Zechariah and Elizabeth — Bible story for kids

Long ago, in the hill country of Judea, there lived a priest named Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth. They loved God and obeyed him faithfully. They were old, and they had no children. For many years, they had prayed for a child. Still, they waited and trusted God.

One day, Zechariah went to serve at the Temple in Jerusalem. He was chosen by lot to enter the holy place and burn incense. While the people prayed outside, Zechariah stood beside the altar of incense.

Suddenly, an angel appeared at the right side of the altar. Zechariah was startled and afraid.

The angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah. Your prayer has been heard. Elizabeth will have a son, and you shall name him John.”

The angel explained that John would bring great joy. God’s Spirit would be with him, and he would help many people turn back to the Lord. John would prepare people for the Lord’s coming.

Zechariah looked at the angel in wonder. He and Elizabeth were already old. “How can I be sure?” he asked.

The angel answered, “I am Gabriel. I stand in God’s presence, and God sent me to bring you this good news. Because you did not believe my words, you will not be able to speak until they come true.”

Outside, the people wondered why Zechariah was taking so long. When he finally came out, he could not say a word. He made signs with his hands, and the people understood that he had seen a vision.

When Zechariah’s time of service ended, he went home. Soon Elizabeth knew that she was going to have a baby. She rejoiced because the Lord had shown her kindness.

At last, the promised baby was born. Elizabeth’s neighbors and relatives shared her joy. On the eighth day, they came to circumcise the child. They wanted to name him Zechariah, after his father.

But Elizabeth said, “No. He shall be called John.”

The people were surprised because no one in their family had that name. They made signs to Zechariah and asked what he wanted the baby to be called.

Zechariah asked for a writing tablet. Then he wrote, “His name is John.”

At once, Zechariah could speak again! His first words were words of praise to God. Everyone nearby was filled with wonder. They knew the Lord’s hand was with this child.

Filled with the Holy Spirit, Zechariah praised God for remembering his promises. He said that little John would be a prophet of the Most High. John would go before the Lord and prepare his ways. He would tell people about forgiveness and salvation.

Zechariah spoke of God’s mercy like a sunrise from heaven, shining on people who sat in darkness and guiding their feet into the way of peace.

God had heard a prayer offered long ago. He had kept his promise. And baby John would grow up to prepare the way for Jesus.