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Saint Zechariah of Jerusalem

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Saint Zechariah of Jerusalem

Birth
Hebron, West Bank
Death
23 Sep 10
Jerusalem, West Bank
Burial
Burial Details Unknown Add to Map
Memorial ID
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Zechariah, a priest in the temple in Jerusalem, played a key role in God's plan of salvation because of his righteousness and obedience.

He was a member of the clan of Abijah (a descendant of Aaron), Zechariah went to the temple to carry out his priestly duties. At the time of Jesus Christ, there were about 7,000 priests in Israel, divided into 24 clans. Each clan served at the temple twice a year, for a week each time.

Luke tells us Zechariah was chosen by lot that morning to offer incense in the Holy Place, the temple's inner chamber where only priests were allowed. As Zechariah was praying, the angel Gabriel appeared at the right side of the altar. Gabriel told the old man that his prayer for a son would be answered.

Zechariah's wife Elizabeth would give birth and they were to name the baby John. Further, Gabriel said John would be a great man who would lead many to the Lord and would be a prophet announcing the Messiah. Zechariah was doubtful because of his and his wife's old age. The angel struck him deaf and mute because of his lack of faith until the child would be born.

After Zechariah returned home, Elizabeth did conceive. In her sixth month, she was visited by her kinswoman Mary. Mary had been told by the angel Gabriel that she would give birth to the Savior, Jesus. When Mary greeted Elizabeth, the baby in Elizabeth's womb leaped for joy.

Filled with the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth proclaimed Mary's blessedness and favor with God.

When her time came, Elizabeth gave birth to a boy. Elizabeth insisted his name be John. When neighbors and relatives made signs to Zechariah about the baby's name, the old priest took a wax writing tablet and wrote, "His name is John."

Immediately Zechariah regained his speech and hearing. Filled with the Holy Spirit, he praised God and prophesied about his son's life.

Their son grew up in the wilderness and became John the Baptist, the prophet who proclaimed Jesus Christ.
Zechariah, a priest in the temple in Jerusalem, played a key role in God's plan of salvation because of his righteousness and obedience.

He was a member of the clan of Abijah (a descendant of Aaron), Zechariah went to the temple to carry out his priestly duties. At the time of Jesus Christ, there were about 7,000 priests in Israel, divided into 24 clans. Each clan served at the temple twice a year, for a week each time.

Luke tells us Zechariah was chosen by lot that morning to offer incense in the Holy Place, the temple's inner chamber where only priests were allowed. As Zechariah was praying, the angel Gabriel appeared at the right side of the altar. Gabriel told the old man that his prayer for a son would be answered.

Zechariah's wife Elizabeth would give birth and they were to name the baby John. Further, Gabriel said John would be a great man who would lead many to the Lord and would be a prophet announcing the Messiah. Zechariah was doubtful because of his and his wife's old age. The angel struck him deaf and mute because of his lack of faith until the child would be born.

After Zechariah returned home, Elizabeth did conceive. In her sixth month, she was visited by her kinswoman Mary. Mary had been told by the angel Gabriel that she would give birth to the Savior, Jesus. When Mary greeted Elizabeth, the baby in Elizabeth's womb leaped for joy.

Filled with the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth proclaimed Mary's blessedness and favor with God.

When her time came, Elizabeth gave birth to a boy. Elizabeth insisted his name be John. When neighbors and relatives made signs to Zechariah about the baby's name, the old priest took a wax writing tablet and wrote, "His name is John."

Immediately Zechariah regained his speech and hearing. Filled with the Holy Spirit, he praised God and prophesied about his son's life.

Their son grew up in the wilderness and became John the Baptist, the prophet who proclaimed Jesus Christ.


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