Gabriel's Visits (Luke 1a)

By what miracles were John the Baptist and Jesus born? Do even righteous people like Zechariah doubt and others like Mary simply believe? Let’s begin looking at Luke 1.

What was the stated purpose of Luke, and who was it initially written to?

Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed. (Luke 1:1-4 NKJV)

Who is this first account about? How do they figure into the Gospel?

When Herod was king of Judea, there was a Jewish priest named Zechariah. He was a member of the priestly order of Abijah, and his wife, Elizabeth, was also from the priestly line of Aaron. Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God’s eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord’s commandments and regulations. They had no children because Elizabeth was unable to conceive, and they were both very old. (Luke 1:5-7 NLT)

What was Zachariah’s responsibility in the temple at Jerusalem?

Now while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his division according to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to enter into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. The whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. (Luke 1:8-10 WEB)

Who appeared to Zechariah and what was his reaction?

All at once an angel from the Lord appeared to Zechariah at the right side of the altar. Zechariah was confused and afraid when he saw the angel. (Luke 1:11-12 CEV)

Was John filled with the Holy Spirit before his birth? Must this mean something other than speaking in tongues as many believe?

The angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah. Your prayers have been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will give birth to your son and you must name him John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many people will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the Lord’s eyes. He must not drink wine and liquor. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before his birth. He will bring many Israelites back to the Lord their God. (Luke 1:13-15 CEB)

What would Zechariah’s son, John, accomplish in preparation for the Lord?

And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared. (Luke 1:16-17 ESV)

Did Zechariah doubt and was he disciplined for it? Do we ever doubt God?

“How can I know this?” Zechariah asked the angel. “For I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years.” The angel answered him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and tell you this good news. Now listen! You will become silent and unable to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.” (Luke 1:18-20 HCSB)

What happened after this appearance? What happened to his wife, Elizabeth?

Meanwhile, the people kept waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed in the sanctuary so long. But when he did come out, he was unable to speak to them. Then they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He kept motioning to them but remained unable to speak. When the days of his service were over, he went home. After this, his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and remained in seclusion for five months. She said, “This is what the Lord did for me when he looked favorably on me and took away my public disgrace.” (Luke 1:21-25 ISV)

Did the same angel go and visit another person? Who?

And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. (Luke 1:26-27 KJV)

What did Gabriel discuss with Mary, and what was her son to be called?

And coming in, he said to her, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was very perplexed at this statement, and was pondering what kind of greeting this was. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. (Luke 1:28-31 LSB)