By Douglas K. Wilson, Ph.D.
Dean of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
Planned
Luke 1:13–25
Luke begins his gospel account with a plan. He has a context — others have compiled data about Jesus. He conducts a careful investigation of the events regarding Jesus. He communicates his testimony to Theophilus (“friend of God”). Then, he carries out his plan to provide an orderly account for the reader to be confident of the testimony.
Following the prologue, Luke focuses upon God’s plan to communicate His message of redemption. He is careful to provide historical and religious context, identifying the civil authority, the priestly connection and the specific reasons for one certain priest to be in the temple. In this passage, Luke describes an encounter between Zechariah the priest and an angelic messenger.
Prayer Answered (13–17)
Casting lots may seem like random chance in the 21st century, but throughout the Scriptures, it was a common practice to discern God’s providential direction (see Josh. 18, 1 Chron. 24, Acts 1).
Zechariah’s priestly division was chosen by lot, and he was chosen by lot to offer incense on the altar. God had a plan for this encounter.
When Zechariah entered the Holy Place to perform his duty, he saw Gabriel standing by the altar.
In the midst of his terror, Zechariah listened as Gabriel explained how God was going to answer his prayer and give the priest and his wife a son in their old age (1:7). Keep in mind, the active years of service for a priest were ages 30–50, according to the Torah (see Num. 4, multiple references).
Gabriel provided specific details about the boy. He would bring joy to his parents. He would abstain from alcohol. He would be filled with the Spirit. He would fulfill prophecy from Malachi 4:6. He would lead many to repentance. They would call his name John.
Doubt Expressed (18–20)
Zechariah questioned the message delivered by Gabriel. As a priest, he would have been well acquainted with biblical stories of barren women who were made fertile — Sarah, first and foremost, who gave birth at the age of 90. Did Zechariah ignore the former works of God? Surely, he didn’t, especially considering the way Luke described both Zechariah and Elizabeth: “righteous … living without blame” (v. 6). Nonetheless, he did not take Gabriel at his word.
Consequences follow attitudes, words and actions of unbelief. Zechariah would not be able to speak until after John was born, named and circumcised (1:57–64). He learned a valuable lesson not to question direct revelation from God.
Reality Seen (21–25)
Evidently, the temple encounter took more time than a priest would usually take to place incense on the altar. When Zechariah exited the holy place, the observers noted that he could not speak and he had seen a vision. Fulfillment of Gabriel’s words of judgment against Zechariah were immediate.
Following the completion of his priestly responsibilities and return home, the intermediate fulfillment of Gabriel’s message occurred.
Elizabeth conceived and remained isolated — quarantined, if you will — for the first five months of her pregnancy. For Elizabeth, the scourge of being childless was removed.
God fulfills our personal needs, and yet fulfills His greater plan, which affects countless people.
Centuries before this event, Isaiah prophesied: “A voice of one crying out: Prepare the way of the LORD in the wilderness …” (Isa 40:3).
All four evangelists testify that John was the fulfillment of that prophecy (Matt. 3:3; Mark 1:3; Luke 3:4; John 1:23).
How does God orchestrate unpredictable casting of lots, unknowable reactions of individuals and impossible events of nature?
He is “able to do above and beyond all that we can ask or think” (Eph. 3:20).
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