December 7, 2025
Advent Week 2 — Peace
Luke 1:67–79
“Peace in the Turmoil”
Service Overview: As Zechariah breaks his silence, he speaks of a peace that breaks into chaos. God’s plan for salvation brings light to those in darkness and guides our feet into the path of peace. In Advent, we don’t escape trouble, we meet it with confidence that God’s peace is coming, and has already come in Christ.
Memory Verse for the Week:
Isaiah 9:6 (NIV) – “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given… and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Background & Technical Insights:
- According to the Scriptures the people of Israel had been “sit[ting] in darkness and in the shadow of death”—like a caravan lost in a desert at night and fearing for their lives (v. 79; cf. Isaiah 9:2). The faithful remnant knew the messianic sunrise would come because the prophet Malachi had memorably promised in the concluding lines of the Old Testament that “the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall” (Malachi 4:2). So despite over four hundred long years of darkness, the people were looking for the sunrise. (R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word: Luke, 78)
- Zechariah’s prophetic song, known as the ‘Benedictus’ (the Latin word for ‘Praise be’) is similar to Mary’s in its general sentiments and Jewish character. Like hers it uses Jewish language based on the OT to express how God is worthy of praise because he has now acted in accordance with his promises to deliver his people through the coming of a descendant of David. (D. A. Carson, New Bible Commentary, 983)
- The so-called Davidic Covenant was simply God’s promise (or covenant) to David that he would be succeeded by his son Solomon, who would build the temple, and that an ultimate greater successor would establish his throne forever. The covenant was delivered by the prophet Nathan to David when David was at the height of his power and had expressed his desire to build a temple for God. (R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word: Luke, 79)
- “Horn” commonly appears in the ancient Near East as a symbol of strength. Its usage here is similar to that in Ps 89:17, where a horn is raised, or, better, Ps 132:17, where a horn sprouts up from David. Gabriel had promised that this role would be assigned to Jesus (of the house of David — 1:27, 32), and this Song reiterates this promise. (Joel B. Green, Luke, 201)
- The word redeem means “to set free by paying a price.” It can refer to the releasing of a prisoner or the liberating of a slave. Jesus Christ came to earth to bring “deliverance to the captives” (Luke 4:18), salvation to people in bondage to sin and death. (Warren Wiersbe, Be Compassionate: Luke 1-13, 23)
How does God bring peace in a world full of turmoil?
- By acting in mercy to fulfill every covenant promise.
(vv. 68–72 cf. Gen 12:1–3; 22:16–18; Deut 7:9; 2 Sam 7:12–16; Ps 89:33–36; Isa 55:3; Jer 31:31–34; Mic 7:20; Luke 1:54–55)
God had promised that the Savior would be a Jew (Gen. 12:1–3), from the tribe of Judah (Gen. 49:10), from the family of David (2 Sam. 7:12–16), born in David’s city, Bethlehem (Mic. 5:2). Both Mary (Luke 1:27) and Joseph (Matt. 1:20) belonged to David’s line. The coming of the Redeemer was inherent in the covenants God made with His people (Luke 1:72), and it was promised by the prophets (Luke 1:70). (Warren Wiersbe, Be Compassionate: Luke 1-13, 24)
- By delivering his people from the turmoil that surrounds them.
(vv. 71, 73–75 cf. Deut 20:4; Ps 18:2–3; 34:17–19; Isa 41:10; John 16:33; 2 Thes 3:3)
Zacharias, no doubt, had in mind both national and personal deliverance. Israel had for centuries chafed under the oppression of foreign nations. But the prophet was no zealot. He looked to God not only for freedom from the nation’s oppressors but also for deliverance from the great enemies of sin and death. (Reuben Welch, Beacon Bible Expositions, Volume 3: Luke, 30)
- By granting salvation through the forgiveness of sin.
(vv. 76–78 cf. Ps 32:1–2; Ps 103:10–12; Isa 1:18; Isa 53:4–6; Mic 7:18–19; Acts 10:43)
In addition to citing John’s functions as prophet and forerunner, Zechariah’s words focused on the depth of John’s ministry. He would “give knowledge of salvation to his people.” This would not be theoretical knowledge, but personal knowledge of the inward experience of salvation as the result of a divine gift. (R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word: Luke, 83)
Forgiveness is the divine miracle of grace; it cost God the Cross of Jesus Christ before He could forgive sin and remain a holy God… When once you realize all that it cost God to forgive you, you will be held as in a vice, constrained by the love of God. (Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, November 20)
- By guiding His people in the way of peace through the light of Immanuel.
(v. 79 cf. Ps 25:4–5; 119:105; Isa 9:2; 42:16; John 8:12; 14:27; 16:13; Rom 8:14)
The [Christian] message is that there is hope for a ruined humanity – hope of pardon, hope of peace with God, hope of glory – because at the Father’s will Jesus became poor, and was born in a stable so that thirty years later He might hang on a cross. (J.I. Packer, Knowing God, 58)
The rising sun (78) is an allusion to Mal. 4:2 (cf, Nu. 24:17), but the phrase (Gk. anatok) might be a translation of the Hebrew word for ‘shoot’ or ‘branch’ (which is a title for the Messiah in Zc. 3:8; 6:12). Either way, the reference is to the Messiah and not to John. (D. A. Carson, New Bible Commentary, 984)
Conclusion: How do we take hold of this peace in a world full of turmoil?
- Receive the peace God has provided through Christ.
(Ps 34:8; Isa 26:3; Isa 55:1; Matt 11:28–30; John 1:12; 14:27; Rom 5:1; 15:13; Eph 2:13–14; Heb 4:16)
God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing. (C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity, 31)
When Jesus rises in our lives, gone is “the shadow of death.” We pass from death to life. Even more, in the light he is able “to guide our feet into the way of peace”—his shalom. This is more than the absence of conflict. It is wholeness and completeness, the sum of all that we require for conscious well-being. (Hughes, Luke, 86)
Remission means “to send away, to dismiss, as a debt.” All of us are in debt to God because we have broken His law and failed to live up to His standards (Luke 7:40–50). Furthermore, all of us are spiritually bankrupt, unable to pay our debt. But Jesus came and paid the debt for us (Ps. 103:12; John 1:29). (Wiersbe, Luke 1-13, 24)
- Walk in the peace God gives as we follow His lead.
(Ps 37:5; Prov 3:5–6; Isa 2:3; Matt 5:9; John 10:27; Gal 5:16; Phil 4:6–9; Col 3:15; 1 Thes 5:23; Heb 12:1–2)
He offers peace from God (Romans 1:7) to all who are the recipients of His grace. He makes peace with God (Romans 5:1) for those who surrender to Him in faith. And He brings the peace of God (Philippians 4:7) to those who walk with Him. (John MacArthur, God With Us, 22)
Peace should be part of our character because God has promised us His peace, because He has commanded us to let peace rule in our lives and relationships, and because peace is a fruit of the Spirit and therefore an evidence of His working in our lives. (Jerry Bridges, The Practice of Godliness, 155)
This deliverance creates a people who, without fear, are enabled to serve God in “holiness and righteousness” through the whole of the covenant life. (Reuben Welch, Luke, 31)
Zechariah indicates that the holiness and righteousness of God’s new people find expression in the flow of the common life (1:75). The deliverance that creates the people of God is accomplished by One who came into the world as a baby to grow and live real life among us. The people thus created are called to be His holy people in the real life among men, performing the mercies, remembering the covenant (v. 72), serving without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life (vv. 74- 75). (Reuben Welch, Luke, 32)
Gospel Connection:
True peace is God’s gift in Jesus, who saves, forgives, and guides us in the way of His peace.
(Isa 9:6; 53:5; Ezek 36:26–27; Matt 1:21–23; John 3:16–17; 10:10–11; Rom 5:1; 2 Cor 5:18–21; Eph 2:14–18; Col 1:19–20)
Whoever we are, whatever we have done, no matter how heinous our sin—whether it is murder, infidelity, perversion, betrayal, embezzlement, lying, jealousy, hateful gossip, or whatever —Christ, the “horn of salvation,” can save us completely and eternally. (R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word: Luke, 81)
[Our Lord] is ready to receive all who [come] to Him, however unworthy they may feel themselves. None who repent and believe are too bad to be enrolled in the ranks of Christ’s army. All who come to Him by faith are admitted, clothed, armed, trained, and finally led on to complete victory. Fear not to begin this very day. There is yet room for you. (J.C. Ryle, Holiness, 133)
Spiritual Challenge Questions…
Reflect on these questions in your time with the Lord this week, or discuss with a Christian family member or Life Group.
- Where do you notice turmoil most clearly in your own life right now, and how does Zechariah’s song speak into that?
- Why is it important that the story of peace begins with God remembering His covenant promises instead of our efforts to find peace?
- How have you recently seen God deliver you from something that stirred fear or chaos in your life?
- Why is forgiveness of sin essential to true peace? Why can’t peace come without it?
- What does it mean for Jesus to “guide our feet into the way of peace,” and where do you sense Him leading you today?
- What helps you receive the peace Christ offers rather than trying to create your own version of peace?
- What is one tangible step you can take this week to walk in the peace God gives rather than the anxiety the world stirs up?
HFM @ Home
Discipleship resources from the Free Methodist and Heidelberg Catechisms, offering historic, Scripture-based teaching to help us grow in our shared faith.
From The Heidelberg Catechism
Q24. How are these articles divided?
- Into three parts: God the Father and our creation; God the Son and our deliverance; and God the Holy Spirit and our sanctification.
Q25. Since there is only one divine being,1 why do you speak of three: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?
- Because that is how God has revealed himself in his Word:2these three distinct persons are one, true, eternal God.
1 Deut. 6:4; 1 Cor. 8:4, 6. 2 Matt. 3:16-17; 28:18-19; Luke 4:18 (Isa. 61:1); John 14:26; 15:26; 2 Cor. 13:14; Gal. 4:6; Titus 3:5-6
From The FREE METHODIST Catechism
The Way of Life and the Way of Death
God gave Adam and Eve the command to obey Him.
They were not to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. If they would eat of it, they would surely die. He made them so they were free to obey or free to disobey this command of God.68
The command God gave to our first parents, the commandments Moses later gave to Israel, and our Lord and the apostles gave to the church direct us in life.69 Through these commandments God places before us the way of life and the way of death:70
- if we obey His commandments and do His will, we shall be blessed and live
- if we disobey His commandments and refuse to do His will, we shall be cursed and die.
The commandments correspond to the order God has made within the world. This is a moral universe.71
68 Genesis 2:16-17.
69 Exodus 20-23; Matthew 5-7; Romans 12:1-15:12.
70 Deuteronomy 30:15; Jeremiah 21:8; Matthew 7:24-27; Romans 2:7-10.
71 2 Samuel 13; Proverbs 11:3; 15:25; 16:9.