The Angel Gabriel Announces the Birth of John The Baptist, the Forerunner of the Messiah (Luke 1:5-25)

In the days of Herod, King of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah of the priestly division of Abijah; his wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.  6 Both were righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly.  7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren and both were advanced in years.  8 Once when he was serving as priest in his division’s turn before God, 9 according to the practice of the priestly service, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord to burn incense.  10 Then, when the whole assembly of the people was praying outside at the hour of the incense offering, 11 the angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right of the altar of incense. 12 Zechariah was troubled by what he saw, and fear came upon him.  13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John.  14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of [the] Lord. He will drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb, 16 and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah to turn the hearts of fathers toward children and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to prepare a people fit for the Lord.”  18 Then Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” 19 And the angel said to him in reply, “I am Gabriel, who stand before God. I was sent to speak to you and to announce to you this good news.  20 But now you will be speechless and unable to talk until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.  21 Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah and were amazed that he stayed so long in the sanctuary. 22 But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He was gesturing to them but remained mute.  23 Then, when his days of ministry were completed, he went home.  24 After this time his wife Elizabeth conceived, and she went into seclusion for five months, saying, 25“So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit to take away my disgrace before others.” 

The announcement of the birth of John the Baptist (JBap) by the angel Gabriel to Zechariah occurred during the reign of Herod the Great (37–4 BC), situating the event firmly in historical reality while pointing to its role in the unfolding of salvation history.  Zechariah, a priest of the division of Abijah (1 Chronicles 24:10), and Elizabeth, a descendant of Aaron, were both connected to Israel’s priestly heritage.  This heritage underscores not only their role within the covenant community but also their exemplary righteousness and fidelity to Jewish covenant traditions.  They live according to God’s will and trust in Him, even amid the personal trial of childlessness.  This reflects their deep commitment to living out the faith entrusted to them as members of the priestly lineage.  

Zechariah and Elizabeth were childless and advanced in years, a condition that mirrors Old Testament accounts of Sarah (Genesis 18:11) and Hannah (1 Samuel 1:5-7), highlighting a recurring biblical theme: God’s power to act where human ability ends, fulfilling His promises through miraculous means.

Zechariah’s selection to burn incense in the temple was a rare and significant privilege, emphasizing divine providence, as he was chosen by lot.  Burning incense, a central aspect of priestly service, symbolized sacred prayers rising to God (Psalm 141:2).  The assembly of people praying outside underscores the communal nature of this offering as the prayers of the faithful joined with Zechariah’s priestly act in the temple.  

Gabriel’s appearance at the altar signifies a direct divine intervention. Zechariah’s fear reflects the typical human reaction to divine manifestations (Judges 6:22; Isaiah 6:5), underscoring the awe and gravity of the moment.  Gabriel reassures Zechariah and announces the fulfillment of his petitions.  John’s birth will bring profound joy to his parents and many others, as his mission fulfills Malachi’s prophecy (Malachi 3:1; 4:5-6), signaling the eschatological restoration of Israel and preparing the way for the Messiah.  Gabriel explains John’s consecration through a Nazarite-like vow (Numbers 6:2-4) and his prophetic vocation, marked by being filled with the Holy Spirit even from the womb, a sign of divine origin.

John’s mission fulfills Malachi’s prophecy (Malachi 3:1; 4:5-6), signaling the eschatological restoration of Israel and the preparation for the coming of the Lord.  His role as the forerunner involves calling people to repentance, turning their hearts back to God, and readying them for the arrival of the Messiah.  

When Gabriel announces this miraculous plan, Zechariah doubts the possibility due to his and Elizabeth’s advanced age.  This response contrasts with Mary’s faith in a similar situation (Luke 1:34-38), where she seeks understanding without disbelief. Zechariah’s doubt reflects a failure to trust in God’s power, even in the face of a divine message delivered by an angel.  As a consequence of his unbelief, Zechariah is temporarily struck mute.

Zechariah’s extended stay in the sanctuary sparked astonishment among the people gathered outside. According to the custom, a priest would perform the incense offering relatively quickly, as the people outside participated in prayer during this sacred act (Luke 1:10).  When Zechariah emerged from the sanctuary unable to speak, the people immediately understood that he had experienced a divine vision.  His inability to speak was a punishment for his initial disbelief (Luke 1:20) and a sign of God’s intervention in human history.  

After completing his priestly service in the temple, Zechariah returned home.  Elizabeth’s conception marks the fulfillment of the angel Gabriel’s announcement and reflects God’s faithfulness to His promises.  Her five-month seclusion offers a time of reflection and preparation, and her praise echoes Sarah’s response in Genesis 21:6-7, rejoicing in the removal of her disgrace.  This joyful fulfillment highlights God’s power to transform lives and His faithfulness to those who trust in Him.  

Almighty God, we thank You for the faithfulness of Zechariah and Elizabeth, and for Your wondrous plan revealed through the birth of John the Baptist.  Help us to trust in Your promises, even when they seem impossible, and prepare our hearts to receive Your Son, Jesus Christ. This we pray through Christ our Lord.  Amen!.

                                                       

Sources

• McSorley, Joseph. An Outline History of the Church by Centuries (From St. Peter to Pius XII). 2nd ed., B. Herder Book Co., 1944.
• Orchard, Bernard, et al. A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture. Feb. 1953.
• Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
• Faculty of the University of Navarre. The Navarre Bible: New Testament Expanded Edition. Four Courts / Scepter, 2008.
• Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Prentice Hall, 1990.
• Charpentier, Etienne. How to Read the Old Testament. Translated by John Bowden, 1981.
• Komonchak, Joseph, et al., editors. The New Dictionary of Theology.