Scripture Reading: Luke 1:57-80
It is a stupendous moment when a great man is born. The birth of few men through the centuries has meant more to the world than John the Baptist’s. Jesus said of him that of all born of woman there was none greater (see Luke 7:28). The beloved disciple thus describes his coming into the world: “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John” (John 1:6). It was a great moment in history when this man was born.
The neighbors of Elisabeth and her kin folk came and rejoiced with her. The child was circumcised the eighth day, according to the law of the Jews. At that time his name was given to him. The friends who were present would have named him Zacharias, after his father. His mother objected, however, saying that he should be called John. The friends insisted that this was not a family name and that he ought to be name after his father. They appealed to Zacharias to decide the matter. Then he asked for a writing slate and wrote, “His name is John.” Then his speechless tongue was loosed and he spoke in praise to God.
Page 1