Zechariah, a priest in the temple in Jerusalem, played a key role in God's plan of salvation because of his righteousness and obedience.
A member of the clan of Abijah (a descendant of Aaron), Zechariah went to the temple to carry out his priestly duties. At the time of Jesus Christ, there were about 7,000 priests in Israel, divided into 24 clans. Each clan served at the temple twice a year, for a week each time.
Luke tells us Zechariah was chosen by lot that morning to offer incense in the Holy Place, the temple's inner chamber where only priests were allowed. As Zechariah was praying, the angel Gabriel appeared at the right side of the altar. Gabriel told the old man that his prayer for a son would be answered. Zechariah's wife Elizabeth would give birth and they were to name the baby John. Further, Gabriel said John would be a great man who would lead many to the Lord and would be a prophet announcing the Messiah.
Zechariah was doubtful because of his and his wife's old age. The angel struck him deaf and mute because of his lack of faith, until the child would be born.
After Zechariah returned home, Elizabeth did conceive. In her sixth month she was visited by her kinswoman Mary. Mary had been told by the angel Gabriel that she would give birth to the Savior, Jesus. When Mary greeted Elizabeth, the baby in Elizabeth's womb leaped for joy. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth proclaimed Mary's blessedness and favor with God.
When her time came, Elizabeth gave birth to a boy. Elizabeth insisted his name be John. When neighbors and relatives made signs to Zechariah about the baby's name, the old priest took a wax writing tablet and wrote, "His name is John."
Immediately Zechariah regained his speech and hearing. Filled with the Holy Spirit, he praised God and prophesied about his son's life.
Their son grew up in the wilderness and became John the Baptist, the prophet who proclaimed Jesus Christ.
Accomplishments of Zechariah:
Zechariah served God devoutly in the temple. He obeyed God as the angel had instructed him, raising John as a Nazarite, a holy man pledged to the Lord. Zechariah contributed, in his way, to God's plan to save the world from sin.
Zechariah's Strengths:
Zechariah was a holy and upright man. He kept God's commandments.
Zechariah's Weaknesses:
When Zechariah's prayer for a son was finally answered, announced in a personal visit by an angel, Zechariah still doubted God's word.
Life Lessons:
God can work in our life in spite of any circumstance. Things may look hopeless, but God is always in control. "All things are possible with God." (Mark 10:27, NIV)
Faith is a quality God values highly. If we want our prayers to be answered, faith makes the difference. God does reward those who depend on him.
Hometown: Unnamed town in the hill country of Judea, in Israel.
Referenced in the Bible: Luke 1:5-79
Occupation: Priest in the Jerusalem temple.
Family Tree:
Ancestor - Abijah
Wife - Elizabeth
Son - John the Baptist
Elizabeth – Mother of John the Baptist
The inability to bear a child is a common theme in the Bible. In ancient times, barrenness was considered a disgrace. But time and again, we see these women having great faith in God, and God rewards them with a child.
Elizabeth was such a woman. Both she and her husband Zechariah were old, she past child-bearing years, yet she conceived through the grace of God. The angel Gabriel told Zechariah the news in the temple, then made him mute because he did not believe.
Just as the angel foretold, Elizabeth conceived. While she was pregnant, Mary, the expectant mother of Jesus, visited her. The baby in Elizabeth's womb leaped for joy on hearing Mary's voice. Elizabeth gave birth to a son. They named him John, as the angel had commanded, and at that moment Zechariah's power of speech returned. He praised God for his mercy and goodness.
Their son became John the Baptist, the prophet who foretold the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.
Elizabeth's Accomplishments:
Both Elizabeth and Zechariah were holy people: "Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commands and decrees blamelessly." (Luke 1:6, NIV)
Elizabeth bore a son in her old age and raised him as God had commanded.
Elizabeth's Strengths:
Elizabeth was sad but never became bitter because of her barrenness. She had enormous faith in God her entire life.
She appreciated God's mercy and kindness. She praised God for giving her a son.
Elizabeth was humble, even though she played a key role in God's plan of salvation. Her focus was always on the Lord, never herself.
Life Lessons:
We should never underestimate God's tremendous love for us. Even though Elizabeth had been barren and her time for having a baby was over, God caused her to conceive. Our God is a God of surprises. Sometimes, when we least expect it, he touches us with a miracle and our life is changed forever.
Hometown: Unnamed town in the hill country of Judea.
Referenced in the Bible:
Luke Chapter 1.
Occupation: Homemaker.
Family Tree:
Ancestor - Aaron
Husband - Zechariah
Son - John the Baptist
Kinswoman - Mary, the mother of Jesus
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