Big Idea: Zechariah struggles to believe that God will answer his prayers. He focuses on his circumstances instead of the ability of God to fulfill his promises. He serves as a reminder that if we trust in God He will never disappoint us.
Zechariah’s _____________________________ to Believe
Luke 1:18 (ESV) And Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.”
Luke 1:18 (NASB95) — 18 Zacharias said to the angel, “How will I know this for certain? For I am an old man and my wife is advanced in years.”
Gen. 15:1-8
According to John Chrysostom, the famous preacher from Constantinople, “Zechariah looked at his age, his gray hair, his body that had lost its strength. He looked at his wife’s sterility, and he refused to accept on faith what the angel revealed would come to pass.”
Zechariah believed in God’s power in principle but not in practice. He believed in God’s goodness in theory, but not in actuality.
Gabriel’s _________________ and __________________ Presence
Luke 1:19 (ESV) And the angel answered him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news.
Angelos =
Euangelio =
Luke 20:9-18
The good news or the gospel encompasses all that God has done and continues to do for his people throughout all of human history.
Romans 1:16–17 (ESV) — 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”
God’s ______________________________ of Zechariah’s Speech
Luke 1:20 And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.”
The consequences of unbelief can often be more than we can bear. What Zechariah is teaching us is that it is better to believe God in what seems impossible than to refuse to believe and suffer the consequences. God is worthy of our trust in Him.
Questions to Consider
Why did Zechariah struggle to believe God? What circumstances are you facing that might seem impossible for God to overcome? How is he calling you to trust in Him?
What were the consequences of Zechariah’s unbelief? What does this tell us about trusting in God’s promises?
