THE BIRTH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST

Luke 1:57-58 Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. And her neighbors and her cousins heard how the Lord had showed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her. (Also Read Vss. 59-66)

Six months after the conception of John by Elisabeth (Vs. 36), Mary left Nazareth and visited her. More than likely she traveled from Bethlehem to the city of Hebron. Mary's visited with Elisabeth for about three months (Vs. 56), which, including the previous six month period, was the ordinary time allowed by nature for a child to be born. The lesson text begins here at the full time ...that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son, just as God promised through His messenger, the angel Gabriel (Vs. 13).

The reproach Elisabeth had long endured for of being barren of children had ended, and there was great joy among her neighbors and her cousins. What a great example this is to all of God's children. Not only are we to rejoice and be thankful for the goodness God extends to us each day of our lives, but also we are to be thankful for, and find the same pleasure in, the shower of blessings He bestows on others. How wonderful it is to rejoice with those whom God has granted His abundant mercy and favor (See Rom. 12:15; Phil. 2:17-18).

The story of the birth of John the Baptist continues in the following verses 59-66. The religious rite of circumcision of all male children was commanded by God to His servant Abraham and his descendents in Genesis 17:10-14. It was further given as a commandment to be performed on all Jewish male children (Lev. 12:3). In both of these references this rite was commanded to take place on the eighth day after the birth of each male child. Therefore, it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child. Not only was circumcision to take place on this eighth day after birth, but also this is the day that the male child was named. Those that attended this rite, who probably were the neighbors and relatives mentioned in the lesson text, suggested the babe be named Zacharias, after the name of the father (Vs. 59). Family genealogies were extremely critical to the Jews. Not only were names selected in order to maintain their distinct family heritage, but also to honor their forefathers. Elisabeth immediately corrected this suggestion by saying the he shall be called John. Since we have no direct reference to her knowledge of this, we can assume that she either was told by inspiration from God, or from Zacharias, her husband, who had it revealed to him by the angel Gabriel (Vs. 13). Again those attending this ceremony reminded Elisabeth that this defied the usual custom since there was no relative having that name (Vs. 61).

And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called (Vs. 62). Being doubtful of God's promise of a son in his, and that of his wife, Zacharias, when this was revealed to him by the angel Gabriel, asked for a sign that this would surely come true. The unfortunate sign that was given Zacharias was that he would be made dumb, and not able to speak until after the birth of his son (Vs. 20). Still unable to speak, he asked for something on which he could write a message. Being given a writing-table, he obeyed God's commandment to him and wrote, his name is John. And they marveled all (Vs. 63).

For nine months, Zacharias had been unable to speak. And now, having obeyed the command given to him, God in turn fulfilled His promise to Zacharias: And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God (Vs. 64, also see Vs. 20). With much gratitude, not only over the birth of his son, but also for God restoring his ability to once again speak, Zacharias, with all his spirit and mind, praised God. What great examples God's children have in New Testament scriptures such as this, just as the Old Testament tells us: Praise ye the Lord. Praise the Lord, O my soul. While I live will I praise the Lord: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being (Psalm 146:1-2).

After the circumcision, the naming of John, and the restoration of Zacharias' ability to speak, fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judea. And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him (Vss. 65-66). Indeed, all werefilled with awe at the events that had taken place. Yet greater, more amazing things would come when John introduced Jesus Christ to the world!