God’s Inclusion Through Elizabeth and Zechariah’s Story

Devotional

Day 1: God Works Through Ordinary, Overlooked People

God often chooses to work through those whom society overlooks or marginalizes, as seen in the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth—an elderly couple who felt set aside due to their inability to have children. Despite their ordinary status and the social stigma they endured, God included them in His extraordinary plan, using their lives to bring John the Baptist into the world. This reminds us that no one is too insignificant or forgotten to be part of God’s unfolding story, and that our ordinary lives can be vessels for God’s extraordinary purposes. [14:33]

Luke 1:5-7 (ESV)
In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years.

Reflection: Who in your life might feel overlooked or set aside, and how can you intentionally include or honor them this week as God does?

Day 2: God Hears Our Prayers and Acts in His Timing

Even when prayers seem unanswered for years, God hears and responds in His perfect timing, as shown when the angel Gabriel tells Zechariah that his prayers have been heard and that Elizabeth will bear a son. This moment in the Holy of Holies, after a lifetime of waiting, reveals that God’s answers may come unexpectedly and often in ways that surpass our understanding, inviting us to trust in His faithfulness even when hope seems lost. [02:12]

Luke 1:11-14 (ESV)
And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.”

Reflection: What is one prayer you have nearly given up on—can you bring it to God again today, trusting His timing?

Day 3: God’s Family Extends Beyond Blood Relations

God’s vision of family is much broader than our own, calling us to extend love, care, and resources beyond our immediate relatives to those who may not have family support. The story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, who lacked children and thus social standing, challenges us to consider how we might open our hearts and homes to those who are lonely or on the margins, especially during times of gathering and celebration. [16:11]

Matthew 12:48-50 (ESV)
But he replied to the man who told him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

Reflection: Is there someone outside your family you can invite to your table or support this week, embodying God’s wider family?

Day 4: God Calls Us to Prepare a Place of Belonging for Others

Just as John the Baptist was sent to prepare people to receive Jesus, we are called to make space for others—especially those who feel excluded—so that all may experience belonging and grace. Jesus modeled this by eating with those considered outsiders and by establishing a new table of welcome, reminding us that our hospitality can be a reflection of God’s inclusive love. [18:25]

Romans 15:7 (ESV)
Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

Reflection: Who might need to feel seen and welcomed in your community, and what is one concrete way you can extend hospitality to them this week?

Day 5: Our Ordinary Lives Are Part of God’s Extraordinary Story

The ongoing story of Jesus’ birth and promise to come again invites us to see our own ordinary lives as woven into God’s extraordinary narrative. As we prepare our hearts during Advent, we are reminded that God’s story is not finished, and we are invited to participate by opening our hearts, seeing those whom God sees, and being part of the blessing God is bringing to the world. [19:39]

Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Reflection: In what small, everyday way can you participate in God’s ongoing story of love and grace this Advent season?

Sermon Summary

As we begin our Advent journey, we look at the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth—an older couple, faithful and righteous, yet living with the pain and social stigma of childlessness. Their story reminds us that God’s extraordinary work often begins in the most ordinary lives, among those whom society may overlook or set aside. Zechariah, a priest at the end of his career, and Elizabeth, a descendant of Aaron, have spent their lives serving God and their community. Yet, despite their faithfulness, they have not received the blessing of children, which in their culture meant not only personal sorrow but also social marginalization and insecurity for the future.

In the midst of Zechariah’s daily duties, God interrupts the ordinary with the extraordinary. The angel Gabriel appears, announcing that their prayers have been heard and that Elizabeth will bear a son—John, who will prepare the way for the Lord. Zechariah’s initial doubt leads to a period of silence, a time to reflect and witness God’s faithfulness unfold. Elizabeth’s pregnancy becomes a sign of God’s favor, removing her disgrace and bringing joy not only to their family but to their entire community.

This story challenges us to consider who God chooses to include in the unfolding story of salvation. It is not just the powerful or the prominent, but the ordinary, the marginalized, and those who feel forgotten. As we prepare for the coming of Christ, we are invited to see ourselves as part of this ongoing story. God’s family extends beyond bloodlines, calling us to widen our tables and our hearts to those who may not have a place to belong.

As we gather for Thanksgiving and look toward Christmas, let us reflect on who we invite into our lives and our homes. Are we willing to extend the same care and commitment to those outside our immediate families? Jesus’ table was radically inclusive, breaking down barriers and welcoming all. In the same way, we are called to make space for others, to ensure that everyone knows they are seen, valued, and loved by God. The story of Zechariah and Elizabeth is a reminder that God’s extraordinary grace is at work in the lives of ordinary people, and that we are all invited to participate in this ongoing story of hope and inclusion.

Key Takeaways

1. God Honors the Marginalized and Overlooked God’s story unfolds through those whom society often sets aside. Zechariah and Elizabeth, despite their faithfulness, were marginalized due to their childlessness, yet God chose them for a pivotal role. This challenges us to see and honor those on the margins, recognizing that God’s purposes often begin in unexpected places. [14:33]
2. Ordinary Lives, Extraordinary Purposes The daily routines and quiet faithfulness of Zechariah and Elizabeth became the setting for God’s extraordinary intervention. Our own ordinary lives are not insignificant; God is present and active in the mundane, inviting us to participate in something far greater than ourselves. [06:20]
3. Family Extends Beyond Bloodlines God’s vision of family is radically inclusive, reaching beyond biological ties. The call to care for others as deeply as we do for our own families challenges us to invest our time, resources, and love in those who may not share our blood but are part of God’s family. [16:11]
4. Radical Hospitality Reflects God’s Heart Jesus’ table was open to all, breaking social and cultural barriers. We are called to practice this same hospitality, especially during seasons of gathering, ensuring that no one is left out and that all experience belonging and grace. [18:25]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:36] - Introducing Zechariah and Elizabeth
[01:32] - The Angel’s Announcement
[02:12] - Gabriel’s Message and Zechariah’s Fear
[03:06] - Zechariah’s Doubt and Consequence
[03:55] - Elizabeth’s Joy and Community Response
[04:23] - Naming John and Zechariah’s Praise
[05:05] - Opening Prayer
[05:30] - Advent Reflections and Who’s Included
[06:20] - Ordinary People in God’s Story
[07:29] - The Realities of Zechariah and Elizabeth
[08:38] - The Holy of Holies and Zechariah’s Role
[09:58] - The Social Cost of Childlessness
[11:32] - Elizabeth’s Marginalization
[12:12] - Encounter with Gabriel
[13:56] - Living into God’s New Plan
[14:33] - God Uses the Marginalized
[16:11] - Rethinking Family and Commitment
[17:52] - Jesus’ Inclusive Table
[18:25] - Welcoming Others into God’s Family
[19:39] - Closing and Blessing

Bible Study Guide

**Bible Study Discussion Guide: Zechariah & Elizabeth—God’s Extraordinary Work in Ordinary Lives**

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### Bible Reading

**Luke 1:5-25, 57-66 (ESV)**

> 5 In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years.
>
> 8 Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, 9 according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. 11 And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. 14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15 for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. 16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, 17 and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.”
>
> 18 And Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” 19 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. 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.” 21 And the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they were wondering at his delay in the temple. 22 And when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple. And he kept making signs to them and remained mute. 23 And when his time of service was ended, he went to his home.
>
> 24 After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she kept herself hidden, saying, 25 “Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.”
>
> ... (skip to verse 57)
>
> 57 Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. 58 And her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. 59 And on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child. And they would have called him Zechariah after his father, 60 but his mother answered, “No; he shall be called John.” 61 And they said to her, “None of your relatives is called by this name.” 62 And they made signs to his father, inquiring what he wanted him to be called. 63 And he asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And they all wondered. 64 And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, blessing God. 65 And fear came on all their neighbors. And all these things were talked about through all the hill country of Judea, 66 and all who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, “What then will this child be?” For the hand of the Lord was with him.

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## Observation Questions

What do we learn about Zechariah and Elizabeth’s character and their place in society from the opening verses of Luke 1? ([01:32])
How does Zechariah respond to the angel’s message, and what consequence does he face for his response? ([03:06])
What is the community’s reaction to Elizabeth’s pregnancy and the birth of John? ([03:55])
According to the sermon, what was the social and personal impact of childlessness for Zechariah and Elizabeth in their culture? ([09:58])

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## Interpretation Questions

Why might God choose to work through people like Zechariah and Elizabeth, who were considered marginalized or overlooked by their society? ([14:33])
What does Zechariah’s period of silence teach us about faith, doubt, and waiting on God? ([13:13])
The sermon mentions that God’s family extends beyond bloodlines. What does this mean for how we view our relationships and commitments to others? ([16:11])
How does the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth challenge our assumptions about who is included in God’s plans and purposes? ([06:20])

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## Application Questions

The sermon asks if we show respect and honor to the marginalized people in our lives, just as God honored Zechariah and Elizabeth. Who in your life or community might feel overlooked or set aside, and what is one practical way you could honor or include them this week? ([14:33])
Zechariah and Elizabeth’s story shows that God can use ordinary people in extraordinary ways. In what area of your “ordinary” life do you sense God might want to work through you? ([06:20])
The sermon challenges us to widen our tables and hearts, especially during seasons of gathering. Is there someone outside your immediate family you could invite into your home or life this holiday season? What might hold you back, and how could you overcome it? ([17:22])
Jesus’ table was radically inclusive, breaking down social and cultural barriers. What is one barrier—social, cultural, or personal—that you could work to break down in your own relationships? ([18:25])
The story highlights the pain and stigma of childlessness in Zechariah and Elizabeth’s time. Are there people in your circles who carry hidden pain or feel excluded? How can you be more attentive and supportive to them? ([11:32])
The sermon asks if we make the same commitment of our time, resources, and love to those outside our family as we do to those within it. What is one specific way you could extend care or generosity to someone who isn’t related to you this week? ([16:11])
Zechariah’s doubt led to a period of silence and reflection. Is there an area of your life where you are struggling to trust God’s promises? What would it look like to bring that doubt honestly to God and wait for His faithfulness? ([13:13])

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Sermon Clips

As we go through the season of Advent this year preparing for Christmas, we are going to be looking at these lives of ordinary people to see how God includes people that the world often sets aside or puts off on the margins of our community life. And as we go through this story, I encourage you to think about your own ordinary life and the ways that God might be using you to bring the love and grace of Jesus to the people in your life each day. [00:00:36] (34 seconds) #OrdinaryLivesExtraordinaryLove

First of all, I want us to just be aware of how many people God included in the story of Jesus. How many regular, ordinary people doing regular, ordinary things of daily life. And they made it into this story that we still tell today. The second thing I want us to think about is how God's story isn't done yet. As we wait for Jesus to come again, we get to consider, are we part of the ongoing story? [00:06:20] (32 seconds) #GodsOngoingStory

The other thing is that kids were a sign of a blessing from God. So there were people who felt if you did not have children, you were not blessed by God. The final piece of this is we often hear in the Bible how God wants us to take care of widows and orphans. Well, widows and orphans are people who don't have any blood relatives to take care of them. [00:10:17] (25 seconds) #VoicelessToVoice

Now, about these angels. I don't think these are the cute angels that we put up on our Christmas trees. Every time an angel shows up, we hear, Do not be afraid. Which makes me wonder, Why is everyone afraid when they see an angel? Which makes me think that the angels are overwhelming, powerful beings that are bringing a message from God. [00:12:21] (28 seconds) #HonorTheMarginalized

Now, because he doesn't just take what Gabriel says straight up, Zechariah faces a consequence. He loses his voice, which means he's not able to work, because he can't say the prayers at the temple. And he does not have his voice until his son is born. Now, there's some irony in here, because his son will be famous for his voice. [00:13:13] (30 seconds) #EqualLoveForAll

His son, John the Baptist, will be known for drawing huge crowds to hear him speak, and to share the message of the coming of Jesus, the coming of the Messiah to save the people. Okay, so we've got Elizabeth getting pregnant and having a baby. This is a huge deal socially and as part of their faith life. Zechariah arguing with God wasn't a great idea. He's paying the consequences, but they are still living into this new plan, this new idea that God has presented to them. [00:13:43] (36 seconds) #ThanksgivingTableForAll

Here is this elderly couple who feel like they are at the end of their life, who feel marginalized and set aside. They don't have a lot of friends because, you know, Elizabeth is just one of those ladies who couldn't have babies. Zechariah's got the good jobs, but with no kids, they are in trouble. And in this story, God uses them to bring an important profit into the world. [00:14:42] (30 seconds) #OngoingExtraordinaryStory

We are willing to take time off work when someone is sick. We spend money caring for them. We do all sorts of things together. But do we do so much more with our blood family than others? So a big question here is, do we make the same commitment of our personal resources to people who are not part of our family as the people who are? [00:16:01] (29 seconds)

Who are the people that we invite to be around our tables at Thanksgiving? Do we only focus on our blood relations, on our marriage relationships? Or do we invite people that maybe don't have family to be with? John the Baptist prepared people to receive the gift of Jesus. And Jesus opened up a new table, a new way of eating together. [00:17:25] (32 seconds)

As we hear of Zech and Liz, are we called by God to open our tables and welcome people that we maybe haven't welcomed before? Do we maybe feel called to have a couple meals this week with different groups of people so that we make sure that everyone in our lives feels welcome, feels that they belong, feels they have a place where they are seen and heard? [00:18:25] (32 seconds)

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