spirit.
SCENE No. 3. In the home of Zacharias and Elizabeth.
DEVELOPMENT of the lesson: (Note for the teacher: There will be a lesson on
John the Baptist soon, with details about the announcement to Zacharias about his birth.)
- Mary makes a journey of approximately 80 kms. (50 mis) to visit her cousin,
Elisabeth.
- Elisabeth is now in the sixth month of her pregnancy.
- Mary’s greeting on arrival causes Elizabeth’s child to “leap in her
womb” for joy.
Cns. We experience joy when we meet with others of like precious faith. We share with one
another the happiness we all feel when we speak about what God has done with oneself or
others.
- Elisabeth expresses her happiness to Mary over the great things God has done with her.
- Elisabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, recognizes the greatness of Gods grace in
choosing Mary as the means by which the Messiah will come into the world.
- She calls Mary “the mother of my Lord”, not “mother of God”.
- Elisabeth recognizes Mary’s faith in accepting the task that was given her by God.
“Blessed is SHE THAT BELIEVED”, vs. 45.
- Mary sings a hymn of praise that some call the “Magnificat”. The name
comes from the word EXALT or MAGNIFY.
Sug. It would be well to point out some of the Mary’s words such as that
of vs.46 “God my Saviour”, vs.49 “HE THAT IS MIGHTY has done to me great
things”. In vs.50 His mercy is spoken of, connecting with vss.54-55 “...
His mercy, (according) as He spake to our fathers”. This refers back to
the first scene, about the prophets.
- It would seem that Mary stayed on with Elizabeth until shortly before the
birth of John the Baptist.
Cmt. It is important to clarify that John was born first, in view of what he would
say 30 years later, that Christ “was before me”. John 1:15.
SCENE No. 4.
DEVELOPMENT of the lesson: (Visuals showing some of the wonders of creation
could be used, as well as a figure showing an open Bible, and a cradle in
Bethlehem.)
Cns. God is always seen as the Revealer of Truth concerning Himself, His power, etc.
Eph.3:5; Phil. 3:15; Col.1:26.
- God is All Powerful. The Triune God shows His power and wisdom to this world
in the stars of the heavens, the marvels of creation on earth.
- God is All Knowing . He reveals Truth through His Word.
- God is Love. This same Triune God showed His love for the world through the
miracle of the incarnation of the Lord Jesus Christ.
- By sending His Son to be our Saviour and Lord, He shows us that His thoughts towards us
were ever for our well being and benefit. |
