TJ Comments

Comment 1: The angel Gabriel gave him wonderful and surprising news: that his wife Elizabeth, despite being elderly, would have a son whom they were to name John. He also made it clear that this child had been chosen by Jehovah to perform a very special work, demonstrating that God had not forgotten them or his promises.

Comment 2: Gabriel first asked him not to be afraid, as he brought good news from Jehovah. However, because Zechariah doubted due to his age, the angel told him he would be unable to speak until the child was born. This served as a sign that God's words are always fulfilled, regardless of human circumstances.

Comment 3: He explained that the birth of his son was not an ordinary event but was part of God's plan. Gabriel confirmed that he was sent directly by Jehovah to give him that message of joy, reminding us that for our Creator, nothing is impossible.

Comment 1: Just as Zechariah prophesied when he regained his speech, John would be a prophet whose mission was to "prepare the way" for the Messiah. His work would consist of helping the people be ready in their hearts to receive the Savior whom Jehovah had promised since the days of Abraham.

Comment 2: John was chosen to be the forerunner of the Messiah. His special task was to announce that ransom was near and to motivate people to turn back to Jehovah. In fact, the text of Matthew 11 mentions that John was a very important prophet, fulfilling ancient prophecies such as those of Isaiah and Malachi.

Comment 3: John's work was fundamental because he was to point out who the Messiah was when he arrived. His miraculous birth already indicated that his life would be entirely dedicated to God's service and to making it easier for others to recognize and accept the one sent by Jehovah.

Comment 1: The story of Zechariah and Elizabeth teaches us that Jehovah hears our prayers, even when it seems a long time has passed. They were faithful for years despite having no children, and in the end, God blessed them in a way that exceeded all their expectations. This encourages us to remain loyal and patient.

Comment 2: We learn a lesson about the importance of fully believing in God's promises. Zechariah was left speechless for doubting, which reminds us that we must trust that "with God all things are possible," as Matthew 19:26 says, even if it seems hard for us to believe.

Comment 3: The moment Zechariah writes "His name is John" shows his ultimate obedience to Jehovah's instructions. When we put God's will above family traditions or the opinions of others, we receive his blessing, and holy spirit helps us to praise him more forcefully.

Comment 1: Gabriel explained to Mary that although she was a virgin, she would become pregnant by means of God's holy spirit. He specifically told her that the child must be named Jesus and that he would become a King whose Kingdom would have no end, thus fulfilling Jehovah's promises regarding the Messiah.

Comment 2: The angel made it clear that with Jehovah nothing is impossible. He assured her that her son would be someone very special, the Son of God, and that he would inherit an eternal throne. It was shocking news, but Gabriel reassured her by explaining that she had Jehovah's favor and blessing.

Comment 3: He gave her very concrete details: that the baby would be called Jesus and that his reign would last forever. Furthermore, to strengthen Mary's faith, the angel mentioned that her relative Elizabeth was also miraculously pregnant, confirming that God's power was acting in an extraordinary way.

Comment 1: Both felt deeply grateful and blessed. When they met, Elizabeth was filled with holy spirit and expressed that it was a great honor to receive the mother of her Lord. Mary, for her part, responded with a song of praise, saying that she praised Jehovah with all her heart for noticing someone humble like her.

Comment 2: They felt an intense spiritual joy. The account says that even Elizabeth's baby leaped for joy in her womb upon hearing Mary's greeting. Far from feeling fear because of the great responsibility, both recognized Jehovah's hand in their lives and shared three months of mutual support and spiritual encouragement.

Comment 3: They felt favored and willing to fulfill God's will. Mary demonstrated an attitude of total obedience by saying: "I am Jehovah's slave." Despite the unusual nature of the situation, her predominant feeling was one of devotion and absolute trust that Jehovah would guide them at all times.

Comment 1: Mary's example in saying "may it happen to me according to your word" teaches us to humbly accept any assignment we receive in Jehovah's organization. Although we sometimes feel a task is difficult, if we trust that "with God nothing is impossible," he will give us the necessary strength to fulfill it.

Comment 2: Joseph's reaction is also very instructive. Although at first he did not understand what was happening, when he received Jehovah's guidance through the angel, he obeyed without hesitation and married Mary. This shows us the importance of waiting on Jehovah and following his instructions even when we do not understand all the details of a situation.

Comment 3: Mary's visit to Elizabeth reminds us how important it is to seek the company of mature and spiritual brothers and sisters when we go through major life changes. Their mutual support strengthened their faith and helped them prepare for the privileges ahead.