Words of Jesus: Monday, November 3, 2025

Monday, November 3, 2025

Continuing the description of Zechariah’s encounter with the angel.:

Luke 1:18-23   “And Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” And the angel answered him, “I am Gabriel, who stand in the presence of God; and I was sent to speak to you, and to bring you this good news. And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things come to pass, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.” And the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they wondered at his delay in the temple. And when he came out, he could not speak to them, and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple; and he made signs to them and remained dumb. And when his time of service was ended, he went to his home.”

 RSV

He is confronted by an angel!  Was the angel’s description of his position and authority the angel’s way of saying that he was enough of a sign?   Subjecting Zechariah to silence became the sign for Zechariah, and for the crowd waiting for him.  

It is a blessing that even our errors and presumptions can be used for good in our lives and the lives of others.