#1406. Luke 1:5–17 - God sees, God hears, God prepares (11/12/25)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional as we continue our Christmas series.

In Luke 1:5–17, we see that God is faithful in our waiting and that He calls us to help prepare others to meet Him.

To watch this devotional, please select the link below:

1. God is faithful even in seasons of disappointment (1:5–12)

Luke introduces Zechariah and Elizabeth as godly, faithful, and obedient—and yet they carry deep disappointment. They had prayed for a child. They had waited. They had wept. And now they were “very old.”

This reminds us:

• Faithfulness does not shield us from suffering.

• Obedience does not eliminate sorrow.

• God’s love is not measured by how easy our lives are.

And yet Zechariah and Elizabeth keep serving. They continue in worship, in prayer, and in obedience.

Then, in God’s perfect timing, everything changes:

God had been working behind the scenes all along—ordering circumstances, guiding the lots, leading Zechariah into the temple at just the right moment.

• God sees.

• God remembers.

• God moves toward His people even when they feel forgotten.

2. God hears prayer and speaks purpose (1:13–17)

The angel’s first words are full of tenderness:

After years of silence, God breaks in with reassurance: your prayer was never lost, never ignored, never wasted - God hears and answers according to His goodness and love. 

The child’s name is given by God: John - ‘The LORD is gracious.’ Even in the naming, God reveals His heart.

Then the angel unfolds John’s calling:

• He will be filled with the Holy Spirit before birth (1:15).

• He will call people back to God - preaching repentance (1:16).

• He will walk in the spirit and power of Elijah, fulfilling Malachi’s prophecy (1:17a).

• He will prepare a people ready for the Lord (1:17b).

John’s entire life will point away from himself and toward Christ. He will open blind eyes, awaken hard hearts, and call families - especially fathers - to return to God.

And this is our calling too. We are not the Saviour, but we point to Him. We are not the light, but we carry His light into a dark world.

Response

Are you in a season of waiting, disappointment, or unanswered prayer? Take comfort in this passage:

• God sees you.

• God hears you.

• God is at work even when you can’t yet see His hand.

And like John, we also have a mission:

• Seek the Spirit  - Live filled and led by Him.

• Live in repentance - Turn back to God daily and lead your household in His ways.

• Prepare the way  -  Through humility, love, and truth, help others come to Christ.

May our prayer today echo John’s lifelong posture:

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.

2. Icebreaker

How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

This week, we begin our Christmas Series - Holy Night.

Our message on Sunday from Luke 2:8-12, was entitled, The Shepherds Were Invited.

This account of the invitation of the shepherds has so much to teach us; particularly, how the gospel invites everyone to come to God, and that everyone needs to come to God through Jesus.

Please read Luke 2:8-12 and discuss:

• Personal Reflection – What struck you, or what did God speak to you about through Sunday’s message?

• Why would it have been surprising that this invitation came, firstly, to the shepherds?

• Why is the coming of Christ 'good news' and 'great joy' for all people?

• How can you and I ensure that we enjoy this good news and joy as we should?

• What does it mean for Jesus to be the 'Saviour'?

SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• How do these verses inspire and help us when we think about reaching others with the gospel?

• Share Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.

• Practical Next Steps – Who is God putting on your heart to reach? Are there any ‘people of peace’ (*see note) in your life—those who are receptive to you and spiritual conversation?

Let’s pray together: 

• Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.

• Pray for one another's SIV opportunities and boldness in following the Spirit's promptings.

• Pray specifically for the ‘people of peace’ in our lives - asking God to open hearts and provide opportunities to speak life and truth.