May 27, 2025 • 13 mins
Welcome to the Christmas series! God chooses two humble and faithful people to be the bridge that gaps the old and new covenants.
Sign up for special devotionals at StoriesoftheMessiah.com.
As we dive deeply into iconic Bible heroes' enthralling narratives, we find more than just stories of faith and miracles. We discover a recurrent theme, a spiritual undertone that connects each tale to the grandeur of the Gospel.
They're not just standalone legends; they're threads in a divine tapestry, weaving a story that foreshadows Jesus Christ, the ultimate hero, the promised Messiah who brings light to the darkest corners of history.
For more Bible stories download the Pray.com app.
To learn more about Rabbi Schneider visit https://discoveringthejewishjesus.com/
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Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Let us therefore draw near with boldness to the throne
of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace
for help in time of need. Hebrews four sixteen. Gracious,
Heavenly Father, thank you for this incredible invitation to approach
you with boldness and confidence, knowing that we will find
(00:24):
grace and mercy in our time of need. Help us
to truly understand and appreciate this profound privilege. You have
opened the way for us through the sacrifice of your son.
Because of him, we can come to you directly with
all our fears, doubts, struggles and joys. Teach us to
(00:49):
turn to you in every situation, whether in times of joy, pain,
or uncertainty. May we continuously seek your assured that you
are always ready to listen, to extend mercy and to
grant us the grace we need and the precious name
(01:12):
of Jesus, we pray. Amen. Thank you for sharing this
moment of prayer. Now immerse yourself and the teachings of
today's episode from Stories of the Messiah with Rabbi Schneider.
Speaker 2 (01:37):
The voice of God had remained silent towards his chosen
people for four hundred years the sons and daughters of
Israel ached for the arrival of their prophesied savior, a
messiah promised by the scriptures to liberate them from their shackles.
Despite the silence, their faith persisted, grounded by rituals and
traditions that wove the fabric of their unique culture. Israel
(02:01):
had emerged as a hub of learning, religion, and governance,
albeit under the crushing weight of Rome's iron rule. Judaism thrived,
yet was gripped by the rigidity of pharisitical interpretations, and
Caesar's brutal regime overshadowed any semblance of peace. Israel cried
out for a savior to quell the religious and military turmoil.
(02:22):
In the age of King Herod's reign over Judea, a
priest named Zachariah and his wife Elizabeth served as pillars
of their community. Child this yet devout, they sought solace
and purpose in serving God. The barrenness of their union
was a silent womb they carried, yet they found fulfillment
in different ways. Zachariah was a priest and Elizabeth was
(02:45):
a nurturing presence in their village.
Speaker 3 (02:48):
Hello and welcome to another Christmas episode of the Stories
of the Messiah podcast. I'm Rabbi Schneider. From Discovering the
Jewish Jesus. We're taking time from now until Christmas to
explore the rich and powerful story of the Nativity. So far,
we have taken time to set the stage for Christ's rival.
(03:09):
We immersed ourselves in prophecy and history to put ourselves
in the shoes of ancient Israel. The prophecies have been declared,
the Budh of Rome is pressed down harder, and Israel
is ready for a redeemer. Now we enter the story
of Zachariah and Elizabeth. These two figures are significant to
(03:30):
the overarching narrative of scripture. Zachariah is a priest under
the Old Covenant of Israel. He ministers in the Temple
and performs sacrifices on behalf of God's people. He represents
the Law of Moses and the relationship between God and Israel. Elizabeth,
much like the matriarchs of the Old Testament, is barren
(03:52):
in her old age. She also represents the Old Covenant
people who pine after a child to save them. Zachari
and Elizabeth are about to be visited by an angel,
hearkening to the arrival of a new covenant established by God.
Zachary and Elizabeth represent the transition between the older New Testaments,
(04:15):
So let's immerse ourselves in their story in this dramatic
retelling of Luke chapter one. After we'll take time to
unpack the timeless Christmas themes.
Speaker 2 (04:28):
Zachariah rose from his bed with aching bones. The sun
rose over the hills surrounding Jerusalem. Its light trickled in
ever so slightly through his window, illuminating his sleeping wife
beside him. He adorned himself in his ceremonial garb and
prepared for the day of Atonement, a sacred occasion marked
by offerings and sacrifices. His priestly division was assigned to
(04:50):
perform the rites that day. As he ascended the temple steps,
the Golden Tower of Jerusalem shimmered with the dawn's first light.
Zachariah greeted his fellow priests as they prepared to cast
lots for the day's rolls, a ritual of divine selection.
As the crowd of worshipers swelled outside the temple, lots
were cast under the radiant glow of the sunrise. Zachariah
(05:12):
looked on as two of his companions were chosen to
prepare the altar and perform the morning sacrifice. As the
third lot was cast the honor of offering incense in
the Holy of Holies, Zachariah's heart pounded with anticipation. To
his disbelief, his name emerged, bestowing him the rare opportunity
to enter God's sanctified dwelling. A resonating gong signaled his
(05:37):
steps towards the imposing veil that partitioned the Holy of Holies.
Clutching the incense, he entered the veiled room in enclave
reserved for the yearly ritual. The dimly lit sanctuary, accented
by the soft glow of a solitary lampstand, was filled
with the smoky aroma of incense. In unnerving silence pervaded,
(05:59):
broken only by Zachariah's height and heartbeat. Zachariah looked around,
getting the feeling that he was not alone. He knew
that entering the inner sanctuary meant he would be in
the presence of God, yet he felt something else in
the room, something otherworldly, was with him. Before he could
articulate a prayer, a radiant being appeared beside the altar,
(06:24):
Zachariah covered his eyes and fell to his knees. A
messenger from God stood before him, an angel whose visage
was partially obscured by the incense smoke. Zachariah pressed his
face to the ground, his mind consumed by the notion
of imminent death. Is God going to strike me down?
Thought Zachariah. Fear overcame him. The angel's features were human like,
(06:48):
but he was not a mere man. Perched beside the altar,
he spoke with calming reassurance, saying.
Speaker 4 (06:55):
Fear not, Zachariah, Your prayers have been heard.
Speaker 2 (07:00):
He said, a hint of a smile, dancing on his
divine features. As Zachariah stood up, the angel unfolded a
divine prophecy.
Speaker 4 (07:09):
Your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son, and you
shall call his name Chon. The joy and gladness of
his birth will bless your home, for the Lord has
chosen him for greatness.
Speaker 2 (07:23):
A smile curled around the angel's face.
Speaker 4 (07:26):
He will turn many of the children of Israel back
to their God, and he will go before him with
the spirit and power of Elijah. He will turn the
hearts of fathers back to their children and the disobedient
back to wisdom.
Speaker 2 (07:41):
He will prepare the way of the Lord. Zachariah listened
with awe and disbelief. Although a divine being stood before him,
the concept of his wife conceiving it her age seemed impossible.
But how can this be, Zacharai explained, I am an.
Speaker 4 (07:58):
Old man in my wife.
Speaker 2 (08:00):
If his advanced in years, who he could impossibly? I
am Gabriel, The angel interrupted with righteous light.
Speaker 4 (08:08):
I styled in the presence of God himself. I was
sent to bring you good news. Yet you stand here
in doubt of his power, because you have not believed
my words. You will be silent.
Speaker 2 (08:22):
Until the promise of God has been fulfilled. Zachariah held
his mouth and felt the power of his voice leave him.
In an instant, Gabriel departed from him, emerging from the
Holy of Holies. Zachariah was rendered mute, instilling a sense
of trepidation amongst the other priests. He returned home, unable
(08:42):
to share what he had seen. He entered his home
and greeted his wife. They held each other close, and
Zachariah shared a tender moment with his bride of many years.
In the ensuing months, Elizabeth felt the first stirrings of
life within her. As she touched her belly, tears of
joy streamed down her face. Even as she praised God
(09:02):
and Zachariah grappled with his enforced silence. They felt the
divine hand in their lives. However, the full breadth of
God's plan was yet to inferl something they would realize
with the unexpected visit of Elizabeth's cousin Mary.
Speaker 3 (09:20):
Our ministry discovering the Jewish Jesus has been dedicated to
finding the synergy between the Gospel and the Hebrew Bible.
One of the most significant links between the two is
the story of Zechariah, Elizabeth, and John the Baptist. These
figures connect the traditions of the Old Testament to the
hope of the New Testament. Zachariah is a priest under
(09:43):
the Old Covenant of Israel. He ministers in the temple
and performs sacrifices on behalf of God's people. Those sacrifices
ultimately pointed toward the atonement of Jesus on the Cross.
When he meets Gabriel, he has told that his son
would be a herald, proclaiming the way of the Lord.
(10:04):
John the Baptist would go on to be a forerunner
for Jesus, preparing people's hearts for his arrival. We can't
underestimate the powerful imagery used in the account of luke
Zechariah entered the presence of God with fear adorned in
ceremonial garments, not sure if he would live or die.
(10:24):
Contrast that with the encouragement we are given in Hebrews four.
Having then a great high priest who has passed through
the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, Let's hold tightly
to our confession, for we don't have a high priest
who can't be touched with the feeling of our infirmities,
but one who has been in all points tempted like
(10:46):
we are, yet without sin. Let's therefore draw near with
boldness to the Throne of Grace, that we may receive
mercy and may find grace for help in time of need.
The role of a priest like Zachariah was to be
an intermediary between the people and God, making prayers and
(11:07):
sacrifices on their behalf. In a greater sense, Jesus is
our high priest who connects us to the heart of God.
Because of his sacrifice and the Cross, we don't have
to approach God with trepidation, but rather with boldness and
assurance of his love for us. Zechariah's story is the
(11:29):
last Biblical account of a temple ritual, hearkening to a
new age of Christ, who is the fulfillment of the
Old Testament. There is also profound imagery found in Elizabeth.
She had waited long for the Lord to provide her
with a child and a lost hope that you would
ever conceive. Her barrenness represents the lifeless state of Israel.
(11:54):
Then Israel had pined after the promised son foretold by
the prophets, but in so long that hope was fading.
But God was on the move. He visited Elizabeth in
her old age, just like he did with Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel,
and Hannah. He opened up her womb and gave her
(12:14):
a son, John. All these accounts in the Bible of
bear and wombs bearing children illustrate what God does in
our hearts. Spiritually speaking, we are unable to produce life
for ourselves. We feel empty and without hope, but God
chooses to enliven us with this spirit and fill us
(12:35):
to the brim with new life. The miraculous nature of
John's conception also prepares us for another miraculous conception. In
our next episode, we will meet Elizabeth's cousin Mary, who
receives a visit from the angel Gabriel. God chooses her
to carry a significant burden, and the world will never
(12:57):
be the same. If you have enjoyed this post podcasts,
consider sharing with a friend. We want the story of
Jesus to change lives. If you're interested in my ministry,
you can visit discoveringthe Jewish Jesus dot com For more
engaging and transformative Biblical stories. Download the Prey dot com app.
Let us therefore draw near with boldness to the throne
of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace
for help in time of need. Hebrews four sixteen. Gracious,
Heavenly Father, thank you for this incredible invitation to approach
you with boldness and confidence, knowing that we will find
(00:24):
grace and mercy in our time of need. Help us
to truly understand and appreciate this profound privilege. You have
opened the way for us through the sacrifice of your son.
Because of him, we can come to you directly with
all our fears, doubts, struggles and joys. Teach us to
(00:49):
turn to you in every situation, whether in times of joy, pain,
or uncertainty. May we continuously seek your assured that you
are always ready to listen, to extend mercy and to
grant us the grace we need and the precious name
(01:12):
of Jesus, we pray. Amen. Thank you for sharing this
moment of prayer. Now immerse yourself and the teachings of
today's episode from Stories of the Messiah with Rabbi Schneider.
Speaker 2 (01:37):
The voice of God had remained silent towards his chosen
people for four hundred years the sons and daughters of
Israel ached for the arrival of their prophesied savior, a
messiah promised by the scriptures to liberate them from their shackles.
Despite the silence, their faith persisted, grounded by rituals and
traditions that wove the fabric of their unique culture. Israel
(02:01):
had emerged as a hub of learning, religion, and governance,
albeit under the crushing weight of Rome's iron rule. Judaism thrived,
yet was gripped by the rigidity of pharisitical interpretations, and
Caesar's brutal regime overshadowed any semblance of peace. Israel cried
out for a savior to quell the religious and military turmoil.
(02:22):
In the age of King Herod's reign over Judea, a
priest named Zachariah and his wife Elizabeth served as pillars
of their community. Child this yet devout, they sought solace
and purpose in serving God. The barrenness of their union
was a silent womb they carried, yet they found fulfillment
in different ways. Zachariah was a priest and Elizabeth was
(02:45):
a nurturing presence in their village.
Speaker 3 (02:48):
Hello and welcome to another Christmas episode of the Stories
of the Messiah podcast. I'm Rabbi Schneider. From Discovering the
Jewish Jesus. We're taking time from now until Christmas to
explore the rich and powerful story of the Nativity. So far,
we have taken time to set the stage for Christ's rival.
(03:09):
We immersed ourselves in prophecy and history to put ourselves
in the shoes of ancient Israel. The prophecies have been declared,
the Budh of Rome is pressed down harder, and Israel
is ready for a redeemer. Now we enter the story
of Zachariah and Elizabeth. These two figures are significant to
(03:30):
the overarching narrative of scripture. Zachariah is a priest under
the Old Covenant of Israel. He ministers in the Temple
and performs sacrifices on behalf of God's people. He represents
the Law of Moses and the relationship between God and Israel. Elizabeth,
much like the matriarchs of the Old Testament, is barren
(03:52):
in her old age. She also represents the Old Covenant
people who pine after a child to save them. Zachari
and Elizabeth are about to be visited by an angel,
hearkening to the arrival of a new covenant established by God.
Zachary and Elizabeth represent the transition between the older New Testaments,
(04:15):
So let's immerse ourselves in their story in this dramatic
retelling of Luke chapter one. After we'll take time to
unpack the timeless Christmas themes.
Speaker 2 (04:28):
Zachariah rose from his bed with aching bones. The sun
rose over the hills surrounding Jerusalem. Its light trickled in
ever so slightly through his window, illuminating his sleeping wife
beside him. He adorned himself in his ceremonial garb and
prepared for the day of Atonement, a sacred occasion marked
by offerings and sacrifices. His priestly division was assigned to
(04:50):
perform the rites that day. As he ascended the temple steps,
the Golden Tower of Jerusalem shimmered with the dawn's first light.
Zachariah greeted his fellow priests as they prepared to cast
lots for the day's rolls, a ritual of divine selection.
As the crowd of worshipers swelled outside the temple, lots
were cast under the radiant glow of the sunrise. Zachariah
(05:12):
looked on as two of his companions were chosen to
prepare the altar and perform the morning sacrifice. As the
third lot was cast the honor of offering incense in
the Holy of Holies, Zachariah's heart pounded with anticipation. To
his disbelief, his name emerged, bestowing him the rare opportunity
to enter God's sanctified dwelling. A resonating gong signaled his
(05:37):
steps towards the imposing veil that partitioned the Holy of Holies.
Clutching the incense, he entered the veiled room in enclave
reserved for the yearly ritual. The dimly lit sanctuary, accented
by the soft glow of a solitary lampstand, was filled
with the smoky aroma of incense. In unnerving silence pervaded,
(05:59):
broken only by Zachariah's height and heartbeat. Zachariah looked around,
getting the feeling that he was not alone. He knew
that entering the inner sanctuary meant he would be in
the presence of God, yet he felt something else in
the room, something otherworldly, was with him. Before he could
articulate a prayer, a radiant being appeared beside the altar,
(06:24):
Zachariah covered his eyes and fell to his knees. A
messenger from God stood before him, an angel whose visage
was partially obscured by the incense smoke. Zachariah pressed his
face to the ground, his mind consumed by the notion
of imminent death. Is God going to strike me down?
Thought Zachariah. Fear overcame him. The angel's features were human like,
(06:48):
but he was not a mere man. Perched beside the altar,
he spoke with calming reassurance, saying.
Speaker 4 (06:55):
Fear not, Zachariah, Your prayers have been heard.
Speaker 2 (07:00):
He said, a hint of a smile, dancing on his
divine features. As Zachariah stood up, the angel unfolded a
divine prophecy.
Speaker 4 (07:09):
Your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son, and you
shall call his name Chon. The joy and gladness of
his birth will bless your home, for the Lord has
chosen him for greatness.
Speaker 2 (07:23):
A smile curled around the angel's face.
Speaker 4 (07:26):
He will turn many of the children of Israel back
to their God, and he will go before him with
the spirit and power of Elijah. He will turn the
hearts of fathers back to their children and the disobedient
back to wisdom.
Speaker 2 (07:41):
He will prepare the way of the Lord. Zachariah listened
with awe and disbelief. Although a divine being stood before him,
the concept of his wife conceiving it her age seemed impossible.
But how can this be, Zacharai explained, I am an.
Speaker 4 (07:58):
Old man in my wife.
Speaker 2 (08:00):
If his advanced in years, who he could impossibly? I
am Gabriel, The angel interrupted with righteous light.
Speaker 4 (08:08):
I styled in the presence of God himself. I was
sent to bring you good news. Yet you stand here
in doubt of his power, because you have not believed
my words. You will be silent.
Speaker 2 (08:22):
Until the promise of God has been fulfilled. Zachariah held
his mouth and felt the power of his voice leave him.
In an instant, Gabriel departed from him, emerging from the
Holy of Holies. Zachariah was rendered mute, instilling a sense
of trepidation amongst the other priests. He returned home, unable
(08:42):
to share what he had seen. He entered his home
and greeted his wife. They held each other close, and
Zachariah shared a tender moment with his bride of many years.
In the ensuing months, Elizabeth felt the first stirrings of
life within her. As she touched her belly, tears of
joy streamed down her face. Even as she praised God
(09:02):
and Zachariah grappled with his enforced silence. They felt the
divine hand in their lives. However, the full breadth of
God's plan was yet to inferl something they would realize
with the unexpected visit of Elizabeth's cousin Mary.
Speaker 3 (09:20):
Our ministry discovering the Jewish Jesus has been dedicated to
finding the synergy between the Gospel and the Hebrew Bible.
One of the most significant links between the two is
the story of Zechariah, Elizabeth, and John the Baptist. These
figures connect the traditions of the Old Testament to the
hope of the New Testament. Zachariah is a priest under
(09:43):
the Old Covenant of Israel. He ministers in the temple
and performs sacrifices on behalf of God's people. Those sacrifices
ultimately pointed toward the atonement of Jesus on the Cross.
When he meets Gabriel, he has told that his son
would be a herald, proclaiming the way of the Lord.
(10:04):
John the Baptist would go on to be a forerunner
for Jesus, preparing people's hearts for his arrival. We can't
underestimate the powerful imagery used in the account of luke
Zechariah entered the presence of God with fear adorned in
ceremonial garments, not sure if he would live or die.
(10:24):
Contrast that with the encouragement we are given in Hebrews four.
Having then a great high priest who has passed through
the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, Let's hold tightly
to our confession, for we don't have a high priest
who can't be touched with the feeling of our infirmities,
but one who has been in all points tempted like
(10:46):
we are, yet without sin. Let's therefore draw near with
boldness to the Throne of Grace, that we may receive
mercy and may find grace for help in time of need.
The role of a priest like Zachariah was to be
an intermediary between the people and God, making prayers and
(11:07):
sacrifices on their behalf. In a greater sense, Jesus is
our high priest who connects us to the heart of God.
Because of his sacrifice and the Cross, we don't have
to approach God with trepidation, but rather with boldness and
assurance of his love for us. Zechariah's story is the
(11:29):
last Biblical account of a temple ritual, hearkening to a
new age of Christ, who is the fulfillment of the
Old Testament. There is also profound imagery found in Elizabeth.
She had waited long for the Lord to provide her
with a child and a lost hope that you would
ever conceive. Her barrenness represents the lifeless state of Israel.
(11:54):
Then Israel had pined after the promised son foretold by
the prophets, but in so long that hope was fading.
But God was on the move. He visited Elizabeth in
her old age, just like he did with Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel,
and Hannah. He opened up her womb and gave her
(12:14):
a son, John. All these accounts in the Bible of
bear and wombs bearing children illustrate what God does in
our hearts. Spiritually speaking, we are unable to produce life
for ourselves. We feel empty and without hope, but God
chooses to enliven us with this spirit and fill us
(12:35):
to the brim with new life. The miraculous nature of
John's conception also prepares us for another miraculous conception. In
our next episode, we will meet Elizabeth's cousin Mary, who
receives a visit from the angel Gabriel. God chooses her
to carry a significant burden, and the world will never
(12:57):
be the same. If you have enjoyed this post podcasts,
consider sharing with a friend. We want the story of
Jesus to change lives. If you're interested in my ministry,
you can visit discoveringthe Jewish Jesus dot com For more
engaging and transformative Biblical stories. Download the Prey dot com app.
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