What does Luke 1:15 mean?
After years of praying and waiting (Luke 1:5–7), an elderly priest and his wife will finally be blessed with a child. This message is being delivered by an angel, as Zechariah offers incense in the temple (Luke 1:8–14). This son will fulfill an important role from prophecy (Malachi 3:1; Luke 3:2–3). His ministry will prepare the world for the introduction of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. The child, later known as John the Baptist, will be renowned for his powerful ministry work. Jesus will make note of his accomplishments (Luke 7:24–28).The Holy Sprit's influence on John will begin before he is even born. In one example, the unborn child will react to hearing a woman's voice (Luke 1:43–45). That woman will be Mary, having recently been told that she would miraculously bear the Son of God.
From birth, John will be held to a high standard of holiness. That includes having no contact with intoxicating drinks like wine. Some of his peers will sneer at this (Luke 7:33; Matthew 11:18). His unusual clothing and diet will also inspire curiosity (Matthew 3:4; Mark 1:6). But his absolute commitment to God's plan will be instrumental in setting the stage for Jesus' earthly ministry (John 3:28–30).
Luke 1:5–25 explains how Elizabeth, the childless wife of a priest, learns that she will give birth to a prophet. This child will eventually be known as John the Baptist. Her husband, Zechariah, learns this from an angel but doubts due to his advanced age. As a result, he is rendered temporarily mute, and likely deaf as well (Luke 1:62). As predicted, he and Elizabeth conceive and await the birth of their son. This occurs several months before Elizabeth's relative, Mary, receives even more amazing news from an angel.
The angel Gabriel predicts two miraculous births. The first is a son born to Zechariah and Elizabeth: an older, childless priest and his wife. Because Zechariah initially doubts this message, he is temporarily made unable to speak. Their child will be known as John the Baptist, a powerful herald of the Messiah. The Promised One whom John will proclaim is the second birth predicted by Gabriel. He tells an engaged virgin, Mary, that God will miraculously conceive His Son in her. The two women meet and rejoice over their blessings. John's arrival sets the stage for Luke's familiar account of the birth of Jesus Christ.
