Zacharias the Priest: Luke Chapter 1-Men of the Bible: Love the Lord First Ministries

2/7/2015

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Zacharias was a priest during King Herod’s reign who was married to Elisabeth who was barren and (could not have children). After a visit from an angel named Gabriel Zacharias was informed that his wife would have a son and that they should name him John. Zacharias doubted the angel because he and his wife were very old, and was struck dumb (could not talk) until the child was born. During her pregnancy Elisabeth had an amazing visit from Mary who was also visited by the same angel and was informed that the “holy thing” inside her was the son of God and his name should be Jesus. Mary agreed to do the thing and is considered blessed to this day by all nations.
Greetings to Theophilus

Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, Luke 1:1

Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; Luke 1:2

It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, Luke 1:3

That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed. Luke 1:4

A priest named Zacharias

Zacharias was a priest during King Herod’s reign over Judaea who was married to Elisabeth one of the daughters of Aaron (Moses brother).

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. Luke 1:5

God loved Zacharias and Elisabeth because they followed His commandments and ordinances flawlessly which made them blameless in the Lord’s eyes.

And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. Luke 1:6

Sadly, Zacharias and Elisabeth could never have a child because Elisabeth was barren and they were very old.

And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years. Luke 1:7

One day when Zacharias was performing his duties as priest of burning incense during prayer time in the temple something happened that would change he and his wife’s life forever. An angel came to see him!

And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course, Luke 1:8
According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. Luke 1:9
And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense. Luke 1:10

An Angel appeared to Zacharias

On the right side of the alter an angel appeared to Zacharias! Can you just imagine how stunned he must have been! He was terrified!

And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. Luke 1:11
And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. Luke 1:12

The angel noticed Zacharias fear and told him not to be afraid. You see Zacharias had been praying for a child, probably ever since he and Elisabeth married but as yet his prayers had been unanswered. However, the angel told Zacharias that his prayers had in fact been heard and that now his wife Elisabeth would have a son. The angel even told Zacharias to name the boy John.

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. Luke 1:13

Gabriel the angel tells Zacharias that he is going to have a son

The angel proceeded to tell Zacharias about his unborn son. He told him they would have joy and gladness and that many people would be very happy when John was born. He also fortold the future of John stating that he would not drink wine or strong drink, that he would be filled with the Holy Ghost from the time of conception, would bring many people to the Lord, and would be a very great man who would be filled with the spirit and power of Elias, make fathers love their children, make disobedient people wise, and most importantly he would prepare the way for our Lord Jesus Christ.

And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. Luke 1:14
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. Luke 1:15
And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. Luke 1:16
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. Luke 1:17

Zacharias doubts Gabriel the Angel and gets punished
Zacharias must have been astounded with disbelief, as he began to question the angel, asking him how he would know this was true and pointing out that he and his wife are very old.

And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. Luke 1:18

The angel responded to Zacharias by identifying himself as Gabriel who stands in the presence of God, he told him he was sent to tell him about the unborn child, John.

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. Luke 1:19

The angel punished Zacharias because he did not believe the angel by taking away his voice. Zacharias was struck dumb and could not speak until the child would be born.

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. Luke 1:20

Zacharias comes out of the temple and cannot speak

There were people waiting for Zacharias and were surprised that he had stayed in the temple so long, but they were probably even more surprised when he could not speak after he came out of the temple. They realized that Zacharias must have had a vision. After Zacharias completed his priestly duties and days of ministration he went home to his wife Elisabeth but still could not speak.

And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple. Luke 1:21
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. Luke 1:22
And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house. Luke 1:23

Elisabeth gets pregnant with John the Baptist

Shortly afterward Elisabeth became aware that she had conceived and become pregnant so she hid herself for five months. She was happy because the Lord had taken away her reproach among men (being barren) and had given her a child.

And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying, Luke 1:24
Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men. Luke 1:25

Gabriel the Angel visits Mary

During the sixth month of Elisabeth’s pregnancy the angel Gabriel was sent by God to Galilee, to a town named Nazareth and there he spoke to a virgin named Mary who was engaged to a man named Joseph who was from the house of David.

And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, Luke 1:26
To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. Luke 1:27

Gabriel the Angel tells Mary that she will have a child

Gabriel the angel told Mary that she was a favorite of the Lords and that she was blessed among all women. You can imagine how honored, shocked, and afraid that Mary must have been, so much so that she wondered to herself about what was happening.

And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. Luke 1:28
And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. Luke 1:29

Gabriel the angel tells Mary her child will be called Jesus

Gabriel the angel sensed Mary’s fear and told her not to be afraid because she had found favor with God and would bear a child, a son, and that she should call his name Jesus.

And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. Luke 1:30
And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. Luke 1:31

Gabriel the angel proceeded to tell Mary about her son’s future. He told her Jesus would reign over the house of Jacob forever and that His kingdom would never end.

He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: Luke 1:32
And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Luke 1:33

Mary questions Gabriel the Angel about how this could be possible

Mary questioned the angel Gabriel and asked him how this could be possible since she had never been with a man.

Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? Luke 1:34

Gabriel explained to Mary that the Holy Ghost would come upon her and overshadow her and that the child that would be conceived of this union, would be holy because it would be the Son of God.

And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. Luke 1:35

Gabriel also told Mary that her cousin Elisabeth would also bear a child during her old age and that with God nothing shall be impossible. Mary then agreed with the angel and told him let it happen just as the angel had said. Then Gabriel left.

And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. Luke 1:36
For with God nothing shall be impossible. Luke 1:37
And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. Luke 1:38

Mary visits Elisabeth to tell her the good news

Mary was so excited that she got ready right away and went to the home of Zacharias to greet Elisabeth. When Mary made her salutations to Elisabeth the child in Elisabeth’s womb (John) leapt and immediately she was filled with the Holy Ghost. Elisabeth spoke loudly to Mary and told her that she is blessed among women and that Mary’s unborn child was also blessed. Then Elisabeth asked Mary why she the mother of the Lord would visit her? Elisabeth also told Mary about her child leaping in her womb as soon as she heard Mary’s salutation, and Elisabeth somehow knew, (surely this came from the Holy Ghost) about Mary’s child and that it would happen because Mary believed Gabriel the angel.

And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Judah; Luke 1:39
And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth. Luke 1:40
And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: Luke 1:41
And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. Luke 1:42
And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? Luke 1:43
For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. Luke 1:44
And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. Luke 1:45

Mary was very happy and said her soul magnifies the Lord and acknowledged God as her Saviour. She knew she was not worthy of this great blessing but also knew that from that point on she would be called blessed by all nations. Mary also pointed out that our Holy God could do great things and that He is a merciful God to those who fear him.

And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, Luke 1:46
And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. Luke 1:47
For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. Luke 1:48
For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. Luke 1:49
And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. Luke 1:50

Mary extols on God’s virtues citing that he shows His strength, he scatters the proud, pulls down the mighty, feeds the hungry, sends the rich away empty handed who do not serve Him, remembered Israel by showing mercy, and told how God had spoken to Abraham and remembering His promise to Abraham that he would be the father of many nations.

He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. Luke 1:51
He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. Luke 1:52
He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. Luke 1:53
He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; Luke 1:54
As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever. Luke 1:55

Elisabeth’s child John is born

Mary stayed with Elisabeth about three months and then returned to her own home. A few months after Mary left Elisabeth’s full time had come to have her baby. Elisabeths neighbors and cousins were very happy that she was able to have a baby.

And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house. Luke 1:56
Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. Luke 1:57
And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her. Luke 1:58

The disagreement about what to name Zacharias and Elisabeth’s son

On the eighth day after Elisabeth’s child was born it was time to circumcise the child (remove the foreskin from the penis) and they named the baby Zacharias during this ritual, as was the custom of those days to name the child after his father but Elisabeth told them the childs name would be John. The tried to reason with Elisabeth by explaining that nobody in her family was called by the name John and because Zacharias could not speak they made signs to him asking what he preferred to name the child.

It came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father. Luke 1:59
And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John. Luke 1:60
And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name. Luke 1:61
And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. Luke 1:62

Zacharias resolves the naming dispute when he tells them to name the child John

Zacharias asked for a writing table and wrote on it, “His name is John” and everyone marvelled that he agreed with Elisabeth on the childs name. As soon as Zacharias wrote this his mouth was opened, his tongue loosed and he was now able to speak out loud again. The first thing he did was to start praising God. Everyone who lived near him became afraid and told everyone, the word spread throughout Judaea as everyone wondered what manner of child this one would be.

And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all. Luke 1:63

And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God. Luke 1:64
And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea. Luke 1:65
And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him. Luke 1:66

Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost and prophesied

Zacharias was then filled with the Holy Ghost and prophesied telling everyone that the Lord God of Israel is blessed because He visited and redeemed his people, raising up the horn of salvation for the house of David to fulfil prophecies told by prophets since the world began that the Lord’s people would receive mercy, be saved from people who hated them, from enemies, and that the Lord kept His promise to Abraham. Note that both Elisabeth and Zacharias when they were filled with the Holy Ghost both spoke of the Lord’s promise to Abraham and his mercy.

And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, Luke 1:67
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, Luke 1:68
And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; Luke 1:69
As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: Luke 1:70
That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; Luke 1:71
To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; Luke 1:72
The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, Luke 1:73

Zacharias emphasized that they would be saved from those that hated them and delivered from the hand of their enemies so that they could serve the Lord without fear. There were many wars fought during this period and even today because of religious differences.

That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, Luke 1:74
In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.

Zacharias tells his child John what he will do in the future
He then spoke to his child, John telling him that he would be the prophet of the Highest and would prepare the way for Jesus so that the people would have knowledge of salvation by the remission of sins.

And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; Luke 1:76

To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, Luke 1:77

Zacharias referred to the dayspring from on high that had visited them giving light to those who are in darkness in the shadow of death, guiding our feet into the ways of peace.

Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, Luke 1:78
To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. Luke 1:79

John grew up strong in the spirit

John grew and was strong in spirit, spent most of his time in the deserts until it was time to show Israel the path to Jesus.

And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.

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