Study Desk

These were the women who had followed Jesus in Galilee and cared for him. Many other women who had come with Jesus to Jerusalem were also there.

A man named Joseph from Arimathea was brave enough to go to Pilate and ask for Jesus' body. Joseph was an important member of the high council. He was one of the people who wanted God's kingdom to come.

Pilate was surprised to hear that Jesus was already dead. So he called for the army officer in charge and asked him if Jesus was already dead.

The women said to each other, "There is a large stone covering the entrance of the tomb. Who will move the stone for us?"

But the man said, "Don't be afraid. You are looking for Jesus from Nazareth, the one who was killed on a cross. He has risen from death! He is not here. Look, here is the place they put him when he was dead.

I studied it all carefully from the beginning. Then I decided to write it down for you in an organized way.

Zechariah was serving as a priest before God for his group. It was his group's time to serve.

He will be a great man for the Lord. He will never drink wine or beer. Even before he is born, he will be filled with the Holy Spirit.

John himself will go ahead of the Lord and make people ready for his coming. He will be powerful like Elijah and will have the same spirit. He will make peace between fathers and their children. He will cause people who are not obeying God to change and start thinking the way they should."

Outside, the people were still waiting for Zechariah. They were surprised that he was staying so long in the Temple.

Later, Zechariah's wife Elizabeth became pregnant. So she did not go out of her house for five months. She said,

"Look what the Lord has done for me! He decided to help me. Now people will stop thinking there is something wrong with me."

And here's something else: Your relative Elizabeth is pregnant. She is very old, but she is going to have a son. Everyone thought she could not have a baby, but she has been pregnant now for six months.

I am not important, but he has shown his care for me, his lowly servant. From now until the end of time, people will remember how much God blessed me.

Yes, the Powerful One has done great things for me. His name is very holy.

Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then went home.

When it was time for Elizabeth to give birth, she had a boy.

Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord was very good to her, and they were happy for her.

Zechariah asked for something to write on. Then he wrote, "His name is John." Everyone was surprised.

in a way that is holy and right for as long as we live.