Unlikely Candidates.
“Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God’s eyes, careful to obey all of the LORD’s commandments and regulations. They had no children because Elizabeth was unable to conceive, and they were both very old.”
-Luke 1:6-7
Before Mary and Joseph are mentioned and before Jesus’ name comes up, an angel appears to Zechariah in the temple. To kick off this four-part series on the “stars” of Advent, I want to examine the lives of John the Baptist’s parents.
First question…
Who were Zechariah and Elizabeth?
Scripture (Luke 1:6) tells us that Zechariah was a priest and that Elizabeth was also of the priestly line. Beyond this, they were righteous in God’s eyes. Although I highly doubt that either of them thought Isaiah 40 would be fulfilled in their lifetime. Let alone via their son.
Yet the following verse (Luke 1:7) seems strange in comparison. Why would God call them righteous, then say they were unable to have children? If they were really righteous, surely God would allow this. Let me put a pin in that; we’ll get back to this point shortly.
One day, Zechariah is chosen to offer incense in the sanctuary of the LORD. While there, the angel Gabriel appears and prophesies that Elizabeth will have a son. Zechariah doesn’t believe Gabriel and is rendered mute until John’s birth. Eight days after John enters the world, Zechariah writes “His name is John” on a tablet, and regains his ability to speak.
Thirty years later, John would fulfill the prophet Isaiah’s words from 40:3-4…
“Listen! It’s the voice of someone shouting, ‘Clear the way through the wilderness for the LORD! Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God!’”
That’s a story for another day. For now, let’s return to that pin.
What do Zechariah and Elizabeth teach us about God?
I think we’ve been tricked into embracing the cultural “Health & Wealth” mindset. I say this because I see it in my response to Elizabeth’s infertility. From a Western standpoint, you would think that because God calls Elizabeth righteous, she should have everything she wants. This is not how God works.
There is no Biblical tie between spiritual righteousness and earthly gain. Naturally, you’ll find spiritual leaders who were prosperous (Abraham, David, etc.). You’ll also see that most were not prosperous (Job when he lost everything, the Disciples, Paul, etc.).
Zechariah and Elizabeth’s story closely parallels Abraham and Sarah’s: both were unable to have children, but by a miracle, they gave birth. In both cases, they doubted God’s promise. In both cases, God used everything for His glory. He gave hope to two couples who thought their hope was lost, and He showed the world that He can do the impossible. If Elizabeth could bear children, the miracle of John’s birth wouldn’t have been a miracle.
God’s actions always work for our greater good. We just don’t have the foresight to see it. The challenges we face today may well be used for His glory tomorrow. In the long run, God uses everything for good.
Another thing that caught my eye was Zechariah’s doubt. (Next week, we’ll see how Mary responded when an angel appeared before her.) Zechariah wanted to believe, but his doubt had consequences. I love how God gives second chances. He could have chosen someone else on the spot, but He allowed Zechariah – flawed as he was – to carry out His plan.
It isn’t coincidental that Zechariah’s pride cost him his speech, and surrendering his pride by not letting John be named after him restored it. This shows us the incredible grace of God; grace that would soon be manifested in His Son. Jesus hasn’t entered the world yet, and already we’ve seen God at work, setting the foundation.
Takeaways from Zechariah and Elizabeth.
As the Christmas season approaches, I’ll run through these takeaways snowball-style (small + fast).
1. God uses everything for His glory.
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.”
-Romans 8:28
Zechariah and Elizabeth waited years to have children. This would have seemed like a curse from God. We may see our struggles or vices in a similar light. When this happens, remember that God is capable of turning our hardships into long-term blessings. As the saying goes, “If it isn’t good, then God isn’t finished yet.”
2. Don’t doubt God.
“Zechariah said to the angel, ‘How can I be sure this will happen? I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.’”
-Luke 1:18
In all of Scripture, God gives us no reason to doubt Him. And even when we doubt, He doesn’t discard us and move on. Zechariah and Elizabeth had John despite their doubt. God is 100% true to His word, impossible as that may seem. If you’re struggling to trust God, don’t blindly accept this as a promise – search the Scriptures to see the truth in action.
3. Be a supporter.
“Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, ‘God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed.’”
-Luke 1:42
Later in Luke 1, we see Mary visit Elizabeth. It must have been tempting for Elizabeth to feel jealous or disappointed. After so many years, she was giving birth to John and this girl was giving birth to the Messiah? If she was feeling this way, Scripture gives no indication. I want to make a practice of doing the same whenever I see someone bearing fruit for the Kingdom. Everyone needs a supporter, and Elizabeth was Mary’s.
In Summary.
This is a quick look at Elizabeth and Zechariah’s life. To read their story in full, check out Luke 1 (I used the NLT for today’s passages). If you’ve ever waited on God, doubted Him, or felt like you’re on the sidelines watching everyone else succeed, I hope you’ll be encouraged by their lives. As we get ready to celebrate Christ’s birth, please take this to heart: God has a plan and a timeline for all of us!
Because He uses unexpected people for His glory.
To quote Luke 1:19,
“Then the angel said, ‘I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was He who sent me to bring you this good news!’”
P.S. As of this week, I’m including a link at the end of each post to download it as a PDF. You’re welcome to print, share, or frame it (:
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