When Zacharias and Elizabeth were in their senior years, they still hadn’t had any children. Elizabeth was barren (unable to have children) which was seen as a curse by the Jews in those days. Then, as Zacharias was taking his turn serving in the temple, an angel appeared to him and told him that his wife Elizabeth would have a son who would be filled with the Holy Ghost. Zacharias didn’t believe the angel and was struck dumb (unable to speak) as a sign that what the angel had said was true.

After being unable to speak for months, when John was born, he was going to be named Zacharias as was the tradition with the Jews. However, his mother said, “not so”. Then Zacharias wrote “his name is John” on a tablet. After writing “John”, Zacharias was able to speak again and prophesied about John and Jesus and their missions that would be performed. His Spirit-filled words were recorded and set to music and are known, among many religions, as The Benedictus. Here is a taste of what he said, “And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways…” Watch the video to hear the rest of Zacharias’ inspired speech