The Birth of John the Baptist.
(Luke 1: 57-80)
In traditional birth announcements, the information provided is usually quite basic, including the gender of the child, the child's name, the date of birth, and, of course, the well-being of the mother and child. (S.M.L) However, in recent times, knowing the gender of the baby has become a common practice, allowing parents to choose names before the big day. Moreover, the method of sharing these announcements has shifted from snail mail to quick and efficient means like text messages, Twitter, mobile/cell phone calls, and Facebook updates. This immediate communication ensures that everyone who might want to know is informed as soon as the news is available.
In the past, parents had to wait until the baby arrived to determine the gender, but now, that detail can be revealed before birth. This shift has streamlined the naming process, as parents no longer need to contemplate two sets of names for both boys and girls. With these modern conveniences, the birth announcements have evolved to become quicker and more convenient, but maybe less of a mystery.
Yet, what's truly remarkable and unique about any particular birth announcement lies not in the information shared but, in the context, and the message it conveys. In this case, we're talking about the birth announcement of John the Baptist. What makes it extraordinary is not the means of communication but the message itself that is important. Rather than the usual birth details, what was shared related not to the baby's infancy but to his adulthood. This message can still resonate with us today.
The scripture tells us about the birth announcement of John the Baptist. Due to its length of today’s passage, I'll read a section and provide commentary, and then we'll move on to the next part. Starting with verse 57 and ending at verse 66, when we are primarily learn about the naming of the child.
57 Now Elizabeth’s full time came for her to be delivered, and she brought forth a son. 58 When her neighbours and relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, they rejoiced with her.
59 So it was, on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him by the name of his father, Zacharias. 60 His mother answered and said, “No; he shall be called John.”
61 But they said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name.” 62 So they made signs to his father—what he would have him called.
63 And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying, “His name is John.” So, they all marvelled. 64 Immediately his mouth was opened, and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, praising God. 65 Then fear came on all who dwelt around them; and all these sayings were discussed throughout all the hill country of Judea. 66 And all those who heard them kept them in their hearts, saying, “What kind of child will this be?” And the hand of the Lord was with him.
Now, the initial part of this passage, which I've just read, essentially revolves around the naming of the child. However, let's backtrack a bit and recall what we've learned from Luke chapter one so far. If you've been following, you'll remember that when Elizabeth became pregnant, and she hid herself. So, up until this point, the only person aware of her pregnancy was Mary. Nevertheless, now that the baby has been born, the time has come for the official announcement.
Verse 57 conveys the moment when Elizabeth delivered her child. The news had to be shared, and that's what the remainder of this passage, extending through to the end of the chapter, is all about.
Verse 58 tells us, that when the neighbours heard of how the Lord had shown his favour in this way, they rejoiced with her." This rejoicing is particularly significant as Elizabeth was well past childbearing age. When such a miraculous event occurs in such circumstances, the joy is almost limitless. It's always a cause for celebration when a child is born, but in this case, with Elizabeth's age considered, the joy is heightened by the clear display of what is referred to as ‘God's mercy’.
This is where the narrative departs from the traditional birth announcement. Instead of delving into the usual details such as the child's weight, length, and the well-being of the mother and child, we are met with a unique revelation. The birth announcement of John the Baptist is extraordinary because it doesn't center on the baby's infancy but looks ahead to his role as an adult. And it is this announcement is, of course, about the birth of John the Baptist, and I want to explore how it relates to our lives."
You may recall earlier in this chapter, when Gabriel announced to Elizabeth and Zacharias that they were going to have a child, he said back in verse 14, "You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth."
We see the fulfilment of this promise in verse 57 when it says, "And they rejoiced with her," confirming that there was indeed great joy surrounding the birth.
Now, moving on to the eighth day, as per Jewish tradition, the child was to be circumcised. It was customary during that time, as it is for sometimes the son is named after the father.
Similarly, in this case, people expected John to be named after his father, Zacharias. But in verse 16, Elizabeth responded firmly that the child should be named John. The community were taken aback, questioning why they would choose a name that was not customary among their relatives.
In verse 62, we see them ask Zacharias about the child's name. Remember that Zacharias had previously been struck with muteness due to his disbelief in Gabriel's message. But here was see him ask for a tablet and he wrote the firm statement, "His name is John" (verse 63).
Immediately, after he did that is says his mouth was opened, his muteness ended, and he began to praise God very audibly.
So, here we witness this unique sequence: a disagreement about the child's name, a divine intervention as Zacharias declares the name, and the resulting praise of God.
It's noteworthy that this whole incident created a sense of awe and wonder among those present, as mentioned in verse 65. The news spread like wildfire through the entire hill country of Judea. People wondered what kind of child this would be, as this departure from tradition marked John as someone truly unique. They sensed that there was something special about him, even in his naming.
Now, names have always held significance in the Bible. They continue to be meaningful in our lives today. And it's not a coincidence that John's name was chosen. John means "God is merciful" or "God is gracious." This name carries a profound message: God is about to display His immense grace. In this case, it signals that God is preparing to manifest His grace in abundance.
In John chapter one, it is stated, "the law came through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." In this section of the passage, it is Zacharias, the father, who speaks and makes the announcement. I will refer to the rest of this passage as the "birth announcement, or Zacharias’ prophecy" which is divided into two parts. The first part deals with the Messiah, and the second part focuses on John. Let's pick up from verse 67.
Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying. Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited and redeemed His people,
(Luke 1: 67-68)
He started by saying, "Blessed is the Lord God of Israel." It's important to note that when Zacharias began to speak, he quoted scripture, specifically the phrase, "the Lord God of Israel," which can be found in several psalms.
As he began to speak under the influence of the Holy Spirit, his initial words were rooted in scripture. This connection between being filled with the Spirit and quoting scripture is significant. Often, people associate being filled with the Holy Spirit with a particular experience. However, it is crucial to understand that being filled with the Spirit may also involve having a deep knowledge and assimilation of the Word of God. When the Spirit fills someone, they may speak words of joy, praise, and thanksgiving, often quoting the word in a way relevant to a particular situation very much like what Zacharias does here.
Zacharias continues, "He has visited and redeemed His people." This phrase signifies that God has finally intervened after a 400-year period of silence following the last prophet, Malachi. He is announcing the Messiah's arrival, and Zacharias knew about this since Mary's visitation to Elizabeth. The birth of the Messiah means that God is visiting His people, and the theme of redemption is introduced.
And has raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of His servant David,
As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, who have been since the world began,
That we should be saved from our enemies And from the hand of all who hate us.
(Luke 1: 69-71)
Zacharias speaks of raising up "the horn of salvation for us," using the symbolism of a horn to represent power. This act is in fulfilment of God's promises to the House of David, spoken through the holy prophets. The Messiah's mission, as declared in the Old Testament, is to deliver His people from their enemies, those who hate them. This is not referring to spiritual salvation but rather political salvation, the establishment of a political Kingdom.
To perform the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember His holy covenant, The oath which He swore to our father Abraham: To grant us that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, Might serve Him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life.
(Luke 1: 72-75)
Verse 72 emphasizes God's covenant with their fathers, particularly Abraham.
The mention of the holy covenant relates to the three main components of the covenants in the Old Testament – the Abrahamic covenant, which promised a land, the Davidic covenant, which promised a Kingdom, and the New Covenant, which promised forgiveness.
This passage alludes to these covenants. Zacharias expresses that this political salvation and the fulfilment of the covenant will enable them to serve God with fear, holiness, and righteousness throughout their lives.
Therefore, Zacharias speaks of the political salvation brought by the Messiah, aligning it with the promises of the covenants in the Old Testament. His words point towards a Kingdom for Israel, and he connects being filled with the Spirit with the expression of joy, praise, and the knowledge of God's Word.
The new covenant, as well as the Abrahamic and Davidic covenants, are all alluded to in this passage. Zacharias essentially proclaims that the Messiah will come to establish a Kingdom, offering a new hope for Israel. Although this did not happen during the Messiah's first coming, as he was not widely accepted as the Messiah, the New Testament teaches that upon his return, he will indeed establish his Kingdom.
The most significant political issue today is the ongoing conflict between Arabs and Jews. Numerous politicians and leaders have tried to find a solution, but true resolution may only come about with the arrival of the Prince of Peace. This event will not only bring peace to this conflict but also address many, some would say all other global issues.
The birth announcement regarding John begins by announcing the arrival of the Messiah, who will establish a Kingdom. Hallelujah! The Messiah will resolve not only the conflict between Arabs and Jews but also many other challenges.
The rest of the passage shifts the focus to John, but not as a baby. Let's read from verse 76 to 78:
“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, To give knowledge of salvation to His people by the remission of their sins, Through the tender mercy of our God, With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us; To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death,
To guide our feet into the way of peace.”
(Luke 1: 76-79)
In verse 77, we learn how he will prepare the way. John will provide the knowledge of salvation, emphasizing the remission of sins. The remission of sins is an essential component of salvation, and it's necessary for people to recognize their sinful state and their need for forgiveness.
Verse 78 refers to the "tender mercy of God" and the "dayspring from on high." The "dayspring" is another reference to the Messiah, likely derived from the book of Malachi, where the "Sun of Righteousness" is prophesied to rise. This indicates that the Messiah will bring salvation, including the forgiveness of sins.
In order to be forgiven, one must first acknowledge their sinful nature. Some individuals may struggle with admitting their need for forgiveness because they don't think they've done anything wrong. Understanding that they are sinners is the first step.
Furthermore, to be forgiven, it's crucial to recognize that Jesus has already paid the price for their sins. This is illustrated by the example of a meal: if someone else has paid the bill, you don't have to pay. Similarly, Jesus paid for our sins, and we need to accept that payment.
John the Baptist's role is to prepare the way for the Messiah by providing the true new covenant knowledge of salvation, emphasizing the remission of sins, and pointing to the Savior who brings light to those in darkness.
Zacharias' prophetic words in this passage speak of the arrival of the Messiah and the preparation for his Kingdom, the need for forgiveness, and the role of John the Baptist as the forerunner, of that coming Messiah.
In the Bible is a symbol of sin God is light and in him is no darkness at all God is holy and and so he's going to shine light on darkness meaning sand and the people who are in the shadow of death.
This passage portrays people as being in a state of darkness, symbolizing despair, separation from God, and the shadow of death. However, with the arrival of Christ, a new dawn breaks, and people are brought into the light. This light illuminates their understanding of life, themselves, and their relationship with Christ. When someone comes to Christ, they gain the perspective of God's truth and light to guide them on their journey.
John the Baptist plays a crucial role in this process. His mission is to provide knowledge of salvation, emphasizing the forgiveness of sins. After this initial stage of salvation, he guides individuals into the light of God's truth, which eventually leads to a state of peace. The peace mentioned here may not only refer to peace with God but also the peace of God and peace with others. It's a progression from salvation, through understanding, to peace.
The passage ends with a brief summary of John the Baptist's growth from birth to adulthood, emphasizing his strong spirit. John's mission was to prepare the way for the Messiah who would fulfil the promises to Israel and establish the Kingdom, saying.
So, the child grew and became strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his manifestation to Israel.
(Luke 1: 80)
In this context, John the Baptist is portrayed as the fulfilment of the role of a forerunner. However, whether he fulfilled this role is dependent on Israel's acceptance of Jesus as the Messiah. If he was not accepted as the Messiah during his first coming, it is suggested that he would have another forerunner before his second coming. John the Baptist's key tasks were to prepare the way for the Messiah, emphasizing forgiveness, and bringing people into the light of God's truth.
So today are we doing basically the same spiritual things in which we are to grow in faith and by which we're getting prepared for the kings return. So, there's a parallel between what John did and we are to do.
Let's talk about spiritual birth when you look at somebody who comes to Christ as a spiritual babe they are meant to grow to spiritual maturity to Christ like maturity in other words to grow to the point when the Lord comes by his Spirit into our lives and we share him and the good news of his kingdom, and the even better new of his coming kingdom that will bring peace to a divided and hurting world.