LUKE 1 AND JOHN 1:1-14
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| Zacharias burning incense in the temple and was visited by the angel, Gabriel Photo source ➚ |
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| Zacharias was loyal to Elisabeth, though she was barren. Photo source ➚ |
When Zacharias was finally told that his wife would conceive, he could hardly believe it. His prayers had not gone unheard and were never forgotten in heaven, but they took nearly a lifetime to be answered. Yet he kept faithfully doing his duties and kept praying for a child. One can barely imagine the shock, but joy, they must have felt with the long awaited answer of their fervent prayers, and to know that their son would do such great things in preparing the people to receive the Lord.
This story really makes me reflect on us, in our day. We tend to think that our prayers should be answered right away, in exactly the way we want. If they aren’t, we often get discouraged, or think God is not listening. How impatient we are! And how selfish of us, to think that God needs to do exactly what we ask, when we ask it! God has His own timing, and His own purposes and plans for our lives. I want to be more like Zacharias and Elisabeth, dedicated and loyal, never giving up, patiently having faith that my prayers are being heard. He will answer in His own due time, in a way that is according to His will, not only mine. God is patient with us, and we should be patient with Him.
Elisabeth, as was customary, was in confinement for much of her pregnancy. In other words, she remained out of the public eye. Surely she and Zacharias had many special moments together during this time, their gratitude apparent, though he could not speak. Because it is only a few verses down that we read that his tongue was loosed, I tend to forget just how long he was silent. His condition lasted her entire pregnancy, as the punishment was not lifted until eight days after Elisabeth gave birth, when he wrote John's name on a tablet, the name the angel had commanded that he name his son.
Meanwhile, Mary learned that she would become pregnant as well, and that she would give birth to Jesus Christ. The same angel, Gabriel, visited both Zacharias and Mary. At first, Mary was troubled. Having an angelic messenger would be quite an experience. Besides that, she was a virgin espoused to Joseph. It didn't make sense to her how she could become pregnant without knowing a man. Gabriel explained to her that the Holy Ghost would fall upon her, and that "the power of the Highest" would "overshadow" her (Luke 1:35). She was also given the miraculous news that her cousin, Elisabeth, was six months pregnant, though she was old and thought to be barren. The explanation for this were the great words "For with God nothing shall be impossible." (Luke 1:37) Mary readily submitted herself to the service of God, stating "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word." (Luke 1:38) What an honor, and how humbling, to have been chosen to be the mother of Jesus.
Elisabeth, as was customary, was in confinement for much of her pregnancy. In other words, she remained out of the public eye. Surely she and Zacharias had many special moments together during this time, their gratitude apparent, though he could not speak. Because it is only a few verses down that we read that his tongue was loosed, I tend to forget just how long he was silent. His condition lasted her entire pregnancy, as the punishment was not lifted until eight days after Elisabeth gave birth, when he wrote John's name on a tablet, the name the angel had commanded that he name his son.
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| Mary humbly accepted her roll of being the Savior's mother Photo source ➚ |
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| Mary visited her cousin, Elisabeth Photo source ➚ |
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| Zacharias agreed with Elisabeth that their son was to be named John, and his tongue was loosed. Photo source ➚ |
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| Zacharias knew that his son would prepare the way for the Lord Photo source ➚ |
Eight days after their son was born, Zacharias and Elisabeth took him before the priests to be circumcised and named. While Elisabeth insisted he be called John, the priests wished to name him after his father, since there was no one by the name of John in their family. Upon approaching Zacharias, he wrote the name of John on the tablet and his tongue was immediately loosed. Appropriately, the name John was derived from a Hebrew word that means "Jehovah is gracious".
Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost and prophesied that John would be counted as a prophet, and that he would teach a remission of sins through the mercy of God. He knew that his son would prepare the way for the Lord, who would bring peace and salvation. Those present also marveled, and recognized that John would do great things.
For me, the story of Elisabeth and Mary becoming pregnant speaks of faith and a willingness to do the will of God. It reminds me that our prayers are heard and remembered in heaven, and that God answers them in His own way and in His own timing. In fact He knows what we need, even before we ask. We just need to trust Him.
Who wrote about the conception of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ?
These very earliest events of the New Testament were recorded by both Luke and John. A very brief summary of information concerning these two men is included below:
| Luke • From Antioch, Syria • Well-educated physician & painter • Paul’s contemporary & companion • Not an eyewitness of the Lord • Wrote Luke and Acts ca. AD 60-62 to convince Theophilus of Jesus | John • Knew Jerusalem and the surrounding area well • May have been the “disciple whom Jesus loved” • Became Mary’s guardian after Jesus died • Possibly the only eyewitness of the 4 gospel writers • Wrote John ca. 85-95 AD in Syria or Ephesus to show that salvation comes through Jesus |
It is interesting to remember that, since Luke indicated that he was not an actual eyewitness of Jesus Christ, it is strongly believed by many that he interviewed those who did know Him personally. He did this in order to make a clear, accurate record, with the intent of helping Theophilus to believe that what he had heard already was true. Such an interview with Mary, for example, would account for his writing in far greater detail of the conception of John and Jesus. His occupation would explain his inclusion of medical aspects of the story. Though he had not personally witnessed the life of Jesus Christ, Luke was obviously a very knowledgeable and spiritual man, inspired to write what he did.
By contrast, the book of John might have been written by "the disciple whom Jesus loved". If so, he was one who walked and talked with Him. In the earliest manuscripts of the book of John, the title "According to John" appeared, indicating that the book was named for the writer of it. In fact, he was one that Jesus was especially close to. This was noted by John referring, presumably, to himself as the disciple whom Jesus loved (John 13:23) and making him the guardian of the Lord’s mother, Mary, at His death (John 19:25-27). It was also to him and Peter that Mary Magdalene fled when she discovered His tomb was empty, and it was him who reached it first thereafter. Luke’s account (Luke 24:12) makes it seem as though Peter ran to the tomb alone. The book of John is also the only one of the four gospels to mention any of the disciples actually being present when Jesus was crucified. Knowing that John was loved of the Savior helps give perspective when reading the book of John, if it was written by someone close to Him that knew Him well.
Both men had very valuable insights to offer. The following is a summary of the details surrounding the conception of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ. Subjects mentioned in both accounts are italicized.
| Luke 1 • Zacharias, of the line of Abia, was a priest. • His wife, Elisabeth, was a descendant of Aaron. • They were old and childless; she was barren. • They were righteous and blameless. • Zacharias had to burn incense in the temple. • The angel, Gabriel, appeared by the altar. • Told him not to fear, that his prayer was heard. • Elisabeth would bear a son and call him John. • Many would rejoice at his birth. • He would be filled with the Spirit from the womb. • John would prepare the people for the Lord. • Zacharias doubted his wife could get pregnant. • He’s struck dumb until John was born/named. • Elisabeth felt blessed to finally conceive. • Gabriel visited Mary, told her she’s bare a son. • She was troubled; Gabriel told her not to fear. • She questioned how, given that she was a virgin. • The Holy Ghost would come. • The Highest would overshadow her. • Her son, Jesus, would be the Son of God. • Mary humbly submitted to God’s will. • Gabriel told her Elisabeth had conceived. • All things are possible with God. • Though barren or virgin, both became pregnant. • Mary quickly went to visit her cousin, Elisabeth. • At her greeting, John leapt in Elisabeth’s womb. • Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost. • Both rejoiced that Mary would bare the Lord. • Mary lived with Elisabeth stayed for 3 months. • Elisabeth gave birth; her neighbors marveled. • At 8 days old, John was circumcised. • The men present named him Zacharias. • Elisabeth insisted his name be John. • They asked Zacharias what he wanted. • He asked for a tablet and wrote the name John. • Immediately Zacharias was no longer dumb. • Those round about knew John would be great. • Zacharias was filled with the Spirit. • Prophesied that his son would be a prophet. • John to teach remission of sins through mercy. • The child grew strong, was raised in the desert. | John 1:1-14 • John the Baptist sent by God to prepare the way. • He would bear witness, that all might believe. • The Lord’s own people didn’t accept Him. • Those who believed became the sons of God. • Jesus is the Word and the Light of the world. • All things were made by the Lord. • He is full of grace and truth |