Now, in verse 18, we observe Zechariah's response after carefully listening to the angel. He inquires of the angel, "How shall I know this?" It's worth noting that, as previously mentioned, Zechariah was likely well-versed in the scriptures, being a high priest. He was aware that, in the Old Testament, there were instances of elderly individuals, like Abraham, being blessed with children in their old age. Moreover, the scriptures also contained accounts of miraculous occurrences, such as Elijah raising the dead and Jeremiah's encounter with bones regaining flesh.
So, when the angel delivered the message about Zechariah and Elizabeth having a child, it might have seemed reasonable for Zechariah not to doubt it. However, he expresses his doubt by saying, "How shall I know this? For I am old, and my wife is also old."
In response, the angel discloses his name to Zechariah, saying, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God. I am the angel who brings messages to people, yet you did not believe me." The mention of Gabriel's name should have resonated with Zechariah, as this is the same angel who delivered a message to the prophet Daniel in the Book of Daniel.
The angel proceeds to inform Zechariah that, because he did not believe the message delivered by the angel from God, he will be rendered mute until all these events come to pass.
Moving to verse 21, the people are waiting outside while Zechariah is within, tending to his duty of burning incense. It has been an extended period since his entry, far beyond the usual time for this task. The onlookers, concerned, might have tugged on the rope, which was a customary precaution to ensure the high priest was still alive. However, there would have been a response from Zechariah that indicated that he was still around.
Finally, when Zechariah emerges, it becomes apparent that he cannot speak. He attempts to communicate with signs, and the observers realize that he must have encountered an angel.
For the duration of his term, Zechariah fulfills his duties in silence. After his term concludes, he returns home. Some days later, his wife, Elizabeth, conceives. Elizabeth, initially concealed her condition for five months, likely due to disbelief that pregnancy could occur at her age and to avoid unwelcome questions from others.
However, upon confirming her pregnancy, she turns to the Lord in prayer, expressing gratitude. She acknowledges that God has looked upon her favorably and taken away the reproach she had endured. In Israel, the inability to bear children was often seen as a sign of reproach or a curse, and Elizabeth was relieved that this reproach had been lifted.
Starting from verse 26, we delve into the account of the angelic announcement of Jesus' birth to Mary. In the town of Nazareth, nestled in the region of Galilee, lived a righteous man named Joseph. He was a carpenter by trade. Joseph was betrothed to a virtuous young woman named Mary, who led a righteous life.
Then, a divine interruption occurred. An angel of the Lord appeared to Mary, addressing her in distinctive words, saying, "Rejoice, highly favored one." This title bestowed upon Mary carries a profound meaning, often translated as "full of grace," signifying God's favor. The angel's message is accompanied by the reassuring statement, "The Lord is with you." This declaration is meant to offer solace, emphasizing that whatever follows in the message should not cause worry because the Lord is on her side.
The angel further proclaims, "Blessed are you among women." This phrase carries deep significance, for in the Old Testament, no other woman had been declared blessed by an angel in this manner. It signifies a tremendous blessing to be bestowed upon Mary. She is chosen to bear the child who is none other than Jehovah God.
However, as awe-inspiring as this divine visitation was, it understandably troubled Mary. She was not only afraid but also troubled in her heart, chiefly because of the peculiar nature of the angel's greeting. The angel, noting her fear, reassured her, saying, "Do not be afraid, for you have found favor with God."
Now, the angel proceeds to deliver the main message. Mary is informed that she will conceive and give birth to a son. Notably, the name "Jesus" is given directly by God, not by any human being. The angel proceeds to describe this child's ministry and characteristics. He will be "great" and will be referred to as the "Son of the Highest," signifying the Son of God. The Lord God will bestow upon Him the throne of His father David.
Although at this point, Mary might have thought that her son would become a future king, overthrowing rulers like Herod and the Romans, the angel's next words would clarify the child's true nature. The angel states, "He will reign over the house of Jacob forever." This suggests that His reign transcends time and is not merely an earthly kingship.
Furthermore, the angel proclaims, "Of His kingdom, there will be no end." This declaration underscores the eternal nature of this child's kingdom, unlike any earthly kingdom with a finite existence.
Mary, pondering these remarkable words, seeks clarification, expressing her question, "How is this possible, since I do not know a man?" Unlike Zechariah's question, which revolved around certainty, Mary's inquiry pertains to the possibility of such an event, given her unmarried status and lack of marital relations. The distinct questions prompt different responses from the angel, tailored to their specific circumstances.
We can observe that in response to Mary's question, the angel provides a clear explanation. In contrast to Zechariah's query, which led to the angel's annoyance and the subsequent punishment, Mary receives a thoughtful response.
The angel explains that the Holy Spirit will descend upon her, and the power of the Highest will overshadow her, leading to her conception. Thus, she will not become pregnant through human means but by the Holy Spirit. As a result, the child she bears will be called the Holy One and the Son of God.
The angel also shares the remarkable news that Mary's relative, Elizabeth, is currently in her sixth month of pregnancy. Though the exact nature of their relationship is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, historical documents suggest that Elizabeth was, in fact, Mary's aunt or sister of Mary's mother. In other words, this relationship makes John the Baptist the uncle of Jesus. The revelation that Elizabeth is in her sixth month of pregnancy implies that there is only a seven-month age difference between Jesus and John the Baptist.
Upon hearing this, Mary humbly submits to God's will, declaring herself as His handmaid and servant. She willingly accepts whatever the Lord has ordained for her. With Mary's acceptance, the angel completes his mission and departs.
So, when the angel delivered the message about Zechariah and Elizabeth having a child, it might have seemed reasonable for Zechariah not to doubt it. However, he expresses his doubt by saying, "How shall I know this? For I am old, and my wife is also old."
In response, the angel discloses his name to Zechariah, saying, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God. I am the angel who brings messages to people, yet you did not believe me." The mention of Gabriel's name should have resonated with Zechariah, as this is the same angel who delivered a message to the prophet Daniel in the Book of Daniel.
The angel proceeds to inform Zechariah that, because he did not believe the message delivered by the angel from God, he will be rendered mute until all these events come to pass.
Moving to verse 21, the people are waiting outside while Zechariah is within, tending to his duty of burning incense. It has been an extended period since his entry, far beyond the usual time for this task. The onlookers, concerned, might have tugged on the rope, which was a customary precaution to ensure the high priest was still alive. However, there would have been a response from Zechariah that indicated that he was still around.
Finally, when Zechariah emerges, it becomes apparent that he cannot speak. He attempts to communicate with signs, and the observers realize that he must have encountered an angel.
For the duration of his term, Zechariah fulfills his duties in silence. After his term concludes, he returns home. Some days later, his wife, Elizabeth, conceives. Elizabeth, initially concealed her condition for five months, likely due to disbelief that pregnancy could occur at her age and to avoid unwelcome questions from others.
However, upon confirming her pregnancy, she turns to the Lord in prayer, expressing gratitude. She acknowledges that God has looked upon her favorably and taken away the reproach she had endured. In Israel, the inability to bear children was often seen as a sign of reproach or a curse, and Elizabeth was relieved that this reproach had been lifted.
Starting from verse 26, we delve into the account of the angelic announcement of Jesus' birth to Mary. In the town of Nazareth, nestled in the region of Galilee, lived a righteous man named Joseph. He was a carpenter by trade. Joseph was betrothed to a virtuous young woman named Mary, who led a righteous life.
Then, a divine interruption occurred. An angel of the Lord appeared to Mary, addressing her in distinctive words, saying, "Rejoice, highly favored one." This title bestowed upon Mary carries a profound meaning, often translated as "full of grace," signifying God's favor. The angel's message is accompanied by the reassuring statement, "The Lord is with you." This declaration is meant to offer solace, emphasizing that whatever follows in the message should not cause worry because the Lord is on her side.
The angel further proclaims, "Blessed are you among women." This phrase carries deep significance, for in the Old Testament, no other woman had been declared blessed by an angel in this manner. It signifies a tremendous blessing to be bestowed upon Mary. She is chosen to bear the child who is none other than Jehovah God.
However, as awe-inspiring as this divine visitation was, it understandably troubled Mary. She was not only afraid but also troubled in her heart, chiefly because of the peculiar nature of the angel's greeting. The angel, noting her fear, reassured her, saying, "Do not be afraid, for you have found favor with God."
Now, the angel proceeds to deliver the main message. Mary is informed that she will conceive and give birth to a son. Notably, the name "Jesus" is given directly by God, not by any human being. The angel proceeds to describe this child's ministry and characteristics. He will be "great" and will be referred to as the "Son of the Highest," signifying the Son of God. The Lord God will bestow upon Him the throne of His father David.
Although at this point, Mary might have thought that her son would become a future king, overthrowing rulers like Herod and the Romans, the angel's next words would clarify the child's true nature. The angel states, "He will reign over the house of Jacob forever." This suggests that His reign transcends time and is not merely an earthly kingship.
Furthermore, the angel proclaims, "Of His kingdom, there will be no end." This declaration underscores the eternal nature of this child's kingdom, unlike any earthly kingdom with a finite existence.
Mary, pondering these remarkable words, seeks clarification, expressing her question, "How is this possible, since I do not know a man?" Unlike Zechariah's question, which revolved around certainty, Mary's inquiry pertains to the possibility of such an event, given her unmarried status and lack of marital relations. The distinct questions prompt different responses from the angel, tailored to their specific circumstances.
We can observe that in response to Mary's question, the angel provides a clear explanation. In contrast to Zechariah's query, which led to the angel's annoyance and the subsequent punishment, Mary receives a thoughtful response.
The angel explains that the Holy Spirit will descend upon her, and the power of the Highest will overshadow her, leading to her conception. Thus, she will not become pregnant through human means but by the Holy Spirit. As a result, the child she bears will be called the Holy One and the Son of God.
The angel also shares the remarkable news that Mary's relative, Elizabeth, is currently in her sixth month of pregnancy. Though the exact nature of their relationship is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, historical documents suggest that Elizabeth was, in fact, Mary's aunt or sister of Mary's mother. In other words, this relationship makes John the Baptist the uncle of Jesus. The revelation that Elizabeth is in her sixth month of pregnancy implies that there is only a seven-month age difference between Jesus and John the Baptist.
Upon hearing this, Mary humbly submits to God's will, declaring herself as His handmaid and servant. She willingly accepts whatever the Lord has ordained for her. With Mary's acceptance, the angel completes his mission and departs.
