Too often, we rush and we fail to slow down and consider the common sense of a Bible passage - in context. Like a learner in a reading class, let's break down a passage to see if we can comprehend it better. | Luke 1 (NASB): 18 Zechariah said to the angel, “How will I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in her years.” |
- Is Zechariah's question a rude one? Does it demonstrate a lack of faith? Why or why not?
- Must age be an excuse for not following God's plans? Explain.
- Who sent Gabriel on this mission to Zechariah? Did Zechariah know that before he was told?
- Why does Gabriel call this "good news"?
- Explain the importance of being silent. When should a Christian be silent?
Let's Think:
Because of his unbelief, Zechariah will be mute for a little while. That must have been a real blow to this priest. He's going to have some to think about the time when an angel of the Lord spoke to him directly and yet he did not believe what the angel said. In spite of Zechariah's unbelief, however, the angel says God's plan will go as intended. Nothing takes away God's ability to work.
Not only was Zechariah lacking faith in what Gabriel told him, but he seems to be making excuses. Does he or does he not want to have a son? He has asked for one, but now that the baby is coming, Zechariah seems to be rescinding his request. Is he really ready, at his age, to raise a child? Is his wife ready for that as well?
In many cases, especially in the Old Testament, the angel of the Lord is listed just like that - the angel of the Lord - but in this account the angel is identified by name - Gabriel. We think that the original text often indicates that the angel of the Lord in the Old Testament could be Jesus Himself (which changes how we view those texts). Zechariah does not have a line-of-sight on the Messiah, but he still has one of those eye-opening experiences that just makes you want to shout to the world. (Oh yeah, he can't talk.)