Knowing The Word in Luke 1:5-7, Introducing Zechariah and Elizabeth

The events in chapters 1 and 2 are peculiar to Luke. He is the only one to record the birth of John the Baptist. In the other gospels, John appears out of nowhere. Luke gives us the backstory. He also gives us special insight into the incarnation that no other gospel does. There are notable parallels between the birth of John and of Jesus. Luke’s story begins with a barren couple, who remind Old Testament readers of the patriarchal families who had pregnancy problems: Sarah and Abraham, Rebecca and Isaac, and Rachel and Jacob. Will God work another miracle?

5 In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years.

Prayer:

Father, you are the source of all life. Help me to be thankful today for the life you have given me, knowing that every breath I take is a gift from you. Amen.