Zechariah’s News

Zechariah’s News

Q: When Zechariah came out of the Temple after being told he and his wife would have a son, he couldn’t

• a. walk.
• b. talk.
• c. eat.

Zechariah was a godly man from a family of priests. His wife, Elizabeth, was also born into a family of priests. Zechariah and Elizabeth were old, and they had never been able to have a child. One day Zechariah was in the Holy Place in the Temple burning incense. A crowd was gathered outside to pray.

Even though Zechariah was chosen to burn the incense by casting lots, it was no accident he was chosen. God wanted to give him a message. God sent an angel to tell Zechariah that he and his wife would have a son who would prepare the way for the Lord.

Instead of being overjoyed, Zechariah was doubtful. It wasn’t that he doubted God’s ability, but he knew it was humanly impossible for him and Elizabeth to have a child. Because of his doubts, the angel said Zechariah wouldn’t be able to speak again until his son was born.

Zechariah had been in the Temple a long time, and the people outside wondered why he hadn’t come back out. When he exited the Temple, he was unable to speak, and the people knew he must have seen a vision.

Elizabeth became pregnant just as the angel had said, and she rejoiced because God had blessed her. God had chosen to do the impossible in order for John to be born and prepare the way for Jesus’ work on earth.

For You

Often God works through ordinary situations, but sometimes he chooses to do what seems impossible to us. Be open to what God wants to do in and through you.

Answer: b

[The angel said,] “But now, since you didn’t believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.”   Luke 1:20

(The Whole Story: Luke 1:5-25)