Luke 1:5-25

Mar 16, 2021

The podcast explores Zechariah and Elizabeth, a righteous but childless couple, highlighting the stigma of barrenness in their time. It dives into the significance of Zechariah's priestly duties and the pivotal moment when the angel Gabriel delivers the news of their son, John. John's future role as a prophet and forerunner is tied to ancient prophecies, and the discussion includes Zechariah's skepticism and the divine sign he receives. Themes of God's historical action and the power of prayer are also emphasized throughout.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

ANECDOTE

Zechariah's Priestly Duty In Jerusalem

Zechariah belongs to the priestly division of Abijah and serves one week twice a year in Jerusalem.
Whittaker notes he traveled to Jerusalem for that week and was serving when the angel appeared.

INSIGHT

Barren Women Signal Divine Intervention

Elizabeth's barrenness signals more than personal pain; it signals a coming divine reversal.
Whittaker links this motif to Abraham/Sarah and Hannah as narrative signs that God is about to act.

INSIGHT

Incense Symbolizes The People's Prayers

The incense offering symbolizes the people's prayers ascending to God and was offered twice daily.
Whittaker highlights the privilege and rarity of performing this ritual, chosen by lot among many priests.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

Luke 1:5-25

5 In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah; and he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.6 They were both righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord. 7 And yet they had no child, because Elizabeth was infertile, and they were both advanced in years.

8 Now it happened that while he was performing his priestly service before God in the appointed order of his division, 9 according to the custom of the priestly office, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And the whole multitude of the people were in prayer outside at the hour of the incense offering. 11 Now an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense.12 Zechariah was troubled when he saw the angel, and fear gripped him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John. 14 You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice over his birth. 15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord; and he will drink no wine or liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while still in his mother’s womb. 16 And he will turn many of the sons of Israel back to the Lord their God. 17 And it is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of fathers back to their children, and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

18 Zechariah said to the angel, “How will I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in her years.” 19 The angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news.20 And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day when these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.”

21 And meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah, and were wondering at his delay in the temple. 22 But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them; and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple, and he repeatedly made signs to them, and remained speechless. 23 When the days of his priestly service were concluded, he went back home.

24 Now after these days his wife Elizabeth became pregnant, and she kept herself in seclusion for five months, saying, 25 “This is the way the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He looked with favor upon me, to take away my disgrace among people.”

BIBLE READING GUIDE - FREE EBOOK - Get the free eBook, Bible in Life, to help you learn how to read and apply the Bible well: https://www.listenerscommentary.com

GIVE - The Listener’s Commentary is a listener supported Bible teaching ministry made possible by the generosity of people like you. Thank you!
Give here: https://www.listenerscommentary.com/give

STUDY HUB - Want more than the audio? Join the study hub to access articles, maps, charts, pictures, and links to other resources to help you study the Bible for yourself.
https://www.listenerscommentary.com/members-sign-up

MORE TEACHING - For more resources and Bible teaching from John visit https://www.johnwhittaker.net