Study Guide: The Birth of John Foretold and Fulfilled

Zacharias writes John's name

Study Guide: The Birth of John Foretold and Fulfilled

Scripture: Luke 1:6–25; 57–66 (ESV)

Background Context

The Gospel of Luke opens with a detailed account of the events leading up to the birth of Jesus, beginning with the miraculous story of Zechariah and Elizabeth. They were righteous and blameless in God's eyes, but they had no children and were advanced in age. God sends the angel Gabriel to announce the birth of their son, John, who would prepare the way for the Lord.

Section 1: God’s Promise to Zechariah (Luke 1:6–25)

Key Themes

• Righteousness in obscurity

• God hears and remembers

• Divine purpose in delayed blessings

• The consequences of unbelief

Summary

Zechariah, a priest, and his wife Elizabeth are described as righteous, yet they had no children. During his temple service, the angel Gabriel appears to Zechariah and tells him they will have a son named John. This child would be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from the womb, and would go before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah. Zechariah doubts the message, and as a result, he is struck mute until the promise is fulfilled.

Reflection Questions

1. Why do you think Luke emphasizes that Zechariah and Elizabeth were “righteous” even though they were childless?

2. How do you respond when God delays answering your prayers?

3. What does Zechariah’s temporary muteness teach us about faith and trust in God’s word?

Journal Prompts

• Write about a time when God’s timing differed from your expectations.

• Reflect on areas of unbelief in your life and what it would look like to surrender them to God.

Personal Prayer

“Lord, help me to trust in Your promises even when I cannot see how they will unfold. Strengthen my faith like Zechariah’s, and give me the courage to believe even when I feel uncertain.”

Section 2: The Birth and Naming of John (Luke 1:57–66)

Key Themes

• God fulfills His promises

• Obedience to God’s instruction

• Community astonishment and awe

• God's hand on a child from birth

Summary

Elizabeth gives birth to a son, and at his circumcision, everyone expects him to be named after his father. But Elizabeth insists his name is John, and when Zechariah writes the same on a tablet, his speech is miraculously restored. The people are amazed and sense that God's hand is on this child. This moment fulfills Gabriel's prophecy and confirms God's faithfulness.

Reflection Questions

1. Why was it significant that John was not named after his father?

2. How does obedience, even in small things like a name, demonstrate faith?

3. What impact did John's birth have on the people around Zechariah and Elizabeth?

Journal Prompts

• Have you ever experienced a moment where God clearly fulfilled a promise? Record that story.

• How do you respond when God moves in miraculous or unexpected ways?

Personal Prayer

“Father, thank You for being a promise-keeping God. Help me to walk in obedience, even in the details. May my life reflect the joy of Your fulfilled word.”

Digging Deeper: Key Verses to Meditate On

• Luke 1:13 – “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard...”

• Luke 1:20 – “And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place...”

• Luke 1:66 – “For the hand of the Lord was with him.”

Application

This passage teaches us that:

• God is faithful, even when He seems silent.

• Delays are not denials; they often prepare us for something greater.

• Faith and obedience are deeply connected.

• God uses our stories to impact others.