Characters at the Cradle: John The Baptist, What’s His Name?

by David Chadwick

What’s in a name? There is power in a name. Meaning in a name. Purpose in a name. In Scripture, names often point to someone’s God-ordained purpose. Today, you will learn why John’s name was significant.

After John was born, Zechariah and Elizabeth took him to be circumcised on the eighth day, as was the Jewish custom. This was also the time when the father would pronounce the name of the child.

Often in biblical times, the child would be named after the father. This actually still happens a lot in today’s culture as well. So for John’s circumcision, everyone gathered on that day anticipating that this baby’s name would be Zechariah, after his daddy.

Now remember, Zechariah is still without his voice. It’s been nine months since Gabriel closed Zechariah’s vocal cords, and not a word has been spoken in all these months. So it was Elizabeth who responded, “No; he shall be called John.”

Somehow, Zechariah had clearly communicated with Elizabeth all that Gabriel had told him, including the fact that they were to name their son John. In that moment, Elizabeth communicated with precise obedience from all that Zechariah had been commanded to do.

The name John means “God is gracious.” This name spoke prophetically to the fact that John would pave the way for the life of Jesus to grace this earth, a life that would forever change the course of history and the trajectory of the world.

Do you get a sense as to why God chose Zechariah and Elizabeth to parent this special child named John? I believe it is because God knew that they had a heart of obedience to accomplish ALL that God would command them to do.

A heart of obedience often precedes God’s gifts of miracles. This still holds true for us today.

Do you have a heart of obedience? Do you desire to obey God in whatever he asks of you?

I would encourage all of us to posture ourselves to be the kinds of people to whom he will entrust his plans.

Characters at the Cradle: John the Baptist, The Birth

by David Chadwick

This week, we are going to look at another character at the cradle. Join me as we explore the birth of John the Baptist, found in Luke 1:57-66. We will start today by looking at verses 57 and 58.

Elizabeth’s time to give birth has finally arrived! After her five months of hiddenness and Zechariah’s nine months of silence, the divine time for John to enter the world had arrived!

Think about all that must have happened to Elizabeth over those nine months. Somehow, Zechariah figured out a way to tell her about Gabriel’s visit to him in the temple. The shock, the unbelief, the awe, the acceptance. You know there must have been a wide range of emotions.

Then, as alluded to earlier, for five months, Elizabeth hid herself and spent time absorbing the magnitude of this news. After so many long years of praying and waiting, they would finally have a son. And oh, how great this son would be!

Because Gabriel had shut Zechariah’s mouth after displaying unbelief, Elizabeth was left with a lot of time to ponder quietly during her pregnancy. She probably spent a lot of time in prayer and meditation.

Then, if you remember, Elizabeth also had that special designated time with her cousin, Mary. When Mary visited Elizabeth, John leaped in her womb in the presence of Jesus. Even in the womb, John knew he was in the presence of the Son of God. It's yet another pro-life verse people should study. A child in the womb can leap for joy!

When John was born, Elizabeth’s neighbors came and shared in her joy. They rejoiced in the Lord’s mercy toward her, giving her a child in old age, and ultimately removing the reproach of barrenness for her and Zechariah.

JOY! It’s what they all experienced. One of the greatest producers of joy is answered prayer. In fact, the Bible says that “hope deferred makes the heart sick” (Proverbs 13:12). Think about the many answered prayers that you have seen take place in your life. As you do, let faith arise that God still may answer the deepest desires of your heart.

Answered prayers always produce great joy. Have faith and continue to believe even before you have received the promise! This produces faith, which cannot be taken away.

And this faith realized produces great joy!

Characters at the Cradle: Mary’s Magnificat, Let There be Praise

by David Chadwick

Let there be praise! While Mary’s Magnificat ends with verse 55, Luke 1:56 tells us what Mary did after she completed this psalm of praise. I often find that the practical action steps that follow a spiritual encounter are equally as important, if not more, than the encounter itself. It is important to put action behind our experiences. Mary did just that.

The Bible says that Mary remained with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned to her home. What do you think happened in those three months? I can think of 3 things that I think happened.

First, I think Mary prayed and worshiped God, soaking in his unfailing love. I think she probably reflected on the words that she cried out to God in “The Magnificat.” The magnitude of the story unfolding. The faithfulness of God through generations.

Secondly, I think Mary processed with Elizabeth. If you remember, Elizabeth kept herself hidden for five months after finding out John was on the way. During that time, Elizabeth probably had times of worship and quiet reflection where she contemplated God’s mercy and grace. I’m sure she sat and reflected on all Gabriel had said to her husband, Zechariah.

I can remember my Marilynn, after long years of waiting for a child, finally learning that our first baby was on the way. She spent hours in prayer, praise, and contemplation. As her belly grew, she would often rub her tummy and thank God. Sing praises. Quote Bible verses.

Mary and Elizabeth probably also shared similar stories as they sat together in reflection. Can you imagine the conversations, prayer, and praise? The joy of sharing these two miracle stories? Possibly even writing things down to preserve the memories for generations to come. Whatever happened, I’m sure it was full of wonder.

Third, I think Mary prepared her heart to return home. You can’t stay on a mountaintop experience forever. When God speaks, it requires action. She probably began to prepare a room in her heart before she ever had to prepare a room in that manger bed.

Here’s one final thought. Do you think Mary stayed long enough to help deliver John? Her cousin was a bit older. So maybe Mary remained to ensure her cousin and baby were safe. It really is fun to think about how this story unfolded in real life. May we all praise God for his goodness, mercy, miracles, and many gifts to us. May gratitude fill our hearts!

God is truly good. He has done great things, and his favor is for all of us. Walk in humility, not pride. And taste and see that the Lord is good.