Definition: And when Zacharias saw [him], he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 1:12. It's a really important and somewhat mysterious moment in the beginning of Jesus’ life. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: Zacharias was a man who had just lost his son, John. He was grieving deeply and feeling overwhelmed with sadness and fear. When he saw Jesus – who was appearing to him – he felt incredibly troubled and scared. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And when Zacharias saw [him]…” : This tells us that Zacharias was experiencing a specific moment of intense emotion - seeing Jesus. “…he was troubled…” : This means he was upset, worried, and perhaps confused. He wasn’t just feeling sad; he was in a state of distress. “and fear fell upon him.” : This is the key part! Fear – a deep emotional response to something frightening or unknown – gripped him. It wasn't just a little worry; it was a powerful, overwhelming sensation. What does this tell us about Jesus? The Bible says that Jesus appeared to Zacharias before he could speak. This is significant because: He was showing his presence: Jesus was deliberately revealing himself to Zacharias, even before he had words to say. He was testing him: The verse suggests Jesus wasn't just being friendly; he was putting Zacharias through a trial – challenging him with the reality of his grief and fear. Why is this important? This moment in Luke 1:12 sets the stage for the entire story of Zacharias’ life and, ultimately, for the coming of Jesus. It's a very powerful and symbolic introduction that shows the immense impact of God's presence and love. It’s a reminder that even in the midst of great sorrow, God is willing to reach out and comfort us. In short: Zacharias was deeply troubled by seeing Jesus, and his fear speaks volumes about the profound significance of this encounter. --- Do you want me to explain any of these points further? For example, would you like me to: Discuss the symbolism behind the fear? Explore the context of Zacharias’ life before he met Jesus?