MEMORY SCRIPTUURE
There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth
(Luke 1:5).
Zacharias and Elizabeth’s unwavering faith in the face of trials shows the resilience and strength that adversity can foster.
DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS
Mon. 7: Zacharias And Elizabeth, Ruggedly Made (Lk. 1:5-6)
Tue. 8: Mary Finds Solace In Elizabeth’s Shade (Lk.1:40)
Wed. 9: John Leaping: A Sign Displayed (Lk. 1:41)
Thu.10: Mary Blesses Elizabeth, Words Conveyed (Lk. 1:42)
Fri.11: The Astonished Elizabeth, Her Faith Portrayed (Lk. 1:43-44)
Sat.12: Technically Guiding Mary, Wisdom Conveyed (Lk. 1:45)
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
True leaders, who are genuine disciples of Christ, are known by their responses to trials and challenging experiences.
INTRODUCTION
TEXTUAL SOURCE: Luke 1:5-9
Glory and honour be to the Almighty God for His never-ending blessings
that He regularly bestows upon us. May His name be forever exalted. Amen!
The previous lesson concludes the series on how GOD PREPARES OLD TESTAMENT PROPHETS FOR LEADERSHIP, and also marks the end of UNIT 3. May the lessons we have learnt be beneficial to us as we
incorporate them into our lives for godly leadership.
This week’s lesson marks the beginning of UNIT 4, which aims to unveil LEADERSHIP PREPARATION IN THE NEW TESTAMENT. Zacharias and Elizabeth are our focal persons for this particular lesson. Therefore, it is our praver that the eves of our understan ding be opened to receive all that the Holy Spirit is ready to impart to us, and may we also be graced to take
necessary actions for better leadership skills to the glory of God.
LESSON OUTLINE
- IMPACT OF GROWING UP AS LEVITES
- IMPACT OF MARRYING INTO A GODLY HOME
LESSON EXPOSITION
THE IMPACT OF GROWING UP AS LEVITES (Luke 1: 5-9)
And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless
(v. 6).
a) v. 5: Growing up in a family of priests, the couple learnt to respect God’s laws and were equipped with the qualities of honesty and dedication needed for their role as a spiritual mentor.
b) The couple traced their lineage to Aaron, indicating a deep familiarity with Torah from childhood (cf. Mal. 2:7). Their upbringing instilled reverence for God’s laws (cf. Psa. 119.97-100) sets a high standard for their righteousness obedience and moral integrity.
c) Their priestly ancestry, tracing to Aaron, the first priest, gave them a deep understanding of their divine calling, preparing them for leadership in service.
d) Immersed in the teachings of the Levitical priesthood (Deut. 33:10),
they were prepared for leadership roles within the religious community, understanding the significance of their service.
e) v.8: Zacharias served as a priest, adding to the adherence of him and his wife to ethical standards learnt through years of Levitical training.” Their combined background shaped their exemplary lives
f) vv. 5-6: The way the couple were raised shows how important it is for parents and church leaders to guide future leaders. Their story makes us wonder why some children go astray even when they are brought up in a godly manner.
g) v.9: Zacharias’ understanding of priestly duties led to his dedication to righteous living. His readiness was guided by his parents and his training as priest.
IMPACT OF MARRYING INTO A GODLY HOME (v. 5)
There was in the days of Herod, the king of judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah., His wife was of the daughters of Aaron and her name was Elizabeth
(Luke 1:5).
a) v.5: Marrying into a godly home immersed Zacharias and Elizabeth in a culture of righteousness, providing spiritual guidance and shaping their values and character (cf. Psa. 119:1-3; Prov. 22:6).
b) They were raised in homes where God’s Word was important, learning from godly parents and family members who set examples of righteous living and leadership (cf. Deut. 6:6-7; 1 Cor. 11:1).
c) Their marriage into noble priestly lineages of Aaron and Abijah provided a supportive environment where faith was nurtured,
preparing them for leadership roles (cf. Gal. 6:2).
d) Their union was guided by divine providence, as they were both products of godly homes, attracting each other by their shared values (cf. 2 Cor. 6:14-15).
LESSONS DERIVED
- Despite one’s family background, personal determination and faithfulness can overcome any challenges, empowering individuals to rise above limitations.
- Believers should aim to marry and build a godly home, as mismatched marriages can cause frustration and unhappiness.
QUESTIONS
- What has a person’s family background got to do with becoming a godly leader?
- How does the choice of marriage partner affect one’s leadership responsibility and fulfilment?
