Luke 1:5–17: The Angel’s Announcement of John the Baptist

June 9, 2026

The Ten Signposts of the Bible
CAMDE—400—CALY
Creation. Abraham. Moses. David. Elijah. 400. Christ. Apostles. Letters. Yet-to-Come.

When Malachi, the last Old Testament prophet, completed his book in 400 BC, God did not send another prophet for the next 400 years. These centuries are often called "the silent years." Yet even during that time God was at work. He shifted world power from Persia to Greece and then to Rome. By the time Jesus came, the world was experiencing the Pax Romana (the peace of Rome), shared a common Greek language, and was connected by Roman roads throughout the empire. So, when "the fullness of time had come" God sent Jesus, "born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons" (Gal. 4:4–5). 

Now the silence is over as Luke introduces a new prophet. 

Luke sets the historical framework for the new prophet's arrival. It was during the time of Herod the Great (Lk. 1:5). Herod was an Idumean (from Edom) and made his mark on history by being a great builder. One of his projects was to expand the Jewish temple and that's where this story takes place.

Luke notes that "there was a priest named Zechariah (his name means "remembered by Yahweh"), of the division of Abijah" (Lk. 1:5). The Levites, whom God appointed to serve as priests, were originally organized into twenty-four divisions, though only four groups returned from exile (1 Chron. 24:7–18). The division of Abijah was regarded as one of the least prestigious. Even so, Zechariah was married to Elizabeth, a woman of distinguished priestly lineage, whose family traced back to Aaron, the brother of Moses. 

Zechariah and Elizabeth belonged to the priestly line in more than name alone; for them, it was far more than a mere religious tradition. Yet, "they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years" (Lk. 1:7). In Jewish culture, childlessness was often viewed as a sign of divine disfavor. Luke makes clear, however, that this was not the case with them, for they were "both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statues of the Lord" (Lk. 1:6). This does not mean that they were perfect or without sin. Rather, it highlights their devotion to God and their faithful worship, as they sought to live in obedience to him. 

Because of the large number of priests in Zechariah's day, the priest chosen to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense was selected "by lot" when his division was on duty (Lk. 1:9). This would be the only time in Zechariah's life that he would perform this task.^[1] The burning of incense was associated with a time of prayer, and as Zechariah carried out his duties, he was praying for Elizabeth to have a child. During this time, "there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense" (Lk. 1:11). 

Of course, Zechariah was terrified. The angel said what angels often say when they appear: "Do not be afraid." He assured the priest, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son…" (Lk. 1:13). Then the angel gave him specific details about the promised son. 

"You shall call his name John" (Lk. 1:13). In Hebrew, this name means "one whom God has graciously given" or "Yahweh is gracious."

"And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth…" (Lk. 1:14). Elizabeth responded to the news of her pregnancy with great joy, recognizing that the Lord had "looked on [her], to take away [her] reproach…"(Lk. 1:25). At John's birth, Zechariah burst forth in praise and proclaimed a prophecy that we will consider later (Lk. 1:67–79). In addition, their son would prepare the way for Jesus, bringing joy not only to his parents but also to many others. 

"...For he will be great before the Lord" (Lk. 1:15). Jesus said of John, "I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John" (Lk. 7:28). 

"He must not drink wine or strong drink…" (Lk. 1:15). John was to be a Nazarite, a life given completely to serve the Lord. 

"...And he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb" (Lk. 1:15). God's power would rest on John even before his birth. As Bible scholar Robert Utley notes, "This special presence and activity of the Spirit had been missing for 400 years. The new age of the Spirit had come."^[2] Later when Mary visited Elizabeth, John "leaped for joy" in the womb (Lk. 1:44). 

"And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God…" (Lk. 1:16). John would preach a message of repentance to prepare the people for Jesus. He would also point many directly to him, introducing the Lord as "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29). 

"...And [John] will go before [Jesus] in the spirit and power of Elijah . . . to make ready for the Lord a people prepared" (Lk. 1:17). The angel pointed back to the last prophet, Malachi, who wrote, "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes.⁶ And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers…" (Mal. 4:5–6). Just as Elisha continued the ministry of Elijah in the Old Testament, now John continues Elijah's ministry in the New Testament. 

Next time we'll consider Zechariah's response to this angel who stands in the presence of God. 

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD
Read and reflect on Luke 1:5–17. In what ways can you help prepare others to know and follow Jesus, as John the Baptist did?

Talking to God: Ask God to help you share with others who Jesus is and what he means in your life. 

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