A Promise in the Silence: Zechariah’s Encounter with an Angel (Luke 1:5–25)
The Gospel of Luke begins with a quiet but powerful story. Before Jesus is born, God starts preparing the way by giving a special promise to a faithful couple. Their names are Zechariah and Elizabeth.
This story reminds us that God often works in the background, even when we think nothing is happening. Let’s walk through their story together.
A Faithful Couple with a Longing Heart
Zechariah and Elizabeth were a godly couple. Zechariah was a priest, and both he and his wife were known for following God’s ways. But even though they had lived good lives, there was something missing—they had no children.
They were now very old, and having a child seemed impossible. In their time, being childless could bring shame or sadness. But they kept trusting God and serving Him.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity
One day, Zechariah was chosen to serve in the temple. His job was to go into the holy place and burn incense while people prayed outside. This was a big moment for him—most priests only got to do this once in their entire life.
As he carried out his duties, something unexpected happened.
A Surprise Visit from an Angel
Suddenly, the angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah inside the temple. Zechariah was shocked and scared—who wouldn’t be?
But Gabriel brought good news: Zechariah and Elizabeth would have a son! His name would be John. This child would bring joy and would grow up to prepare people for the coming of the Lord. He would be filled with God’s Spirit and turn hearts back to God.
Doubt in the Middle of a Miracle
Instead of celebrating, Zechariah hesitated. He asked, “How can I be sure of this? I’m an old man, and my wife is old too.” In other words, he couldn’t see how this promise could come true.
Because of his doubt, the angel gave him a sign—Zechariah would not be able to speak until the baby was born. Gabriel said, “You didn’t believe my words, which will come true at the right time.”
A Quiet Crowd and a Speechless Priest
Meanwhile, the people outside were waiting and wondering why Zechariah was taking so long in the temple. When he finally came out, he couldn’t speak. He tried to explain with hand motions, and the crowd realized something strange and holy had happened.
Zechariah finished his time of service and returned home, carrying the angel’s words in silence.
A Miracle Begins in Secret
Soon after, Elizabeth became pregnant—just as the angel had said. She stayed quiet for a while and thanked God for blessing her after all those years. “The Lord has shown His kindness,” she said. “He has taken away my disgrace.”
A quiet miracle was beginning, one that would change everything.
What We Can Learn
This story is more than just a warm-up to the birth of Jesus. It reminds us of some important truths:
- God’s timing is perfect. Even when answers seem delayed, He hasn’t forgotten us.
- God hears our prayers. Zechariah and Elizabeth had likely prayed for years—and God answered.
- Doubt is human. Even a priest can struggle to believe—but God still used him.
- God’s promises never fail. What He says will happen, happens—whether we believe it right away or not.
Zechariah’s voice may have been silenced, but God’s message was loud and clear: He was doing something new. And it was just the beginning.
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.”