Both Zechariah and Elizabeth, the parents of John the Baptist, belonged to the vast priestly family descended from Aaron (Luke 1:5). Elizabeth was also related to Mary the mother of Jesus (Luke 1:36). For some time Zechariah and Elizabeth were unable to have children, but in answer to their prayers (for they were godly people) God promised them a son. They were to name him John (Luke 1:6-7; Luke 1:13).

When Elizabeth was six months pregnant, Mary visited her, bringing news that she (Mary) was to be the mother of the promised Messiah (Luke 1:35-36; Luke 1:39-40). Elizabeth, far from being in any way jealous, was overjoyed, and interpreted the movement of the baby in her womb as a sign that it too was overjoyed (Luke 1:41-45). Elizabeth and Zechariah knew that their child was to become the forerunner of the Messiah (Luke 1:13-17). Some remarkable incidents at the child’s birth caused even the local villagers to realize that this child was destined for greatness (Luke 1:57-66).