Luke 1: Good News for Zechariah and Mary

An angel tells the old priest Zechariah that he and Elizabeth will have a son, John, who will prepare people for the Lord. Then the angel Gabriel tells Mary that she will be the mother of Jesus, the Son of God. Mary trusts God and sings praise, and John is born.

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World English Bible · 80 verses

¹ Since many have undertaken to set in order a narrative concerning those matters which have been fulfilled among us,This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
² even as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word delivered them to us,This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³ it seemed good to me also, having traced the course of all things accurately from the first, to write to you in order, most excellent Theophilus;This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴ that you might know the certainty concerning the things in which you were instructed.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁵ There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the priestly division of Abijah. He had a wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁶ They were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁷ But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they both were well advanced in years.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁸ Now while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his divisionThis verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁹ according to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to enter into the temple of the Lord and burn incense.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹⁰ The whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹¹ An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹² Zacharias was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹³ But the angel said to him, “Don’t be afraid, Zacharias, because your request has been heard. Your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹⁴ You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹⁵ For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and he will drink no wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹⁶ He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹⁷ He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to prepare a people prepared for the Lord.”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹⁸ Zacharias said to the angel, “How can I be sure of this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹⁹ The angel answered him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God. I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²⁰ Behold, you will be silent and not able to speak until the day that these things will happen, because you didn’t believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²¹ The people were waiting for Zacharias, and they marveled that he delayed in the temple.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²² When he came out, he could not speak to them. They perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple. He continued making signs to them, and remained mute.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²³ When the days of his service were fulfilled, he departed to his house.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²⁴ After these days Elizabeth his wife conceived, and she hid herself five months, saying,This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²⁵ “Thus has the Lord done to me in the days in which he looked at me, to take away my reproach among men.”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²⁶ Now in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²⁷ to a virgin pledged to be married to a man whose name was Joseph, of David’s house. The virgin’s name was Mary.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²⁸ Having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, you highly favored one! The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women!”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²⁹ But when she saw him, she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered what kind of salutation this might be.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³⁰ The angel said to her, “Don’t be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³¹ Behold, you will conceive in your womb and give birth to a son, and shall name him ‘Jesus.’This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³² He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³³ and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever. There will be no end to his Kingdom.”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³⁴ Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, seeing I am a virgin?”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³⁵ The angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore also the holy one who is born from you will be called the Son of God.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³⁶ Behold, Elizabeth your relative also has conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³⁷ For nothing spoken by God is impossible.”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³⁸ Mary said, “Behold, the servant of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³⁹ Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Judah,This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴⁰ and entered into the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴¹ When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴² She called out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴³ Why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴⁴ For behold, when the voice of your greeting came into my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy!This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴⁵ Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of the things which have been spoken to her from the Lord!”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴⁶ Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴⁷ My spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior,This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴⁸ for he has looked at the humble state of his servant. For behold, from now on, all generations will call me blessed.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴⁹ For he who is mighty has done great things for me. Holy is his name.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁵⁰ His mercy is for generations and generations on those who fear him.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁵¹ He has shown strength with his arm. He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁵² He has put down princes from their thrones, and has exalted the lowly.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁵³ He has filled the hungry with good things. He has sent the rich away empty.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁵⁴ He has given help to Israel, his servant, that he might remember mercy,This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁵⁵ as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and his offspring forever.”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁵⁶ Mary stayed with her about three months, and then returned to her house.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁵⁷ Now the time that Elizabeth should give birth was fulfilled, and she gave birth to a son.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁵⁸ Her neighbors and her relatives heard that the Lord had magnified his mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁵⁹ On the eighth day, they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁶⁰ His mother answered, “Not so; but he will be called John.”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁶¹ They said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name.”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁶² They made signs to his father, what he would have him called.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁶³ He asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, “His name is John.” They all marveled.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁶⁴ His mouth was opened immediately and his tongue freed, and he spoke, blessing God.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁶⁵ Fear came on all who lived around them, and all these sayings were talked about throughout all the hill country of Judea.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁶⁶ All who heard them laid them up in their heart, saying, “What then will this child be?” The hand of the Lord was with him.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁶⁷ His father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying,This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁶⁸ “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people;This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁶⁹ and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant DavidThis verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁷⁰ (as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets who have been from of old),This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁷¹ salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us;This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁷² to show mercy toward our fathers, to remember his holy covenant,This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁷³ the oath which he swore to Abraham our father,This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁷⁴ to grant to us that we, being delivered out of the hand of our enemies, should serve him without fear,This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁷⁵ in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁷⁶ And you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways,This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁷⁷ to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the remission of their sins,This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁷⁸ because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the dawn from on high will visit us,This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁷⁹ to shine on those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death; to guide our feet into the way of peace.”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁸⁰ The child was growing and becoming strong in spirit, and was in the desert until the day of his public appearance to Israel.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.

Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org

Worksheets

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Luke 1 · Preschool

Nothing Is Impossible for God!

Name Date

Color the picture. Point to the angel and the lamp. God sent good news!

Can you find these in the picture? Circle each one!

Bible Verse

For nothing spoken by God is impossible.”

Luke 1:37 (WEB)

Prayer

Thank You, God, for making me!

Take It Home

Read the verse aloud. Ask: Is anything too hard for God? (No!)

Open Grade 4 on its own page

Luke 1 · Grade 4

Nothing Is Impossible with God

Name Date

Read and Think

Luke wrote his book so that people could know for sure that the things about Jesus are true. He begins with an old priest named Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth. They loved God, but they had never been able to have children. Zechariah was serving in the temple. The angel Gabriel told him that Elizabeth would have a son named John. John would turn many people back to God.

Zechariah doubted, so he could not speak until the promise came true. Then Gabriel visited Mary, a young woman in Nazareth who was engaged to Joseph. He said she would have a baby named Jesus. By the Holy Spirit's power, He would be the Son of God. Mary was troubled at first, but she trusted God and said she was His servant.

Mary visited Elizabeth, and Elizabeth's baby leaped for joy. Mary sang a song praising God for His mercy. When John was born, Zechariah could speak again. He praised God for keeping His promises and sending a Savior.

Show What You Know

Why did Luke write his book?
Why was Zechariah unable to speak?
Who would make it possible for Mary to have the baby Jesus?
What happened when Mary greeted Elizabeth?

Word Bank Fill-In

Use the word bank to fill in each blank.

angelGodJohnJesusElizabeth

Luke wrote his book so that people could know for sure that the things about are true.
He begins with an old priest named Zechariah and his wife .
They loved , but they had never been able to have children.
The Gabriel told him that Elizabeth would have a son named John.
would turn many people back to God.

Think About It

Mary trusted God even though His plan surprised her. What is something you can trust God with today?
Zechariah praised God when the promise came true. What is one promise of God you are thankful for?

Memory Verse

For nothing spoken by God is impossible.”

Luke 1:37 (WEB)

Copy It

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for this Bible story. Help me to . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

Mary said, Let it be done to me according to your word. What does it look like to trust God when you don't understand everything?
How does God's faithfulness encourage you when you question Him?
Who could you share good news about God with this week?

Open Grade 5 on its own page

Luke 1 · Grade 5

The Lord's Servant

Name Date

Read and Think

Luke begins his Gospel carefully. He explains that he studied everything from the beginning so that his friend Theophilus would know the truth. His story starts in the temple, where Zechariah, an old priest, was burning incense. Gabriel appeared and announced that Zechariah and Elizabeth would have a son. John would go before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah, turning hearts back to God.

Zechariah asked how he could be sure, and because he did not believe, he was silent until the birth. Gabriel's next visit was very different. Mary also asked a question, How can this be? But her question came from wonder, not doubt. Gabriel explained that the Holy Spirit would come upon her, so her child would be holy, the Son of God. He reminded her that Elizabeth was expecting too, because nothing spoken by God is impossible. Mary answered that she was the Lord's servant.

When Mary visited Elizabeth, she sang a song of praise. She celebrated that God lifts up the humble and remembers His promises to Abraham. At John's birth, Zechariah praised God that He had come to rescue His people, and that John would prepare the way for the Lord.

Show What You Know

Who was Luke writing to, and why?
How was Mary's question different from Zechariah's?
What did Gabriel say about Mary's child?
What did Mary call herself?
What would John do for the Lord?

Crossword

Across

Zechariah's wife.

Down

The name of Zechariah's son.
Mary said she was the Lord's ____.
Jesus' ____ would never end.
The angel who came to Mary.
The name of Mary's baby.

Think About It

Mary was willing to be God's servant even before she knew everything about His plan. What would it look like for you to say yes to God this week?
Mary's song says God lifts up the humble. How can you show humility at home, at church, or with friends?

Memory Verse

“Mary said, “Behold, the servant of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.”

Luke 1:38 (WEB)

Copy It

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for this Bible story. Help me to . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

What does it look like to trust God when you don't understand?
How has God kept His word to you even when you struggled to believe?
How has God been faithful to your family?

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Luke 1: Good News for Zechariah and Mary

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Worksheets

Nothing Is Impossible for God!

Prayer

Take It Home

God Sends Good News

Trace the Words

Match the Pictures

Mini Maze

Draw It

Prayer

Take It Home

Two Special Babies

Trace the Words

Match the Pictures

Put the Story in Order

Prayer

Take It Home

An Angel Brings Good News

Read the Story

Show What You Know

Word Search

Prayer

Take It Home

Mary Trusts God

Read the Story

Answer the Questions

Put the Story in Order

Prayer

Take It Home

Nothing Is Impossible with God

Read and Think

Show What You Know

Word Bank Fill-In

Think About It

Copy It

Prayer

Take It Home

The Lord's Servant

Read and Think

Show What You Know

Crossword

Think About It

Copy It

Prayer

Take It Home

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