Luke 1:11-20
11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 13 But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. 14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. 16 He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” 18 Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” 19 The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. 20 And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.”
Luke 1:11-20: Verse-by-Verse Analysis
Verse 11: “Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense.”
Zechariah, a priest, is performing his duties in the temple. Suddenly, an angel appears. The right side of the altar is significant, symbolizing favor and authority.
Verse 12: “When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear.”
Zechariah’s reaction is natural. Encounters with the divine often evoke fear and awe. His fear underscores the angel’s otherworldly presence.
Verse 13: “But the angel said to him: ‘Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.’
The angel reassures Zechariah. His prayer for a child is answered. The name “John” means “God is gracious,” indicating the child’s divine purpose.
Verse 14: “He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth.”
John’s birth will bring personal joy to his parents and communal joy to many. His life will have a significant impact.
Verse 15: “For he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born.”
John’s greatness is defined by his relationship with God. Abstaining from wine signifies a Nazirite vow, a life dedicated to God. Being filled with the Holy Spirit from birth is unique and marks his prophetic role.
Verse 16: “He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God.”
John’s mission is to lead a spiritual revival. He will turn people’s hearts back to God, preparing them for the coming of Jesus.
Verse 17: “And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
John’s ministry is likened to Elijah’s, a powerful prophet. He will restore relationships and guide people to righteousness, preparing them for Jesus’ ministry.
Verse 18: “Zechariah asked the angel, ‘How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.’
Zechariah doubts the angel’s message due to his and Elizabeth’s old age. His question reflects human skepticism in the face of divine promises.
Verse 19: “The angel said to him, ‘I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news.’
Gabriel identifies himself, emphasizing his authority and divine commission. His message is not just news, but “good news,” indicating its importance and positivity.
Verse 20: “And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.’
As a consequence of his disbelief, Zechariah is rendered mute. This serves as a sign and a period of reflection until the prophecy is fulfilled.