Raising Children with Faith: Lessons from Zachariah and Elizabeth
Summary
On this special Mother’s Day, we reflect on the profound impact that godly parents have on their children and, by extension, on the world. Looking at the story of Zachariah and Elizabeth, the parents of John the Baptist, we see a model for what it means to raise children who are strong in spirit and purpose. Jesus himself called John the Baptist the greatest person ever born, which points us to the extraordinary influence of his parents. Their story, found in Luke 1, is one of faithfulness, surrender, and hope in the face of impossibility.
Zachariah and Elizabeth were described as righteous in God’s eyes, not just outwardly compliant but inwardly obedient. Their faith was not a performance for others but a genuine devotion that shaped their home and their legacy. Even when their dreams of having children seemed impossible, they did not grow bitter. Instead, they practiced radical acceptance, surrendering their desires to God and trusting Him with their future. This surrender brought peace and opened the door for God’s miraculous intervention.
Prayer was central in their lives. Their persistent prayers were heard by God, and their example teaches us that praying parents lay a spiritual foundation for their children. Children learn to trust God and seek His guidance when they witness authentic prayer in the home. The spiritual bond formed through prayer is powerful and transformative, even when results are not immediately visible.
Elizabeth’s attitude was marked by positivity and gratitude. Rather than complaining about her circumstances, she chose to praise God and encourage others, especially Mary, the mother of Jesus. This positivity is not about ignoring pain but about choosing joy and speaking life, which has a profound effect on the emotional and spiritual health of a family.
Zachariah and Elizabeth were also deeply connected to their community. They did not live in isolation but welcomed others into their lives, celebrated together, and supported one another. This connection provided a network of encouragement and accountability, which is vital for healthy families.
Finally, they were prophetic, speaking God’s promises and purpose over their son. Zachariah’s words shaped John’s identity and destiny, reminding us of the power of speaking life and purpose over our children. As we seek to be righteous, prayerful, positive, connected, and prophetic, we create an environment where our children can grow strong in spirit and fulfill God’s calling on their lives.
Key Takeaways
- Genuine righteousness is both inward and outward. Zachariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God’s eyes because their obedience was not just for show; it flowed from a surrendered heart. Outward compliance without inward devotion leads to hypocrisy, but when both align, it creates a legacy of authentic faith that children can see and trust. [08:20]
- Radical acceptance and surrender to God bring peace in the face of disappointment. When dreams are shattered or circumstances are beyond our control, embracing the present and letting go of bitterness allows God to work in ways we cannot imagine. Acceptance is not a lack of faith but a posture of trust that invites God’s miraculous intervention. [13:55]
- Prayer is a spiritual inheritance we give our children. When children hear and see their parents pray, it instills in them a sense of security, hope, and connection to God. Praying together forms a supernatural bond and lays a foundation for wisdom, discernment, and resilience in life’s challenges. [19:14]
- Choosing positivity and speaking encouragement shapes the emotional and spiritual climate of the home. Elizabeth’s gratitude and encouragement, even in difficult circumstances, show that joy is a choice. A positive outlook equips children to handle adversity, fosters emotional health, and helps them see God’s goodness in every season. [25:26]
- Speaking prophetically over our children shapes their identity and destiny. Zachariah’s words over John gave him confidence in his calling, even when others misunderstood him. Our words have the power to either limit or launch our children into their God-given purpose; speaking life, hope, and purpose over them is a sacred responsibility. [32:55]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:56] - Bible Mothers Quiz
[03:16] - The World’s Greatest Parents
[04:44] - The Story of John the Baptist’s Birth
[06:06] - Zachariah’s Doubt and God’s Promise
[08:20] - Righteousness: Inward and Outward
[11:43] - Surrender and Radical Acceptance
[13:55] - Letting Go and Trusting God
[15:53] - Outward Compliance and Respect
[17:32] - The Power of Prayerful Parenting
[19:14] - Spiritual Bonding Through Prayer
[21:24] - Emotional and Spiritual Bonding
[22:15] - Choosing Positivity and Joy
[24:01] - Elizabeth’s Encouragement to Mary
[25:26] - The Impact of Positivity on Children
[27:33] - The Importance of Connection
[28:25] - Building Community and Hosting
[29:14] - Celebrating Together
[31:22] - Prophetic Parenting
[32:55] - Speaking Life and Purpose
[35:04] - John’s Legacy and Our Calling
[38:08] - Invitation and Worship
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Legacy of Godly Parenting (Zachariah & Elizabeth)
---
### Bible Reading
- Luke 1:5-25, 39-45, 57-66, 76-79
(The story of Zachariah and Elizabeth, the birth of John the Baptist, and Zachariah’s prophecy over his son)
- Matthew 11:11
“Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist...” ([03:16])
---
### Observation Questions
1. According to Luke 1:6, how are Zachariah and Elizabeth described in terms of their relationship with God? What does it mean that they were “righteous in God’s eyes”? ([06:06])
2. What was Zachariah’s initial reaction when the angel told him Elizabeth would have a child? What happened as a result? ([06:06])
3. When Elizabeth found out she was pregnant, what was her response? How did she express her feelings about her situation? ([24:01])
4. In Luke 1:76-79, what did Zachariah prophesy over his son John? What kind of future did he speak over him? ([31:22])
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon says Zachariah and Elizabeth’s righteousness was both inward and outward. Why is it important for obedience to come from the heart, not just from following rules? How might this affect a family’s spiritual legacy? ([08:20])
2. The message highlights “radical acceptance” and surrender to God when dreams are shattered. How does accepting what we cannot change demonstrate faith, rather than a lack of it? ([13:55])
3. The sermon describes prayer as a spiritual inheritance. In what ways can children be shaped by witnessing authentic prayer in the home? ([19:14])
4. Zachariah spoke prophetically over John, declaring God’s purpose for his life. How can the words parents speak over their children shape their identity and confidence? ([32:55])
---
### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenges us to examine whether our faith is genuine or just for show. If your children or those close to you observed your private life, what would they see about your relationship with God? Is there an area where you want to grow in inward obedience? ([08:20])
2. Think about a disappointment or unfulfilled dream in your life. How have you responded—have you become bitter, or have you practiced surrender and acceptance? What would it look like to let go and trust God with that situation this week? ([13:55])
3. Prayer was central in Zachariah and Elizabeth’s home. How often do you pray with your family or for your children by name? What is one practical step you can take to make prayer a more visible and regular part of your home life? ([19:14])
4. Elizabeth chose gratitude and encouragement, even in hard circumstances. When you face challenges, do you tend to complain or look for reasons to praise God? What is one way you can intentionally speak encouragement or gratitude in your home this week? ([25:26])
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of being connected to community. Are you living in isolation, or are you opening your home and life to others? What is one way you can build stronger connections with your church family or neighbors this month? ([28:25])
6. Zachariah spoke life and purpose over John. What are some specific words of blessing, encouragement, or purpose you can speak over your children, grandchildren, or young people in your life? ([32:55])
7. The story of Zachariah and Elizabeth shows that God can work miracles in impossible situations. Is there an area in your family or personal life where you need to invite God to do the impossible? How can your group pray for you in this area? ([38:08])
---
Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite group members to pray for one another—especially for parents, grandparents, and spiritual mentors—to be righteous, prayerful, positive, connected, and prophetic in their influence. Pray for God’s legacy to continue through each family represented.
Devotional
Day 1: Righteousness: Inward Obedience and Outward Compliance
True righteousness is not just about following rules outwardly, but about having a heart that is genuinely surrendered to God. Zachariah and Elizabeth were described as righteous in God's eyes, careful to obey all the Lord's commandments and regulations, not just for appearances but from a deep love for God. Their inward obedience matched their outward actions, creating a powerful legacy of faith for their family. When our hearts are fully surrendered, we trust God even in difficult circumstances, and our children and those around us can sense the authenticity of our faith. Let your love for God be evident both in private and in public, so that His truth endures through your generations. [11:43]
Luke 1:6 (ESV)
"And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord."
Reflection: Is there an area of your life where your outward actions don’t match your inward heart? What would it look like to surrender that area to God today, so your faith is genuine both inside and out?
Day 2: The Power of Prayerful Parenting
Prayer is a vital foundation for families, shaping the spiritual lives of both parents and children. Zachariah and Elizabeth’s prayers were heard by God, and their faithfulness in prayer set an example for their son, John. When children witness their parents praying and seeking God, it instills in them a desire to connect with God themselves and gives them confidence that God is guiding their lives. Praying together as a family not only brings God’s presence into your home but also creates a supernatural bond that transforms hearts and lives. Even when you don’t see immediate results, trust that your prayers are making a difference in your children’s lives. [20:10]
Luke 1:13 (ESV)
"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.'"
Reflection: When was the last time your children or loved ones heard you pray for them by name? Take a moment today to pray out loud for someone in your family, inviting them to join you if possible.
Day 3: Choosing Positivity and Speaking Encouragement
A positive attitude, even in difficult circumstances, has a profound impact on families and children. Elizabeth, despite her old age and the challenges she faced, responded to her miraculous pregnancy with gratitude and praise, choosing to focus on God’s kindness rather than her own discomfort. She also spoke words of encouragement and blessing to Mary, modeling how to uplift others. Teaching children to choose joy and speak positively helps them develop resilience, better mental and emotional health, and the ability to cope with adversity. Your words and attitude can create an atmosphere of hope and encouragement in your home. [25:26]
Luke 1:25, 42-45 (ESV)
"Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among people." ... "And she exclaimed with a loud cry, 'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.'"
Reflection: Think of a specific person in your family or community who needs encouragement today. What is one positive, faith-filled thing you can say to them to lift their spirit?
Day 4: The Importance of Connection and Community
Living in connection with others is essential for a healthy, fulfilled life. Zachariah and Elizabeth were not isolated; they were deeply connected to their community, hosting Mary for three months and celebrating John’s birth with neighbors and relatives. Social connection strengthens us, provides support in difficult times, and gives us opportunities to minister and be ministered to. Being part of a community, such as a life group or small group, helps us and our children feel loved, understood, and cared for. Make intentional efforts to build and maintain relationships, host gatherings, and celebrate life’s moments together. [29:14]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: What is one step you can take this week to connect more deeply with someone in your church, neighborhood, or family—perhaps by inviting them over, joining a group, or reaching out with encouragement?
Day 5: Speaking Life and Purpose Over the Next Generation
The words we speak over our children and loved ones have the power to shape their identity and future. Zachariah prophesied over John, declaring God’s purpose for his life, and those words became a foundation for John’s confidence and calling. Speaking life, hope, and purpose into the next generation helps them know they are valued, capable, and called by God. Even when the world questions or misunderstands them, children who know their God-given purpose can stand strong. Ask God for wisdom and speak prophetically over your children, declaring God’s promises and purposes for their lives. [33:39]
Luke 1:76-79 (ESV)
"And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace."
Reflection: What is one specific, God-inspired truth or promise you can speak over your child, grandchild, or a young person in your life today? Take time to declare it to them, believing it will shape their future.
Quotes
When we let go and let God, he steps in. I want my children and my grandchildren to see that I can become resilient instead of becoming bitter and hateful. And I want to glorify God in every situation and look for lessons and opportunity for growth and remind myself that all miracles begin with impossible situations. And all testimonies come from great tests. [00:15:25] (33 seconds)
A surrendered heart is at peace. It doesn't fight for dominance and control. But it's able to say not my will God. But yours be done. It accepts what it cannot change. And Zachariah and Elizabeth, they had accepted what they could not change a long time ago. And they were not bitter about it. They accepted long ago that they had not had children. They accepted that maybe our dreams of being parents won't happen. [00:12:52] (33 seconds)
Speak and prophesy into their lives. Say you will overcome every hard thing with the power of the Holy Spirit. You will be a blessing to others. You can do all things through Christ. Speak life into them. Because words matter. And we can either prophesy and speak doom and destruction over them, or we can speak life and hope. [00:33:52] (28 seconds)
But Jesus said, but you, when you pray, go into your closet. And when you've shut the door, pray in secret to your father. And your father who sees in secret will reward you openly. So Zachariah and Elizabeth, they were righteous in God's eyes. They had inward obedience as well as outward. They were praying and doing good works because they loved God and because they genuinely wanted to please him. [00:10:19] (31 seconds)
Elizabeth's attitude is grateful when she finds out she's a pregnant old lady. And instead of complaining, why couldn't I have had my kids when my body was young and strong? I don't know if I'm going to be able to push this kid out. That's not what she said. This is what she said in Luke 1 25. How kind the Lord is, she exclaimed. He has taken away my disgrace of having no children. She was positive and she gave the Lord praise. [00:23:45] (38 seconds)
And the last way we can bond with them is spiritually. And I think this is one of the most underestimated bondings that we can have with our children. Because there is something that happens supernaturally when we pray with our children. When we hold their hands and we begin to call on the name of Jesus. Something happens that is supernatural. It transforms hearts. It transforms lives. [00:21:59] (31 seconds)
Recognize that acceptance doesn't mean you don't have faith. It doesn't mean you have to like the situation. But you acknowledge that this is my reality right now. And then you let go of control. You surrender the situation to God and trust that things will work out even if you don't know how. [00:14:18] (23 seconds)
The world's greatest parents, they were righteous. They were prayerful. They were positive. They were connected, and they were prophetic. In Luke chapter 1, verses 76 through 79, Zachariah prophesies, and he holds his son John, and he says, And you, my little son, will be called the prophet of the Most High, because you will prepare the way for the Lord. [00:31:57] (32 seconds)
Speak and prophesy into their lives. Say you will overcome every hard thing with the power of the Holy Spirit. You will be a blessing to others. You can do all things through Christ. Speak life into them. Because words matter. And we can either prophesy and speak doom and destruction over them, or we can speak life and hope. [00:33:52] (28 seconds)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from May 12, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?