In the Gospel of Luke, we are introduced to Zacharias (also spelled Zechariah), the father of John the Baptist, in a moment that challenges his faith. It also carries a powerful lesson for us today. As we reflect on this lesson, let me ask you the following…
Which do you trust more? God’s revelation and your own understanding.
Zacharias (aka Zechariah) was a priest serving in the Temple of the Lord during the reign of Herod, king of Judea. His duties included offering incense in the Holy Place, a sacred act that represented the prayers of the people before God. Priests were chosen by lot for this honor, and for Zacharias, it was likely a rare (if not once-in-a-lifetime) moment. He and his wife, Elisabeth, were described as “righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless” (Luke 1:6). And yet…
Despite their faithfulness, they were childless. This was a matter of some shame in first-century Jewish circles, and by the time of this encounter, both were advanced in years.
As Zacharias carried out his priestly duties, the angel Gabriel appeared to him beside the altar of incense.
As you can imagine, this startled the aging priest. The Bible says Zacharias was “troubled” and that “fear fell upon him” (Luke 1:12). In twenty-first-century parlance, Zacharias was freaking out!
Isn’t it funny how even learned, devout followers of the Lord are surprised when the Lord actually shows up!? In this case, one of the Lord’s premier angels!
Gabriel delivered an extraordinary message: Elisabeth would bear a son, and this child, John, would be “great in the sight of the Lord” and prepare the way for the Messiah (Luke 1:13-17).
For any devout Jew, this was a monumental promise, yet Zacharias responded not with faith but with skepticism: “Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years” (Luke 1:18). Yeah, that was the wrong answer.
You see, Zacharias was a learned man, a priest familiar with the Scriptures and the history of God’s miracles. He knew of Abraham and Sarah, who bore Isaac in their old age. Yet in this moment, he trusted his knowledge of biology and human limitations more than the word of God delivered by Gabriel. His response revealed a heart that, though righteous, struggled to fully believe in God’s ability to work beyond human reasoning.
Might that perhaps describe you? Might you relate with Zacharias?
Gabriel’s response was swift and direct: “I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings. And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words” (Luke 1:19-20).
Essentially, Gabriel is saying: Do you know who I am? Do you know to whom you are speaking? I’m an angel who stands in the presence of the God of this universe! The God you are making offerings to! The God you claim to worship! The God who sent me to bring you glad tidings! And yet…you refuse to believe!?
For this offense to God, Gabriel declares that Zacharias will be unable to speak until the things prophecied come to pass.
Zacharias’ punishment was significant. First, he was a priest! A priest unable to speak? That’s a noticeable punishment and a potentially career-ending disability. But it carried an emotional and spiritual blow as well. As a priest, Zacharias was a servant of God, tasked with proclaiming His truth to the people. Yet in this moment of doubt, Zacharias demonstrated that he had nothing of value to say, for a servant of God who does not believe God’s Word cannot effectively communicate it to others.
Zacharias was not an irreligious or rebellious man. He was devout and honorable, yet his doubt in the face of divine revelation shows us how easy it is to lean on our own understanding rather than trusting in God’s Word.
Zacharias’ story ultimately ends with joy and restoration when his son, John, is born, and his tongue is loosed to praise God. But the lesson of his silence remains a powerful reminder for us to trust in God, even when His plans seem beyond our understanding.
So, let me ask you: Do you trust God at His Word?
Never forget that we serve a God who can do miracles–a God worthy of your trust.
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