Week 1 - Day 3 (HOPE - against depression)

The best way to read the Bible inductively is to have a printout of the scripture or a printed Bible in front of you. Grab one and follow the prompts below. Feel free to journal in a notebook. 

READ & OBSERVE

Read through Luke 1:5-25 and keep it nearby for reference. 

List some initial observations and questions that arise. 

READ IN CONTEXT

Luke 1 and 2 have many verses that are similar, opposite, or parallel to one another in phrasing or meaning. Skim through Luke 1 and 2 and make note of these by circling and connecting with arrows. 

DEEPER QUESTIONS 

Of whom does Luke 1:6 remind you (HINT: Genesis 6:9)? Why do you think this is an important description for Zechariah and Elizabeth? 

Almost every time an angel speaks to a human, the words, “Do not be afraid” are spoken first. Why do you think this is? 

Part of the angel’s pronouncement of the birth of John is a description of him- verses 14-17. How is this similar to and different from a Nazarite Vow in Numbers 6 (especially verses 1-4, but also verses 5-21)? Compare and contrast the Nazarite vow and the pronouncement to the description of John the Baptist in Matthew 3:4. What do you notice?