The Life of Christ

SECTION 9

Luke 1:78-79 Because of the tender mercy of our God, with which the Sunrise (Dayspring, NKJV) from on high shall visit us, TO SHINE UPON THOSE WHO SIT IN DARKNESS AND THE SHADOW OF DEATH, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

Zacharias has no idea that he is actually prophesying about the coming Messiah, calling Him “Sunrise” (NASB) or “Dayspring” (NKJV).

• One of the obscure names of Jesus is “Dayspring,” that refers to the dawning of a new day.

▪ His name depicts another layer of Jesus’ nature. There is hope when the first rays of sun break through the last hour of the night’s darkness. In the same way, Jesus casts light upon the darkness of our night season.

SECTION 10

Lk. 1:80 And the child continued to grow, and to become strong in spirit, and he lived in the deserts until the day of his public appearance to Israel.

According to the tradition surrounding the Dead Sea scrolls, it is thought that John spent considerable time with the Essene community before entering his public ministry.

• The Essenes, who wrote the Dead Sea scrolls, believed in water baptism by immersion, as well as outward repentance from dead works. These were both major themes in the ministry of John the Baptist.

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