Lesson Five
“A Son in Old Age”
Scripture Reference: Luke 1:5-80
Elisabeth means God is my oath.
Elisabeth was from the family of Aaron. Elisabeth was the wife of Zacharias, the priest. Elisabeth was a wise woman who learned to depend upon God.
THE GODLY COUPLE — Both Zacharias and Elisabeth were righteous before God. They followed the law. They obeyed God in all ways. Every Jewish woman wanted the blessing of being the mother of the promised Messiah. Zacharias and Elisabeth had prayed many years for a child and now it looked hopeless because they were old in years. Though disappointed, still they continued serving the Lord faithfully. Learn to keep going to no matter what happens! Do not give up!
THE GREAT COMMAND — Zacharias was burning incense before the Lord in the temple. The angel, Gabriel, appeared to him. The angel told Zacharias their prayers had been heard and Elisabeth would have a baby boy. The name of the baby would be John. Then the angel assured Zacharias they would have joy and gladness and many would rejoice at the birth of John. God commanded that the child would be special and prepare the way for the coming Lord (Luke 1:13-17).
13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
14 And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at this birth.
15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost even from his mother’s womb.
16 And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.
17 And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; (Right) to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
The child would be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother’s womb. The commands of God are always true and faithful. He promised a son to be born. Zacharias was amazed and unable to fully believe the words of the angel. Therefore, Zacharias became dumb (mute, cannot speak) until after the birth of John.
THE GODLY CHILD — The angel, Gabriel, appeared to the Virgin Mary and told her she would be the mother of the Son of God (Jesus). The angel also told Mary that her cousin Elisabeth was going to have a baby. With God all things are possible. (Luke 1:37). Mary went to visit Elisabeth. As soon as Elisabeth heard the voice of Mary, the baby in her womb leaped as if to welcome the baby that Mary would have. Elisabeth and the baby were both affected by the Holy Ghost (Spirit). Elisabeth honored Mary by calling her “The mother of my Lord.” Elisabeth was not jealous of Mary, but showed deep respect and love to Mary (Titus 2:3-5).
3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
5 To be discreet (Self control, right thinking.) chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed (Curse God, say bad things about God).
They rejoiced together at what God was doing in their lives. After about three months, Mary returned to her own home. Elisabeth gave birth to a baby boy. When the baby was taken to the temple, the people wanted to name him Zacharias, the same as his father. Elisabeth said “No, his name is John. Then Zacharias, who was still mute (could not speak), wrote on a writing tablet and said, “His name is John.” Immediately Zacharias could speak again. He praised God for His goodness (Luke 1:57-66).
THE BIRTH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST
57 Now Elisabeth’s full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.
58 And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had showed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.
59 And it came to pass (it happened), that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.
60 And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.
61 And they said unto. her, There is none of thy kindred (Family, relatives that is called by this name.)
62 And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.
63 And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled (Surprise) all.
64 And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praise God.
65 And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea.
66 And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.
Zacharias and Elisabeth were privileged to be the parents of John the Baptist.
A Thought to Remember — If your prayers are not answered quickly, just keep on praying. God hears, and He will answer in His time and in His way. Do not give up! With God all things are possible (Luke 1:37).
Lesson to Learn — This lesson teaches that all things are possible with God. There is no prayer, person or problem that is too hard for God. All things mean all things. Do you have a problem or personal need in your life? Have you asked God to help?
“I can do all things through Christ.”
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.