A long, long time ago

Tim explores the transition from the Old Testament’s conclusion to the birth of Jesus in the New Testament. After a 400-year period of silence from God, Zechariah, Mary, and Joseph, respond to a new message. The Bible contrasts Zechariah’s doubt with Mary’s surrender and Joseph’s quiet integrity.

Context: Expectations of the Messiah

After centuries of waiting, the Jewish people had various expectations for the Messiah. Common perceptions of what the Messiah would be:

- A political deliverer to defeat pagan enemies.

- A temple restorer following the legacy of David and Solomon.

- A bringer of national restoration, justice, and freedom.

But critically, they did not expect a suffering Messiah who would be crucified by the Romans.

Lessons from Three Characters:

Tim highlights how Zechariah, Mary, and Joseph each had their personal plans interrupted by divine intervention.

- Zechariah (The Struggle with Doubt): Despite being a righteous priest, Zechariah doubted the angel Gabriel’s message that he and his elderly wife would have a son. Zechariah’s name means "God remembers," signifying that God had not forgotten His promises during the long silence. Because of his disbelief, Zechariah was struck mute for nine months, a time for"contemplation and learning to listen.

- Mary (The Response of Surrender): Mary is perhaps the first person to hear and respond in faith to the gospel. Unlike Zechariah’s doubt-filled "How can I be sure?", Mary’s question—"How can this happen?"—was born of trust in the source. By calling herself the Lord's "servant" (doule), she surrendered her reputation, safety, and future to God's plan.

- Joseph (The Character of Mercy): Joseph is a man of quiet righteousness. When faced with Mary’s pregnancy, he chose mercy over legalism, planning to break the engagement quietly rather than shaming her publicly. Joseph does not speak in the biblical text but is defined by his immediate obedience to God's instructions in his dreams.