Photo: Андрій Косенко (Morning walk in Ukraine)
Author: Stephen Weller
Birth of Jesus Foretold- Nazareth, Galilee
Scripture Reference: Luke 1:5-25
Context:
Luke 1:5–25 is set in the days of Herod the Great and introduces Zechariah and Elizabeth, a righteous but elderly couple who had long endured the shame and sorrow of childlessness. While Zechariah is serving as a priest in the temple, the angel Gabriel appears to him and announces that Elizabeth will bear a son, John, who will be set apart by God and filled with the Holy Spirit from birth. This child is appointed to prepare the people of Israel for the coming of the Lord, fulfilling prophetic expectations about a forerunner like Elijah. Zechariah’s initial doubt results in him being rendered mute until the prophecy is fulfilled, while Elizabeth later conceives and rejoices in God’s mercy. This passage establishes the divine intervention that begins the Gospel narrative, highlighting themes of faith, fulfillment of prophecy, and God’s power to bring life and purpose where there was previously barrenness and waiting.
Event Narrative:
Birth of John the Baptist Foretold
5 In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah,[a] of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years.
8 Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, 9 according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. 11 And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. 14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15 for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. 16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, 17 and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.”
18 And Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” 19 And the angel answered him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20 And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.” 21 And the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they were wondering at his delay in the temple. 22 And when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple. And he kept making signs to them and remained mute. 23 And when his time of service was ended, he went to his home.
24 After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she kept herself hidden, saying, 25 “Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.”
Bible Lessons for this event:
h017 Zechariah and Elizabeth
h018 Zechariah is Chosen
h019 A Son is Promised
h020 Prophecy Concerning John
h021 Zechariah’s Doubt and Punishment
h022 Elizabeth is Pregnant with John
Event Summary:
This event recounts the story of the angel Gabriel’s announcement to Zechariah about the birth of John the Baptist. This passage highlights God’s power, the fulfillment of prophecy, and sets the stage for the coming of the Messiah.
This event opens with the introduction of Zechariah as a priest, and Elizabeth as his wife. They are described as “righteous before God.” However, they are childless, and Elizabeth is barren. In that culture, childlessness was often seen as a source of shame, but this detail sets the stage for a miraculous event, highlighting God’s power to do the impossible. One day Zechariah was chosen by lot to enter the Temple and burn incense. While he was inside, the angel Gabriel appears to Zechariah and informs him that Elizabeth will bear a son named John, but how is this possible since they were both old. When God makes a promise, he will keep it and Elizabeth becomes pregnant, as the angel foretold. Her son John will play a special role in God’s plan by preparing the way for the coming of Jesus Christ the Messiah.
As God meets the seemingly impossible by providing a child for Zachariah and Elizabeth, he brings joy to Elizabeth at the removal of her disgrace. Her child becomes known as John the Baptist, who will play a critical role in preparing the way for the Messiah.
This event illustrates God’s ability to work through ordinary, faithful people, bringing extraordinary blessings and fulfillment of His promises. Through the miraculous birth of John to Zechariah and Elizabeth, the passage foreshadows the greater work that God will accomplish through the birth of Jesus.
Understanding and Application:
Luke 1:5–25 — Questions of Understanding with Extended Answers
1. Who were Zechariah and Elizabeth, and what does Scripture emphasize about their character?
Answer:
Zechariah was a priest from the division of Abijah, and Elizabeth was also from the priestly line of Aaron (Luke 1:5). This establishes them as spiritually rooted within Israel’s covenant system. More importantly, Luke emphasizes their righteousness: “both were righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord” (Luke 1:6). This does not mean sinless perfection but a life marked by faithful obedience and devotion. Their character highlights a key biblical principle: God often works through those who are faithfully walking with Him, even when their circumstances—such as barrenness—seem to contradict His favor.
2. What personal trial did Zechariah and Elizabeth face, and why is it significant in biblical context?
Answer:
They were childless, and both were advanced in years (Luke 1:7). In biblical culture, barrenness was often seen as a source of reproach or shame. However, throughout Scripture, God frequently uses such situations (e.g., Sarah, Hannah) to demonstrate His power and sovereignty. Their inability to have children sets the stage for a miraculous intervention, emphasizing that what is impossible with man is possible with God. This also prepares the reader for the birth of John as part of God’s redemptive plan.
3. What was Zechariah doing when the angel appeared, and why is this moment important?
Answer:
Zechariah was serving as priest in the temple, chosen by lot to burn incense before the Lord (Luke 1:8–9). This was a rare and significant honor, often a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The burning of incense symbolized the prayers of the people rising to God (cf. Psalm 141:2; Revelation 5:8). This moment is important because it shows that God meets Zechariah in the context of faithful service and worship. It also connects the coming announcement to the prayers of Israel, indicating that God is about to act in response to long-awaited hopes.
4. What message did the angel Gabriel bring to Zechariah?
Answer:
The angel Gabriel announced that Zechariah’s prayer had been heard and that Elizabeth would bear a son named John (Luke 1:13). This child would bring joy and gladness, and many would rejoice at his birth. Gabriel also described John’s mission: he would be great before the Lord, filled with the Holy Spirit even from the womb, and would turn many of the children of Israel back to God (Luke 1:15–16). This message reveals that John’s birth is not merely personal but deeply connected to God’s redemptive purposes.
5. What specific role was John appointed to fulfill in God’s plan?
Answer:
John was appointed to prepare the way for the Lord (Luke 1:17). He would go “in the spirit and power of Elijah,” turning hearts—fathers to children and the disobedient to wisdom. This echoes Malachi 4:5–6 and identifies John as the forerunner of the Messiah. His mission was one of spiritual preparation: calling people to repentance and readiness for the coming of Christ. Thus, John stands as the bridge between the Old Testament prophetic tradition and the arrival of the New Testament fulfillment.
6. How did Zechariah respond to Gabriel’s message, and what does this reveal about his faith?
Answer:
Zechariah responded with doubt, asking how he could be sure since he and his wife were old (Luke 1:18). Despite his righteousness, his response shows a moment of unbelief or hesitation. This reveals an important truth: even faithful believers can struggle to trust God when His promises seem impossible. Zechariah’s question contrasts with Mary’s later response (Luke 1:34), which seeks understanding rather than expressing doubt.
7. What consequence did Zechariah face for his response, and why was it given?
Answer:
Because of his unbelief, Zechariah was made mute and unable to speak until the fulfillment of the promise (Luke 1:20). This consequence served both as discipline and as a sign confirming the truth of Gabriel’s message. His silence underscores the seriousness of doubting God’s word, especially when delivered directly by a divine messenger. At the same time, it reinforces that God’s plan will proceed regardless of human doubt.
8. How did the people outside the temple respond to Zechariah’s delay?
Answer:
The people were waiting and wondering why Zechariah was delayed in the temple (Luke 1:21). When he came out unable to speak, they realized he had seen a vision (Luke 1:22). This response shows that the event was publicly recognized as extraordinary. It also builds anticipation, signaling that something significant in God’s plan is unfolding.
9. What was Elizabeth’s response to becoming pregnant?
Answer:
Elizabeth responded with gratitude and recognition of God’s favor, saying, “Thus the Lord has done for me…to take away my reproach among people” (Luke 1:25). She understood her pregnancy not merely as a personal blessing but as an act of divine mercy. Her response reflects humility and faith, acknowledging that God has intervened in her life in a way that removes shame and restores honor.
10. What key theological themes are revealed in this passage?
Answer:
Several important themes emerge:
- God’s Faithfulness: God remembers and answers prayers, even after long periods of waiting.
- Divine Sovereignty: God orchestrates events according to His redemptive plan, using unlikely circumstances.
- Preparation for the Messiah: John’s role highlights the necessity of repentance and readiness for Christ.
- Human Weakness vs. God’s Power: Zechariah’s doubt contrasts with God’s unwavering promise.
- Reversal of Reproach: Elizabeth’s barrenness is transformed into blessing, demonstrating God’s grace.
11. How does this passage connect the Old Testament to the New Testament?
Answer:
This passage serves as a bridge between the Old and New Testaments. John the Baptist fulfills the prophecy of Malachi concerning Elijah’s return (Malachi 4:5–6). His ministry continues the prophetic tradition while pointing forward to Jesus as the Messiah. The appearance of Gabriel, the temple setting, and the priestly context all root this event in Israel’s history, while the announcement of John’s role signals the beginning of God’s final redemptive act through Christ.
12. What can believers learn from this passage about waiting on God?
Answer:
Believers learn that God’s timing often involves seasons of waiting, but His promises are never forgotten. Zechariah and Elizabeth likely prayed for a child for many years, yet the answer came at the exact time that aligned with God’s greater purpose. This teaches that waiting is not wasted; it is often preparation for something greater. It also encourages believers to trust God even when circumstances seem impossible.
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