Luke 1:57-66
The birth of John the Baptist, Jesus’ cousin, was also miraculous. Mary’s cousin, Elizabeth, was older and beyond child-bearing years. When the Lord spoke to Zechariah, John’s father, he was amazed at how that could be, and God made him mute until he shared the name God desired for his child.
When the time came for Elizabeth to give birth and they showed up on the eighth day to circumcised and name the child, the crown gathered wanting to name the child after his father. Elizabeth says, “No, his name is John.” At first, the people are confused that if the child was not named after his father, then perhaps another honored family member.
The crowd thought that Elizabeth was taking advantage of her husband being mute began to try to communicate with him directly. He then wrote down his name is John. Immediately with Zechariah’s act of faithfulness he regained the ability to speak, and he immediately spoke, blessing God.
Fear and awe gripped those who were there. The people shared about the miracle in their midst. Then they wondered, “What then will this child be?” We know that this child would be the one who is leading the way, clearing the path for the coming Messiah. Look carefully, God still is pointing us toward the Son.
The Bowtie Pastor 