The story of elizabeth and zechariah – एलिजाबेथ और जकर्याह की कहानी
The story of Elizabeth and Zechariah is a significant narrative found in the Christian New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Luke. It precedes the birth of Jesus and sets the stage for the coming of the Messiah.
Zechariah was a Jewish priest, and his wife, Elizabeth, was a descendant of Aaron (the brother of Moses and a high priest). Both were righteous and devout, adhering strictly to the commandments and regulations of the Lord. However, they were childless and advanced in years, which was a source of social stigma at that time.
While Zechariah was performing his priestly duties in the temple, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary and burn incense, a great honor for a priest.
While inside, the angel Gabriel appeared to him, startling Zechariah. Gabriel brought the good news that Elizabeth would bear a son, who should be named John.
Gabriel prophesied that John would be great in the sight of the Lord, filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth, and would turn many Israelites to the Lord their God. He would go before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous.
Because Zechariah doubted the angel’s words due to their old age, Gabriel declared that he would be mute until the day these things happened.
Elizabeth conceived as foretold. She remained in seclusion for five months, giving thanks to God for taking away her disgrace among the people.
Elizabeth was also related to Mary, the mother of Jesus. When Mary visited Elizabeth while she was pregnant with Jesus, John leaped in Elizabeth’s womb, filled with the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth blessed Mary and her unborn child, recognizing the significance of Mary’s child.
After John’s birth, when their neighbors and relatives wanted to name him Zechariah, Elizabeth insisted that his name was John. When they asked Zechariah, he wrote on a tablet, “His name is John,” regaining his speech immediately, praising God.
Zechariah, filled with the Holy Spirit, prophesied about John’s future role in salvation history and the coming of the Messiah.
The story of Elizabeth and Zechariah sets the stage for the birth of Jesus, indicating the fulfillment of God’s promises and the preparation for the Messiah.
Both the miraculous birth of John and the later birth of Jesus emphasize God’s power and the fulfillment of prophecy.
John would later become John the Baptist, a key figure in Christianity who baptized Jesus and prepared the way for his ministry.
The story of Elizabeth and Zechariah is a tale of faith, divine intervention, and the fulfillment of God’s promises, serving as a prelude to the central Christian narrative of Jesus Christ’s birth and ministry.
The story of elizabeth and zechariah – एलिजाबेथ और जकर्याह की कहानी
