*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.
1:5 THERE was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.
1:6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
1:7 And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.
1:8 And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his course, 1:9 According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.
1:10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.
1:11 And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.
1:12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
1:13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
1:14 And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.
1:15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb.
1:16 And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.
1:17 And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
1:18 And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.
1:19 And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.
1:20 And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.
1:21 And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple.
1:22 And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless.
1:23 And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house.
1:24 And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying, 1:25 Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.