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.