Grasshoppers, Greatness, and God's KingdomSýnishorn

John the Baby-tist

As a newborn baby, held in the arms of Elizabeth, John isn’t able to preach about the coming Messiah. In fact, he can’t talk at all. Ironically, John’s father Zechariah is also unable to talk because an angel muted him from the moment he doubted God’s promise of a child to the moment God fulfilled the promise. When Elizabeth and Zechariah officially name their new baby “John,” Zechariah’s ability to speak returns and he immediately praises God. In this text, there is an overtone of celebration. Zechariah praises the Lord, the people who witnessed the naming of John leave the room “in awe," and John’s name literally means “God is gracious." The scene ends with some of the witnesses begging the question “What then is this child going to be?” Perhaps they envisioned a life of greatness for John because “the Lord’s hand was with him.” It was God’s providence and the praise it inspired that made the uniqueness and importance of John obvious. A person’s greatness is rooted in the praiseworthy providence of God.

Reflection:

• How has someone shared with you in your joy over the last year? How have you shared with someone in their joy? (Verse 58)
• This text has an overtone of celebration. What has God done in your life that is worth celebrating? How can you actively celebrate God’s work this week?
• How has your family of origin and upbringing impacted your faith positively or negatively? (Verse 66)