Background Scripture: Luke 1:57-80
Lesson Context: During the time when Herod reign, there was a priest whose name was Zacharias. The gospel writer Luke says that Zacharias and his wife Elisabeth were righteous before God. Luke also says that Zacharias and Elisabeth walked in the commandments and ordinance of the Lord. Elizabeth was barren, and they both were well stricken in age. As Zacharias was burning incense in the temple at the altar, there appeared an angel of the Lord informing him that his prayer had been answered and that his wife would bare a son and his name would be called John. Because of a lack of faith, Zacharias questioned the possibility of his wife birthing him a son because they were both well stricken in age. For Zacharias lack of faith, be was stricken dumb and could not speak until the birth of the child (John).
Joyous Occasion (Luke 1:57-63):
Birth of a Son (57-58). “Now Elizabeth’s full time came that she should be delivered: and she brought forth a son.” Shortly after Mary returned to Nazareth, “Elisabeth’s full time that she should be delivered.” In other words, the time arrived that Elisabeth should give birth. “She brought forth a son” just as the angel had said to Zacharias.
“And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her and they rejoiced with her (v. 58)” When Elisabeth’s relatives and “neighbors” heard that she had given birth they “rejoiced with her” that God had shown “great mercy” to her taking away her barreness. The apostle Paul stated in Romans 12:15, “Rejoice with those who rejoice.” When others are happy, be happy with them.
Affirming His Name (vv. 59-63). “And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child: and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.” When “the child” was eight days old, relatives and friends gathered for the circumcision ceremony. This was the solemn time that when every Jewish male received the sign of the Abrahamic Covenant.
“And the mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.” Elisabeth objected to the child being named Zacharias after his father. She said “but he shall be called John.” Zacharias hadn’t been able to speak since the angel visited him, so he must have written down the name for Elisabeth telling her that the angel commanded him to name the child John. And that’s what she did.
Astonishing Restoration (Luke 1:64-86):
The Speech (v. 64). “And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.” The reason Zacharias lost his speech in the first place was because of his lack of faith or failure to believe that the angel Gabriel’s words would be fulfilled (Luke 1:18-20). As soon as Zacharias demonstrated faith and obedience by naming his son John, he was able to speak again. As soon as Zacharias’ speech was restored, the first thing out of his mouth “praised God” which refers to the song of praise that Zacharias spoke in 68-79, not part of the text.
References: International Sunday School Lessons KJV 2022-2023, International Sunday School Commentary 2022-2023