Luke 1:5-7 (ESV)
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. And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years.
The above story is about the parents of John the Baptist. Luke is writing his story to provide an accurate account of the gospel message to someone of significant status in the days of the early church:
Luke 1:3-4 (ESV)
it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.
We have no idea who this person is. We only have Luke’s one line description. But we do know Luke’s purpose. He wants to write to Tehophilus (which means, friend of God) an accurate and orderly account of the story of Jesus. This account begins with the birth of John the Baptist and his parents Zechariah and Elizabeth. Here is what Luke tells us:
1. They are of the tribe of Levi (the priestly line) and Aaron. Aaron was the first priest of Israel, but the tribe of Levi was the priestly line. John the Baptist had a very high status coming from both the Levi priestly line and the Aaron priestly line. Here is what Jesus said about him:
Matthew 11:11 (ESV)
Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
2. They were righteous people as demonstrated by their obedience to God. It reads that they walked blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. That is a high statement of praise by the Spirit of God regarding their life. Few are referred to as blameless in the Bible (Noah, Job).
3. They had no children and, in fact, Elizabeth is referred to as barren. Being barren in the days of Christ was to be significantly scared socially. The entire story of John the Baptist and Jesus’ brith is an irony of societal norms. An older woman with no children vs a virgin with child. This was God’s way of breaking into history.
God saw Elizabeth and chose her to bear a son who would be the forerunner of Christ. God intervened in her life. This would be a special boy. God chose her and Zechariah to be his parents. When God intervenes in life He knows every conditions we face. He sends what we exactly need and equips us for each event we have.
Hebrews 13:21 (ESV)
equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
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