“Zacharias Hears from God”

Sunday School with Pastor Theodis Acklin

Background Scripture: Luke 1:5-23

Lesson Context: Luke’s account of Jesus’ birth opens by way of introducing Zacharias, the father of John and a priest in the division of Abia (Luke 1:5).

Zacahrias and his wife Elizabeth, also a descendant of Aaron, were “righteous before God” and “blameless” regarding obeying His commandments (Luke 1:6). The couple was without children due to their ages and Elizabeth was barren.

Holy Occasion (Luke 1:8-10):

Post of the Priest (vv. 8-9). And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his course.”  Luke begins by saying that one day while Zacharias “executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his course” means that Zacharias served as a priest in the temple. The phrase “in the order of his course” means that he served in the appointed order of his priestly division, and he was on duty that day. The phrase “According to the custom of the priest’s office” refers to the practice of the priests’ specific duties being assigned by “lot” which was a way of making decisions in Bible times.

Prayers of the People (v. 10). And the whole multitude of people were praying without at the time of incense.”  While Zacharias entered the sanctuary with the incense, a large crowd of faithful Jews were gathered outside in the temple courtyard praying and waiting for the priests to come back out once he had completed his duties. Burning incense on the altar in the holy place symbolized Israel’s prayers. The rising of the perfumed smoke from the altar of incense symbolized the going up of their prayers to God.

Profound Announcement (Luke 1:11-17):

Fearful Reaction (vv. 11-12). And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord according on the right side of the altar of incense.” God chose this moment when Zacharias was representing the entire Jewish nation to send His angel with a message for both him and them. Luke writes “there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord.” This “angel” would later identify himself to Zacharias as Gabriel (Luke 1:19), the same angel who would appear unto Mary in Nazareth six months later.  The angel appeared to Zacharias “standing on the right side of the altar of incense.”  Luke’s inclusion of where the angel was standing confirms the reality of the angel’s appearance. This was no fantasy or hallucination; the angel was really standing before Zacharias.

Verse 12. “And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.” The priest’s reaction to the angel’s appearance was predictable. Not knowing what the angel’s appearance meant, it was natural for Zacharias to be agitated and afraid.

Future Realities (vv. 13-17).  But the angel said unto him, Fear not Zacharias for thy prayer is heard.” This probably refers to “Zacharias” lifelong prayer offered; offered repeatedly, asking that he and Elizabeth might have a son. Gabriel even told “Zacharias” not only would they have a “son,” but his name was to be called “John” which means the “Lord is gracious” or “the grace of the Lord.

References: International Sunday School Commentary 2022-2023, Standard Lesson Commentary KJV 2