Luke 1:17
And he will go on before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous--to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."
He will go on before the Lord
This phrase indicates the prophetic mission of John the Baptist, who is to prepare the way for Jesus Christ. The Greek word for "go on before" is "proeleusetai," which implies a forerunner or one who precedes another. Historically, this reflects the role of a herald in ancient times, who would announce the coming of a king. John’s mission is divinely ordained, emphasizing the sovereignty of God in orchestrating the events leading to the Messiah's arrival.

in the spirit and power of Elijah
The reference to "Elijah" is significant, as Elijah was a major prophet known for his boldness and miraculous deeds. The Greek word "pneuma" (spirit) and "dynamis" (power) suggest that John will embody the same fervor and divine empowerment as Elijah. This connection fulfills the prophecy in Malachi 4:5-6, where Elijah is promised to return before the "great and dreadful day of the Lord." John's ministry, therefore, is not just a continuation of Elijah's work but a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, bridging the Old and New Covenants.

to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children
This phrase echoes Malachi 4:6 and speaks to the restoration of familial relationships and societal harmony. The Greek word "epistrephō" (to turn) implies a conversion or a significant change of direction. In a spiritual sense, this turning is a call to repentance and reconciliation, both within families and between humanity and God. It highlights the transformative power of John's message, which prepares people to receive Christ by first restoring love and unity in their immediate relationships.

and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous
Here, "disobedient" translates from the Greek "apeithēs," meaning those who are unpersuaded or rebellious. The "wisdom of the righteous" refers to a godly understanding and way of life. The phrase suggests a moral and spiritual awakening, where those who have strayed from God's commandments are brought back to a path of righteousness. This transformation is essential for preparing a people ready to accept the teachings of Jesus, who embodies divine wisdom.

to make ready a people prepared for the Lord
The Greek word "hetoimazō" (to make ready) indicates preparation and readiness. John's role is to prepare the hearts and minds of the people for the coming of Jesus. This preparation involves repentance, spiritual renewal, and a return to God's ways. The phrase underscores the necessity of readiness to receive the Lord, emphasizing that spiritual preparation is crucial for recognizing and accepting the Messiah. John's ministry sets the stage for Jesus' transformative work, highlighting the continuity of God's redemptive plan throughout history.

Persons / Places / Events
1. John the Baptist
The verse refers to John the Baptist, who is prophesied to come in the spirit and power of Elijah. His role is to prepare the way for Jesus Christ by calling people to repentance.

2. Elijah
An Old Testament prophet known for his powerful ministry and miracles. Elijah's spirit and power are symbolic of John's mission to call people back to God.

3. The Lord
Refers to God, before whom John the Baptist will go to prepare the way for Jesus Christ.

4. Fathers and Children
Symbolic of restoring relationships and turning hearts back to God, emphasizing reconciliation and unity within families.

5. The Disobedient and the Righteous
Represents the transformation from disobedience to living in accordance with God's wisdom and righteousness.
Teaching Points
The Spirit and Power of Elijah
John the Baptist's ministry was marked by boldness and a call to repentance, much like Elijah's. We are called to live with the same boldness in our faith, standing firm in truth and righteousness.

Turning Hearts
The restoration of relationships is a key aspect of God's kingdom. We should seek reconciliation in our families and communities, turning our hearts towards one another in love and understanding.

Wisdom of the Righteous
True wisdom comes from living in accordance with God's word. We are encouraged to seek this wisdom and apply it in our daily lives, moving from disobedience to righteousness.

Preparation for the Lord
Just as John prepared the way for Jesus, we are called to prepare our hearts and lives for Christ's return. This involves repentance, faith, and living a life that reflects His teachings.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does John the Baptist's mission in the spirit and power of Elijah challenge us to live out our faith today?

2. In what ways can we work towards turning the hearts of fathers to their children in our own families and communities?

3. How can we identify areas of disobedience in our lives and seek the wisdom of the righteous to transform them?

4. What practical steps can we take to prepare ourselves and others for the coming of the Lord?

5. How do the prophecies in Malachi and Isaiah enhance our understanding of John the Baptist's role and mission?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Malachi 4:5-6
This passage prophesies the coming of Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the Lord, which is fulfilled in John the Baptist's ministry.

Matthew 11:14
Jesus identifies John the Baptist as the Elijah who was to come, affirming his role in fulfilling prophecy.

Isaiah 40:3
A voice calling in the wilderness to prepare the way for the Lord, which is directly connected to John the Baptist's mission.
A Father Reconciled to His SonD. L. Moody.Luke 1:17
Drawing LightningC. S. Robinson, D. D.Luke 1:17
The Pioneer of the GospelJames Foote, M. A.Luke 1:17
The Prepared PeopleJ. Vaughan, M. A.Luke 1:17
The Spirit and Power of EliasC. Simeon., Samuel Cox, D. D.Luke 1:17
The Spirit and Power of the BaptistGeorge Low, M. A.Luke 1:17
The Wisdom of the JustJ. Slade, M. A.Luke 1:17
The Inauguration of the Dispensation of GraceR.M. Edgar Luke 1:5-25
Parental AmbitionW. Clarkson Luke 1:13-17
People
Aaron, Abia, Abijah, David, Elias, Elijah, Elisabeth, Gabriel, Herod, Jacob, Jesus, John, Joseph, Mary, Theophilus, Zacharias, Zechariah
Places
Galilee, Jerusalem, Judea, Nazareth
Topics
Attitude, Cause, Disobedient, Elias, Elijah, Eli'jah, Face, Fathers, Forerunner, Hearts, Ones, Perfectly, Power, Prepared, Ready, Rebellious, Righteous, Righteousness, Spirit, Thoughts, Turn, Turning, Upright, Walk, Wisdom, Wrongdoers
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Luke 1:17

     5064   spirit, emotional
     5092   Elijah
     5335   herald
     5457   power, human

Luke 1:5-17

     5098   John the Baptist

Luke 1:5-20

     5686   fathers, examples

Luke 1:5-25

     5225   barrenness
     5744   wife

Luke 1:5-38

     5658   boys

Luke 1:6-25

     5199   womb

Luke 1:11-17

     4544   wine

Luke 1:11-19

     4112   angels, messengers

Luke 1:11-20

     4145   archangels
     5548   speech, divine

Luke 1:11-22

     1469   visions

Luke 1:11-24

     5652   babies

Luke 1:13-17

     5061   sanctity of life

Luke 1:16-17

     6627   conversion, nature of

Library
July 19 Morning
He that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.--LUKE 1:49. Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?--Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works.--Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy.--Hallowed be thy name. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people. Who is this
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

August 3 Morning
His mercy is on them that fear Him.--LUKE 1:50. Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men! Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues. If ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear.--The Lord
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

September 9 Morning
He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.--LUKE 1:53. Thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods and have need of nothing: and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore and repent. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.--When
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

March 24 Morning
Abraham believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.--GEN. 15:6. He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; and being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him: but for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

True Greatness
He shall be great in the sight of the Lord.'--LUKE i. 15. So spake the angel who foretold the birth of John the Baptist. 'In the sight of the Lord'--then men are not on a dead level in His eyes. Though He is so high and we are so low, the country beneath Him that He looks down upon is not flattened to Him, as it is to us from an elevation, but there are greater and smaller men in His sight, too. No epithet is more misused and misapplied than that of 'a great man.' It is flung about indiscriminately
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Magnificat
'And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, 47. And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. 48. For He hath regarded the low estate of His hand-maiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. 49. For He that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is His name, 50. And His mercy is on them that fear Him from generation to generation. 51. He hath shewed strength with His arm: He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 52. He hath put down
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

Elijah Come Again
'There was, in the days of Herod the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. 6. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. 7. And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren; and they both were now well stricken in years. 8. And it came to pass, that, while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

Zacharias's Hymn
'And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, 68. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for He hath visited and redeemed His people, 69. And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David; 70. As He spake by the mouth of His holy prophets, which have been since the world began; 71. That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; 72. To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember His holy
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Dayspring from on High
'The day-spring from on high hath visited us, 79. To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.'--LUKE i. 78, 79. As the dawn is ushered in by the notes of birds, so the rising of the Sun of Righteousness was heralded by song, Mary and Zacharias brought their praises and welcome to the unborn Christ, the angels hovered with heavenly music over His cradle, and Simeon took the child in his arms and blessed it. The human members of this
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

Fourteenth Day. The Holy one of God.
Therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.'--Luke i. 35. 'We have believed and know that Thou art the Holy One of God.'--John vi. 69. 'The holy one of the Lord'--only once (Ps. cvi. 16) the expression is found in the Old Testament. It is spoken of Aaron, in whom holiness, as far as it could then be revealed, had found its most complete embodiment. The title waited for its fulfilment in Him who alone, in His own person, could perfectly show forth
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

The Angel's Greeting
THE ANGEL'S GREETING St Luke i. 28.--"Hail, thou that art highly favoured among women, the Lord is with thee." Here there are three things to understand: the first, the modesty of the angel; the second, that he thought himself unworthy to accost the Mother of God; the third, that he not only addressed her, but the great multitude of souls who long after God. I affirm that had the Virgin not first borne God spiritually He would never have been born from her in bodily fashion. A certain woman said
Johannes Eckhart—Meister Eckhart's Sermons

Jesus Born the Son of God.
(Christmas Sermon.) "Glory to God in" the Highest, on earth peace; goodwill towards men. Amen." TEXT: LUKE i. 31, 32. "Behold, . . . thou shalt bring forth a Son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Most High." THESE were the words of promise spoken by the angel to Mary, that Ho whom she should bear should be called the Son of the Highest; and as this promise is after wards brought into direct connection with the statement that the power of the Highest
Friedrich Schleiermacher—Selected Sermons of Schleiermacher

The Key-Note of a Choice Sonnet
But now, having introduced to you her magnificat, we will dwell upon these words, "My soul doth magnify the Lord," and I do earnestly hope that many of us can adopt the language without being guilty of falsehood: we can as truly say as Mary did, "My soul doth magnify the Lord." If there are any of you present to-night who cannot say it, get to your chambers, fall upon your knees, and cry to the Lord to help you to do so; for as long as a man cannot magnify God he is not fit for heaven, where the
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 26: 1880

"The Tender Mercy of Our God"
"His heart is made of tenderness, His bowels melt with love." The main point of this morning's sermon will be to bring out into prominence those few words, "the tender mercy of our God." To me they gleam with kindly light: I see in them a soft radiance, as of those matchless pearls whereof the gates of heaven are made. There is an exceeding melody to my ear as well as to my heart in that word "tender." "Mercy" is music, and "tender mercy" is the most exquisite form of it, especially to a broken heart.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 32: 1886

A Harp of Ten Strings
IT IS VERY CLEAR that Mary was not beginning a new thing; for she speaks in the present tense, and in a tense which seems to have been for a long time present: "My soul doth magnify the Lord." Ever since she had received the wonderful tidings of the choice which God had made of her for her high position, she had begun to magnify the Lord; and when once a soul has a deep sense of God's mercy, and begins magnifying him, there is no end to it. This grows by what it feeds upon: the more you magnify God,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891

The Judgment Upon Zacharias
UNBELIEF is everywhere a great sin, and a grievous mistake. Unbelief has proved the ruin of those countless multitudes who, having heard the gospel, rejected it, died in their sins, have been consigned to the place of torment, and await the fiercer judgment of the last day. I might ask the question concerning this innumerable host, "Who slew all these?" The answer would be, "Unbelief." And when unbelief comes into the Christian's heart, as it does at times--for the truest believer has his times of
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 62: 1916

Of Fervent Love and Vehement Desire of Receiving Christ
The Voice of the Disciple With the deepest devotion and fervent love, with all affection and fervour of heart, I long to receive Thee, O Lord, even as many Saints and devout persons have desired Thee in communicating, who were altogether well pleasing to Thee by their sanctity of life, and dwelt in all ardent devotion. O my God, Eternal Love, my whole Good, Happiness without measure, I long to receive Thee with the most vehement desire and becoming reverence which any Saint ever had or could have.
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

Prayer and Consecration
"Eudamidas, a citizen of Corinth, died in poverty; but having two wealthy friends, Arctæus and Carixenus, left the following testament: In virtue of my last will, I bequeath to Arctæus my mother and to Carixenus my daughter to be taken home to their houses and supported for the remainder of their lives. This testament occasioned much mirth and laughter. The two legatees were pleased and affectionately executed the will. If heathens trusted each other, why should not I cherish a far greater
Edward M. Bounds—The Essentials of Prayer

Luke's Preface and Dedication.
^C Luke I. 1-4. [1] ^c 1 Forasmuch as many [of whom we know nothing and have even no tradition] have taken in hand to draw up a narrative concerning those matters which have been fulfilled [completed, or accomplished according to the divine will] among us, 2 even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses [the apostles were necessarily such and there were some few others--Acts i. 21-23] and ministers of the word [the apostles were ministers, and not ecclesiastical
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Annunciation of the Birth of Jesus.
(at Nazareth, b.c. 5.) ^C Luke I. 26-38. ^c 26 Now in the sixth month [this is the passage from which we learn that John was six months older than Jesus] the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth [Luke alone tells us where Mary lived before the birth of Jesus. That Nazareth was an unimportant town is shown by the fact that it is mentioned nowhere in the Old Testament, nor in the Talmud, nor in Josephus, who mentions two hundred four towns and cities of Galilee. The
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Mary, Future Mother of Jesus, visits Elisabeth, Future Mother of John the Baptist.
(in the Hill Country of Judæa, b.c. 5.) ^C Luke I. 39-56. ^c 39 And Mary arose in these days [within a week or two after the angel appeared to her] and went into the hill country [the district of Judah lying south of Jerusalem, of which the city of Hebron was the center] with haste [she fled to those whom God had inspired, so that they could understand her condition and know her innocence--to those who were as Joseph needed to be inspired, that he might understand--Matt. i. 18-25], into a city
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Annunciation to Zacharias of the Birth of John the Baptist.
(at Jerusalem. Probably b.c. 6.) ^C Luke I. 5-25. ^c 5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judæa [a Jewish proselyte, an Idumæan or Edomite by birth, founder of the Herodian family, king of Judæa from b.c. 40 to a.d. 4, made such by the Roman Senate on the recommendation of Mark Antony and Octavius Cæsar], a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course [David divided the priests into twenty-four bodies or courses, each course serving in rotation one week in the temple
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Birth and Early Life of John the Baptist.
(Hill Country of Judæa, b.c. 5.) ^C Luke I. 57-80. ^c 57 Now Elisabeth's time was fulfilled that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. 58 And her neighbors and her kinsfolk heard that the Lord had magnified his mercy towards her [mercy in granting a child; great mercy in granting so illustrious a child] ; and they rejoiced with her. 59 And it came to pass on the eighth day [See Gen. xvii. 12; Lev. xii. 3; Phil. iii. 5. Male children were named at their circumcision, probably
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

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