Tim Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

Zacharias was a member of the Jewish priesthood who was descended from Jacob through his son Levi, and subsequently through Moses' brother Aaron, and through Abijah, who was the founder of one of the twenty-four divisions of the priesthood established by David, as related in 1 Chronicles 24. 

Zacharias and his wife Elizabeth (who was also a descendant of Aaron) were pious people who had hoped for a child for many years, but had never had one, and Elizabeth was now well past the age of normal child-bearing. (Elizabeth was also a kinswoman of Mary, who was to become the mother of Jesus.)

When Zacharias was serving his regular rotation as a priest in the temple, the archangel Gabriel appeared to him, and informed him that God had heard his request, and that he and Elizabeth would become the parents of a son, whom they were to name John, and who would prepare Israel for the imminent appearance of the Messiah.

When Zacharias expressed doubt by asking how that would be possible given their advanced age, Gabriel caused Zacharias to become both deaf and unable to speak until his son would be born, which Gabriel informed Zacharias would surely come to pass, just as he had told Zacharias.

When the baby was born, Zacharias and Elizabeth's relatives objected to naming him John, since none of their family members had that name. However, when they made signs to Zacharias to indicate what the baby's name would be, Zacharias wrote that the baby's name was to be John (as Gabriel had directed). Zacharias' hearing and speech were then instantly restored, and he both praised God and also prophesied as to what John's role would be with respect to the coming of the Messiah (Jesus) (Luke 1:67-79).

March 18 2022 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht Supporter Arizona Bible College graduate and Dallas Seminary graduate

Zacharias was a Jewish priest from the division of Abijah and the father of John the Baptist (Luke 1:5). He and his wife Elizabeth were both righteous before God, yet they had no children until they were very old. While performing his duties in the temple, the angel Gabriel appeared to him and promised that they would have a son who would prepare the way for the Lord. Because he doubted the angel’s message, Zacharias was struck mute until the child was born. 

When John was named, his speech was restored, and he was filled with the Holy Spirit to prophesy in what is called the Benedictus (Luke 1:67-79) I used to be Lutheran so I am familiar with this. In this song, Zacharias praised God for keeping His promises to David (Luke 1:68-71), to Abraham (Luke 1:72-74), and even to himself personally (Luke 1:72-74), [I gleaned this from 66 Love Letters by Dr. Larry Crabb] demonstrating that God’s covenant faithfulness extends both to the nation and to individuals. He also foretold John’s mission as prophet of the Most High, who would prepare the way for the Lord by bringing knowledge of salvation, shining light in the darkness, and guiding people into peace (Malachi 3:1; Isaiah 49:6; etc.). Through Zacharias, we see both human weakness in doubt and God’s mercy in fulfilling His word, connecting the story of redemption from Abraham and David to the coming of Christ.

Just as God fulfilled His promises then, He offers salvation to all who turn to Him today. You can receive this same mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Believe in Him, trust in His promises, and follow Him to find eternal life and true peace. I prayed a prayer similar to this when I responded to God's call and claim on my life: [You can too!] --

Lord Jesus, I thank You for keeping Your promises and for offering salvation to all who believe. I confess my sins, receive You as my Savior, and trust in Your forgiveness. Fill me with Your Spirit, guide me in Your ways, and help me walk in Your peace all the days of my life. Amen.

8 days ago • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report