Day 23- The Birth of John
Luke continues his story with the birth of John, his circumcision, and him being named. He picks up in verse fifty-seven of chapter one by saying that Elizabeth’s full term had come for her to be delivered, and she brought forth a son. He ends by saying that when her neighbors and relatives heard the news, they acknowledged that God had been merciful to Elizabeth and they rejoiced with her. God had answered Zacharias and Elizabeth’s prayer. John was born, and eight days later he would be named and ceremonially circumcised.
The Bible says, “And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed” (Genesis 17:12). So, on the eighth day Zacharias and Elizabeth came to circumcise their child. The ceremonial circumcision would also be where the child would be named. Luke tells us that his name would have been the same as his father, but Elizabeth answered and said, “No! His name shall be called, John.” Just as Gabriel how informed Zacharias when he visited him in the Temple.
Luke continues in verse sixty one of chapter one: But they answered and said, “There is no one among your relatives that is called by this name.” Luke doesn’t say who “they” are, but I’m assuming it would be relatives there for the ceremony and also the priests that were performing the service. It’s interesting how everyone has an opinion, isn’t it? Nonetheless, Zacharias and Elizabeth didn’t allow the people’s opinions to outweigh what they knew God had spoken to them, and we shouldn’t either. God’s word to us should always outweigh the opinion of others. Anyway, “they” didn’t stop there, they got tablets and wrote a note to Zacharias—asking him what the baby’s name was going to be, and he said, “John.” And they all marveled at the fact that he and Elizabeth had said the exact same name.
Immediately after all of this happened, Zacharias mouth opened, his tongue was loosed, and he could speak. It was just as the angel Gabriel had promised. When Zacharias began to speak, fear came upon them and it was talked about throughout the region where they lived. Word spread fast throughout the region and the people were astounded at all that was taking place. Luke tells us that they knew in their hearts that God was up to something and that this child (John) would be special in helping fulfill God’s plan and promise.
Take Away: Then Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: “Praise to the Lord God of Israel. He has come to help his people and has given them freedom. He has given us a powerful Savior from the family of his servant David. This is what he promised through his holy prophets long ago. He will save us from our enemies and from the power of all those who hate us. God said he would show mercy to our fathers, and he remembered his holy agreement. This was the promise he made to our father Abraham, a promise to free us from the power of our enemies, so that we could serve him without fear in a way that is holy and right for as long as we live. Now you, little boy, will be called a prophet of the Most High God. You will go first before the Lord to prepare the way for him. You will make his people understand that they will be saved by having their sins forgiven. With the loving mercy of our God, a new day from heaven will shine on us. It will bring light to those who live in darkness, in the fear of death. It will guide us into the way that brings peace.” And so the little boy John grew up and became stronger in spirit. Then he lived in areas away from other people until the time when he came out to tell God’s message to the people of Israel. (Luke 1:68-80)
