Luke 1:11-20

New Life Version

¹¹ Zacharias saw an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar where the special perfume was burning. ¹² When he saw the angel, Zacharias was troubled and afraid. ¹³ The angel said to him, “Zacharias, do not be afraid. Your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will give birth to a son. You are to name him John. ¹⁴ You will be glad and have much joy. Many people will be happy because he is born. ¹⁵ He will be great in the sight of the Lord and will never drink wine or any strong drink. Even from his birth, he will be filled with the Holy Spirit. ¹⁶ Many of the Jews will be turned to the Lord their God by him. ¹⁷ He will be the one to go in the spirit and power of Elijah before Christ comes. He will turn the hearts of the fathers back to their children. He will teach those who do not obey to be right with God. He will get people ready for the Lord.” ^(A)

Zacharias Does Not Believe the Angel

¹⁸ Zacharias said to the angel, “How can I know this for sure? I am old and my wife is old also.” ¹⁹ The angel said to him, “My name is Gabriel. I stand near God. He sent me to talk to you and bring to you this good news. ²⁰ See! You will not be able to talk until the day this happens. It is because you did not believe my words. What I said will happen at the right time.”