*Luke 1:5-25
The angel Gabriel appears to Zechariah in the temple, announcing the birth of his son John the Baptist, who will prepare the way for the Messiah.
- Introduction of Zechariah and Elizabeth:
- Zechariah’s Priestly Duty:
- Zechariah is chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord to burn incense, a significant responsibility.
- The Angel Gabriel Appears:
- While Zechariah is performing his priestly duties, the angel Gabriel appears to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense.
- Zechariah is startled and afraid at the sight of the angel.
- Gabriel’s Message:
- Gabriel reassures Zechariah, telling him not to fear and announcing that his prayer has been heard.
- He informs Zechariah that his wife Elizabeth will bear him a son, whom they are to name John.
- John’s Unique Calling:
- Gabriel describes John’s future role, stating that he will bring joy and gladness to Zechariah and Elizabeth, and many will rejoice at his birth.
- John will be great in the sight of the Lord and filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb.
- Zechariah’s Doubt:
- Zechariah questions the angel Gabriel, asking how he can be sure of this promise since he and his wife Elizabeth are both old.
- Gabriel identifies himself as the angel who stands in the presence of God and was sent to bring this good news.
- Because of Zechariah’s doubt, Gabriel declares that Zechariah will be unable to speak until the day these things take place, as a sign of the truth of his message.
- Fulfillment of Gabriel’s Words:
- The people outside are waiting for Zechariah and are surprised that he stays so long in the temple.
- When he comes out, he is unable to speak to them and communicates by making signs, and they realize he has seen a vision in the temple.
Luke 1:5-25 teaches us that God hears our prayers, even when the answers take time. Zechariah and Elizabeth wanted a child for many years, and when they were old, God blessed them with John the Baptist. This reminds us to trust in God’s timing, even when we don’t understand His plans. He is always working for our good. Like Zechariah, we may struggle with doubt, but God is faithful. We should keep praying, trusting, and believing that He knows what is best for us.
Luke 1:5-25 (WEB)
1:5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the priestly division of Abijah. He had a wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 They were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they both were well advanced in years.8 Now while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his division 9 according to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to enter into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 The whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense.11 An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 Zacharias was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Don’t be afraid, Zacharias, because your request has been heard. Your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. 14 You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. 15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and he will drink no wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. 16 He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 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 prepare a people prepared for the Lord.”18 Zacharias said to the angel, “How can I be sure of this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.”19 The angel answered him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God. I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20 Behold, you will be silent and not able to speak until the day that these things will happen, because you didn’t believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.”21 The people were waiting for Zacharias, and they marveled that he delayed in the temple. 22 When he came out, he could not speak to them. They perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple. He continued making signs to them, and remained mute. 23 When the days of his service were fulfilled, he departed to his house. 24 After these days Elizabeth his wife conceived, and she hid herself five months, saying, 25 “Thus has the Lord done to me in the days in which he looked at me, to take away my reproach among men.”