CHARACTER STUDY OF ZECHARIAH – FATHER OF JOHN THE BAPTIST, A PRIEST
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Luke 1:5-25
"And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years. And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense." (Luke 1:7, 11)
Supporting Texts: Luke 1:57-80, Malachi 4:5-6, Psalm 37:7, Hebrews 11:6
INTRODUCTION:
Zechariah was a faithful priest in Israel, serving during the reign of King Herod. He was married to Elizabeth, a woman from the lineage of Aaron. Though they were righteous before God, they had no children because Elizabeth was barren.
One day, while Zechariah was ministering in the temple, the angel Gabriel appeared to him, announcing that he and Elizabeth would have a son, John the Baptist, who would prepare the way for the Messiah. However, Zechariah doubted this message due to their old age, and as a result, he was struck mute until John's birth. His story teaches us about faith, obedience, and God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises.
1. ZECHARIAH WAS A RIGHTEOUS PRIEST
a) He was faithful in his service to God (Luke 1:8-9)
Zechariah was chosen by lot to burn incense in the temple, showing his dedication to priestly duties.
b) He and his wife walked blamelessly before God (Luke 1:6)
Despite their personal struggles, they remained obedient to God’s commands.
c) He belonged to the priestly order of Abijah (Luke 1:5)
This signifies his deep spiritual heritage.
d) His life reflected patience and endurance (Psalm 37:7)
He waited many years for God’s promise of a child.
e) Biblical Example: Samuel was also a dedicated servant in the temple from his youth (1 Samuel 2:18-21).
2. ZECHARIAH RECEIVED A DIVINE PROMISE
a) The angel Gabriel appeared to him (Luke 1:11-13)
God sent a direct message to Zechariah in the holy place.
b) He was promised a son in his old age (Luke 1:13-14)
His child would bring joy and fulfilment of God’s plan.
c) His son would be great in the sight of the Lord (Luke 1:15)
John would be a prophet filled with the Holy Spirit from birth.
d) John’s mission was to turn people to God (Luke 1:16-17)
His son would prepare the way for Jesus Christ.
e) Biblical Example: Abraham also received a promise of a son in his old age (Genesis 18:10-14).
3. ZECHARIAH STRUGGLED WITH DOUBT
a) He questioned the angel’s message (Luke 1:18)
He doubted how it was possible for him and Elizabeth to have a child.
b) His doubt was due to physical limitations (Luke 1:7)
He focused on their old age rather than God’s power.
c) God’s promises are not limited by human weaknesses (Romans 4:20-21)
Faith is required to receive divine blessings.
d) Because of his unbelief, he was made mute (Luke 1:20)
He faced temporary discipline for his lack of faith.
e) Biblical Example: Thomas also doubted Jesus’ resurrection until he saw proof (John 20:24-29).
4. ZECHARIAH EXPERIENCED GOD’S FAITHFULNESS
a) Elizabeth conceived as promised (Luke 1:24-25)
Despite human impossibility, God's word was fulfilled.
b) Zechariah remained faithful despite being mute (Luke 1:23)
He continued to serve in silence, waiting on God’s time.
c) His speech was restored when he obeyed God (Luke 1:63-64)
When he wrote that his son’s name would be John, his tongue was loosed.
d) His response was praise and prophecy (Luke 1:67-79)
He glorified God and prophesied about John’s role in preparing the way for Christ.
e) Biblical Example: Sarah laughed at God's promise but later gave birth to Isaac (Genesis 21:1-3).
5. ZECHARIAH PROPHESIED ABOUT THE COMING MESSIAH
a) He declared that God had visited and redeemed His people (Luke 1:68)
He recognised that salvation was near.
b) He affirmed God’s covenant with Abraham (Luke 1:72-73)
Jesus was the fulfilment of God's promise to Israel.
c) He described John’s role as the forerunner of Christ (Luke 1:76)
His son would prepare hearts for the Lord.
d) He spoke of God’s mercy and the light of salvation (Luke 1:78-79)
Jesus would bring light to those in darkness.
e) Biblical Example: Simeon also prophesied about Jesus when He was presented in the temple (Luke 2:25-32).
6. STRENGTHS OF ZECHARIAH
a) He was a faithful and devoted priest (Luke 1:8-9)
He continued to serve despite personal challenges.
b) He and Elizabeth were righteous before God (Luke 1:6)
They lived according to God's commandments.
c) He obeyed God's instructions in naming John (Luke 1:63)
He chose obedience over tradition.
d) He praised God after his trial (Luke 1:67-79)
He turned his experience into a testimony.
e) He raised John in godly discipline (Luke 1:80)
John grew strong in spirit under his father’s influence.
7. WEAKNESSES OF ZECHARIAH
a) He doubted God's promise (Luke 1:18)
Instead of believing, he questioned how it would happen.
b) His doubt led to temporary muteness (Luke 1:20)
A lack of faith delayed his ability to testify.
8. LESSONS TO LEARN FROM THE LIFE OF ZECHARIAH
a) God's timing is always perfect (Luke 1:13, Ecclesiastes 3:11)
Even when answers seem delayed, God never forgets His promises.
b) Faith is required to receive God’s promises (Hebrews 11:6, Mark 9:23)
Doubt can delay blessings, but faith activates them.
c) Obedience leads to restoration (Luke 1:63-64, 1 Samuel 15:22)
When Zechariah obeyed, his speech was restored.
d) God uses ordinary people to fulfil divine purposes (Luke 1:67-79, 1 Corinthians 1:27-29)
Zechariah and Elizabeth were simple but played a great role in God’s plan.
e) Trials are opportunities for spiritual growth (James 1:2-4, Romans 8:28)
Zechariah’s muteness deepened his faith and led to a powerful testimony.
CONCLUSION:
Zechariah’s life teaches us the importance of faith, patience, and obedience. Though he doubted initially, he remained faithful and experienced God’s faithfulness. His son, John the Baptist, became a great prophet, fulfilling God’s plan. Like Zechariah, we must trust God’s promises, obey His instructions, and praise Him for His faithfulness.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to remain faithful in my service to You.
2. Father, strengthen my faith to believe Your promises.
3. Lord, let my life be a testimony of Your faithfulness.
4. Father, give me patience to wait on Your perfect timing.
5. Lord, open my mouth to declare Your goodness.
