Here, we begin with a focus on a specific person, Zacharias, who lived in the days of Herod, king of Judea. Luke provides such useful historical detail, allowing us to appreciate the context and find confidence again that the events that are described truly did happen.
Zacharias was of the order of Abijah, the priest from the post-exilic return (Neh 10, 12). It was established at that time that the priests and Levites would take turns ministering at the temple. This practice has apparently been maintained even till the days described here in Luke. Note that Luke described both Zacharias and his wife Elizabeth as "righteous before God". What an honor to be named as such in the Bible! With the setting, Luke begins with the very first predicate of his gospel of Christ: Elizabeth had no child and was barren, and they were old.
This situation is parallel to Abraham's experience with Sarah and Isaac. This is the idea of heritage and lineage. For without a son, Abraham's line would simply die out. This ultimately led to a futility and meaninglessness of Abraham's life, his struggles, and his labor. Likewise, without continuity, all our personal endaevors are meaningless. It will pass away with death and we will remain barren.
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