Zechariah’s Benedictus: Jesus, Our Horn of Salvation

In Luke 1:57–80, God's mercy is extolled in 2 circumstances.
I. God magnified his great mercy in John's birth.
A. John is born and people rejoice (vs. 57–58).
B. John is circumcised according to the law (v. 59a).
C. John is named, and Zechariah's tongue is loosed (vs. 59b–64).
D. John had the Lord's hand with him, so the people fear and discuss
(vs. 65–66).

II. God shows his mercy, revealed in Zechariah's Spirit-filled prophecy, by visiting
his people with redemption and salvation through Jesus.
A. Zechariah is filled with the Holy Spirit and blesses God for showing his
mercy (v. 67):

1. by visiting his people and accomplishing redemption (v. 68).
2. by raising up Jesus from David's house to save them (vs. 69–71).
3. by remembering his covenant to Abraham …
   (v. 72–74a).
   a. to save us (v. 74b).
   b. so we can serve Him without fear (v. 74b).

1. in holiness (v. 75a).
2. in righteousness (v. 75b).
3. forever (v. 75c).

B. Zechariah is filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesies about John's
ministry.

1. You will be the prophet of the Most High (v. 76a).
2. You will go before the Lord (v. 76b).
   a. to make ready His ways (v. 76c).
   b. to give His people knowledge of their salvation (v. 77a).

1. by the forgiveness of sins (v. 77b).
2. because of God's tender mercies (v. 78a).
3. with which Jesus will visit us (v. 78b).
4. to shine on those perishing in darkness (v. 79a, b).
5. to lead us into peace (v. 79c).
   Summary statement of John's pre-public ministry life (v. 80).