Study Desk

When some of those who stood by heard that, they said, "Listen! He is calling for Elijah."

The captain of the soldiers was looking at Jesus when He cried out. He saw Him die and said, "For sure, this Man was the Son of God."

These cared for Him when He was in the country of Galilee. There were many other women there who had followed Him to Jerusalem.

It was the day to get ready for the Day of Rest and it was now evening.

Joseph, who was from the city of Arimathea, was an important man in the court. He was looking for the holy nation of God. Without being afraid, he went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.

They said to themselves, "Who will roll the stone away from the door of the grave for us?"

He said, "Do not be afraid. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth Who was nailed to a cross. He is risen! He is not here! See, here is the place where they laid Him.

When Herod was king of the country of Judea, there was a Jewish religious leader named Zacharias. He worked for Abijah. His wife was of the family group of Aaron. Her name was Elizabeth.

Zacharias was doing his work as a religious leader for God.

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."

Zacharias said to the angel, "How can I know this for sure? I am old and my wife is old also."

Some time later Elizabeth knew she was to become a mother. She kept herself hidden for five months. She said,

"This is what the Lord has done for me. He has looked on me and has taken away my shame from among men."

For God can do all things."

As soon as I heard your voice, the baby in my body moved for joy.

Then Mary said, "My heart sings with thanks for my Lord.

He Who is powerful has done great things for me. His name is holy.

Her neighbors and family heard how the Lord had shown loving-kindness to her. They were happy for her.

He asked for something to write on. He wrote, "His name is John." They were all surprised and wondered about it.

And all who heard those words remembered them and said, "What is this child going to be?" For the hand of the Lord was on him.