Luke 1:6 – “Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly.”
Extended Explanation
This verse describes Zechariah and Elizabeth as righteous and blameless in their obedience to God’s commands. Their righteousness didn’t mean they were sinless or perfect, but they lived faithfully according to God’s law. In God’s eyes, they were considered faithful because they sought to honor Him in how they lived. They weren’t just outwardly religious—God saw their hearts and knew they were genuinely devoted to Him.
Luke includes this description to show that Zechariah and Elizabeth were living in obedience, even though they faced personal disappointment due to their inability to have children (which we learn about in the next verse). Their situation would have been seen as a hardship in their culture, but their faithfulness to God remained steady.
Historical Context
In ancient Jewish culture, being “righteous” meant living according to the law of Moses, which included obeying moral laws, religious duties, and ceremonial practices. For priests like Zechariah, this also meant fulfilling responsibilities in the temple and maintaining ritual purity. The term “blameless” reflects a life dedicated to honoring God’s covenant.
However, childlessness was often viewed as a sign of disfavor or punishment from God. Despite this cultural assumption, Luke clarifies that Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous, meaning their lack of children wasn’t due to sin or disobedience. This detail would have stood out to Luke’s audience because it challenged the common belief that hardships like infertility were always the result of God’s judgment.
Theological Implications
This verse reveals that God’s approval is based on genuine faith and obedience, not outward appearances or human success. Zechariah and Elizabeth were considered righteous because they followed God’s commands with sincere hearts, not because their lives were free from hardship. Their example shows that suffering or unfulfilled desires don’t necessarily mean someone is out of favor with God.
Their blamelessness also points to God’s mercy and grace. Even though no one can perfectly fulfill the law, their devotion to God and faith in His promises made them righteous in His sight. This anticipates the deeper message of the Gospel: that God’s righteousness is ultimately given through faith, not perfect works.
Literary Analysis
Luke’s use of the terms “righteous” and “blameless” serves to highlight the contrast between human perception and God’s perspective. From a cultural point of view, their childlessness may have made them appear cursed or inadequate, but in God’s view, they were faithful servants. This contrast introduces one of Luke’s key themes: God often works through those whom the world overlooks or misunderstands.
This verse also serves as foreshadowing. By emphasizing their righteousness, Luke sets the stage for God to bless them with a child (John the Baptist) despite their long period of waiting. Their faithfulness in hardship makes the miraculous birth of their son even more significant.
Biblical Cross-References
- Genesis 15:6 – “Abram believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness.” Like Abraham, Zechariah and Elizabeth’s righteousness is tied to their faith and obedience.
- Job 1:1 – Job is described as “blameless and upright,” showing that God’s favor doesn’t always prevent suffering but is rooted in faithful living.
- Philippians 3:9 – Paul speaks of righteousness that comes through faith in Christ, foreshadowing the fulfillment of God’s promises in Jesus.
- James 5:16 – “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective,” which is seen later when God answers Zechariah’s prayer for a child.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For believers today, this verse is a reminder that God sees the heart. While the world often judges people based on external success or circumstances, God measures righteousness by faithfulness and obedience. Even when life doesn’t go as planned, as it didn’t for Zechariah and Elizabeth, God honors those who remain committed to Him.
This verse also encourages perseverance. Zechariah and Elizabeth could have become bitter or given up on following God due to their unanswered prayers for a child, but they didn’t. Their story reminds us that God’s timing is perfect, and His blessings often come after seasons of waiting.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown through His recognition of Zechariah and Elizabeth’s faithfulness. He didn’t overlook their pain or obedience, even when it seemed like their prayers went unanswered for years. This verse reveals that God is compassionate and patient, knowing our struggles and honoring our faithfulness, even when we don’t see immediate results.
God’s love is also evident in how He sees beyond human judgments. While others may have viewed their childlessness as a curse, God saw them as righteous. His love isn’t dependent on our circumstances but on His grace and our trust in Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus by foreshadowing the need for a righteousness that goes beyond human effort. While Zechariah and Elizabeth were faithful to the law, their story points to the greater truth that righteousness would ultimately come through Jesus, who fulfilled the law perfectly.
Jesus is the fulfillment of the promises that Zechariah and Elizabeth trusted in. Their son, John the Baptist, would prepare the way for Jesus by calling people to repentance and pointing them to the Messiah (Luke 3:4-6). In Jesus, God’s promise of salvation is fully realized, offering righteousness to all who believe in Him (Romans 3:22).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does this verse teach you about how God views faithfulness, even when life is difficult?
- How can you remain faithful to God when you feel like your prayers are going unanswered?
- In what ways do you think God honors those who live obediently, even when they face hardship?
- How does this verse challenge the idea that outward success or blessing is the only sign of God’s favor?
- How does the righteousness that Zechariah and Elizabeth displayed point us toward the greater righteousness found in Jesus?
Luke 1:6 reminds us that God values faithful obedience, even in seasons of waiting and difficulty. It points us to the deeper truth that righteousness is ultimately fulfilled through Jesus Christ, who offers us hope and salvation.