An angel told the priest Zechariah that his wife Elizabeth would have a son named John, who would prepare the way for the Lord (Luke 1:13-17). John was born and would later become the prophet who prepared people for the coming of Jesus.
"Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John." (Luke 1:13)
"He will go on before the Lord." (Luke 1:17)
"What then is this child going to be?" (Luke 1:66)
Zechariah was a priest, and his wife Elizabeth was unable to have children. One day while Zechariah was serving in the temple, an angel appeared to him and told him that Elizabeth would have a son and they were to name him John. Zechariah did not believe the message at first, and he became unable to speak until the child was born.
When the time came, Elizabeth gave birth to a son. On the day the child was named, Zechariah wrote that the child's name would be John, and immediately he could speak again and praised God. People wondered what the child would become because they could see that God was with him.
John grew up and later became a prophet who preached repentance and prepared people for the coming of Jesus.
(Click the "Read Commentary" button)
There are many dozens of bible narratives that have become deeply engrained in western culture. Most are best understood when the culture and customs that surround them are known.
Also, the study of history and archeology often provide us with a foundation for a more complete picture of people and events found within bible narratives.
Evidence continues to be discovered in architectural inscriptions, artwork and other artifacts that encourage us to believe in the historicity of the bible.
© 2026 AVisitWithJesus
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
