In brief
Zechariah is a priest of the division of Abijah, husband of Elizabeth, in the days of Herod. An angel announces that his wife will bear him a son, John. Zechariah doubts because of the couple’s advanced age, and the angel tells him that he will be mute until the birth. When he writes “His name is John,” his mouth is opened. Filled with the Holy Spirit, he prophesies and blesses the Lord. We remember that God keeps his promises despite our doubts.
What does the name Zechariah, father of John the Baptist mean?
His name is generally linked to the Hebrew meaning “Yahweh remembers.” The Bible does not explain this name directly, but the story shows a God who remembers his people and his promise (Luke 1:68).
The story of Zechariah, father of John the Baptist
A righteous priest without children
Luke 1:5-10In the days of Herod, king of Judea, a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah, has Elizabeth as his wife. Both are righteous before God and keep the commandments of the Lord. They have no child, because Elizabeth is barren, and they are well advanced in years.
The angel’s announcement
Luke 1:11-17While he is serving in the temple, an angel appears to Zechariah and tells him not to be afraid. His wife Elizabeth will bear him a son, whom he will call John. This child will be great in the sight of the Lord, filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother’s womb, and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.
Doubt and silence
Luke 1:18-22Zechariah asks, “How can I be sure of this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.” The angel answers that “you will be silent and not able to speak until the day that these things will happen, because you didn’t believe my words.” When he comes out, he can no longer speak to the people.
The name given to the child
Luke 1:57-64Elizabeth bears a son. On the eighth day, they would have called him Zechariah, but his mother says, “Not so; but he will be called John.” Zechariah asks for a writing tablet and writes, “His name is John.” At that very moment, his mouth is opened, his tongue is freed, and he speaks, blessing God.
Zechariah’s prophecy
Luke 1:67-79Filled with the Holy Spirit, Zechariah prophesies. He blesses the Lord, the God of Israel, who has visited and redeemed his people. He tells his son, “you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways.” He announces the knowledge of salvation through the remission of sins.
What Zechariah, father of John the Baptist teaches us
- Doubt, even in a righteous man, does not limit God’s faithfulness to his promise.
- Silence can become a time to listen and to reflect on what God is about to accomplish.
- Obeying God, even when it goes against family customs, means giving the child the name he received.
- A heart filled with the Holy Spirit answers the fulfilled promise with praise and prophecy.
Key verses
“Behold, you will be silent and not able to speak until the day that these things will happen, because you didn’t believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.” Doubt has a cost, but the promise stands.
Zechariah writes, “His name is John.” At that very moment his mouth is opened and he blesses God. Obedience to the word received opens the voice of worship again.
Zechariah announces that his son will prepare the ways of the Lord, “to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the remission of their sins.” John’s whole life points to Jesus.
Sermons about Zechariah, father of John the Baptist
Frequently asked questions
Who was Zechariah, father of John the Baptist?
Zechariah was a priest of the division of Abijah, husband of Elizabeth. An angel announced to him the birth of John the Baptist. He remained mute until the child’s birth, then he prophesied, filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 1).
Why did Zechariah become mute?
When the angel announces that Elizabeth will have a son, Zechariah asks how he can be sure, since his wife and he are old. The angel answers that he will be mute until it is fulfilled, because he did not believe his words (Luke 1:18-20).
Where can I find the story of Zechariah in the Bible?
It is found in the Gospel of Luke, in chapter 1. Verses 5 to 25 tell of the angel’s announcement, and verses 57 to 79 the birth of John, the end of his silence and his prophecy.