Luke 1:20 “But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.”    Gabriel gave Zacharias exactly what he asked for. The mute Zacharias had no doubt that Elizabeth would have a…

Luke 1:19 “And the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings.”    We are not told much about the angels in the Bible. Though many have claimed to know more than what is…

Luke 1:18 “And Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.”    Notice the question. He isn’t asking, how is this possible? He is asking, how will I know this is really going to happen? Being Jewish, Zacharias knew…

Luke 1:17 “He will also 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 make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”    This is John’s role in relation to prophecy. What does it…

Luke 1:16 “And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.”    This is a beautiful verse. What a picture is being painted for us here! The nation of Israel was planted in Cannan by God. They are His special chosen people. And yet, many had turned their back…

Luke 1:15 “For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.”    What does it mean to say he will be great in the Lord’s sight? Will God be impressed with…

Luke 1:14 “And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.”    A bringer of joy. That is what John was to be. And how so? How did the ministry of John bring joy? John spent most of his time calling people to repentance. His ministry focused on people confessing…

Luke 1:13 “But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.”    Evidently, Zacharias and Elizabeth had prayed earnestly for children. But, being older, they had not asked in quite some time.…

Luke 1:12 “And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.”    Why the troubling first and the fear after? Well, rather than being spooked he just couldn’t believe his eyes at first. The angel didn’t sneak up on him. He was in the temple, so his awareness of his surroundings…

Luke 1:11 “Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense.”    The right side of the alter was a place of preference. Zacharias immediately knew what was happening. Though fear entered his heart, it was the fear of God not a phobia. There had…