“He asked for a writing tablet and wrote: ‘His name is John.’ And they were all amazed.”
The time came for Elizabeth to deliver John the Baptist.
It seems that Elizabeth stayed hidden during her pregnancy and only told her neighbors once John was born (Luke 1:58). Their story of infertility was well-known in the community. Zechariah and Elizabeth were unable to conceive a child but now, in their old age, God has shown them favor and blessed them with a son. Luke 1:58 tells us that the neighbors celebrated the baby’s birth and praised God. God’s hand was evident in this .
Elizabeth and Zechariah took the baby to be circumcised when he was eight days old, in accordance with the Law. The baby had not been named and the group of neighbors and friends who gathered for the circumcision asked Elizabeth what she would name the child. Zechariah was mute from his encounter with Gabriel, the angel of the Lord. Elizabeth named the baby with the name that the angel Gabriel instructed – John. The crowd was confused for it was customary to name the child after a relative.
Needing to confirm Elizabeth’s decision, the crowd turned and asked Zechariah what he would name the boy. Luke 1:68 says, “He asked for a writing tablet and wrote: ‘His name is John.’ And they were all amazed.” Zechariah obeyed the Lord’s instructions and named the baby John. Once the baby was named Zechariah regained his voice and began to praise God! The miraculous events around this birth caused the people to consider the powerful impact that John would have for the kingdom of God.
The crowd was confused by the name that was given to the baby. It didn’t match the family’s past.
When a person becomes a Christian the Bible says that he becomes a “new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17). You receive a new identity and a new name. You are no longer a slave to sin, you are now a son or daughter of God.
Some people will try to label you with an old name but God has a new name for you.
The crowd may question the new name and identity that Jesus gives you. They may point to your past and call you by your history. In Christ you have experienced a spiritual rebirth (John 3) and your Heavenly Father gives you an unshakeable name of redeemed, restored, freed, a friend, a co-worker, and beloved.
Your identity isn’t based on your past sin, present successes, or future potential. Your identity is based on the finished work of Jesus.
Live It:
- Do you live with the awareness of your new identity in Jesus?
- How do you respond when someone tries to label you with a name that isn’t given by Christ?
Christ Chronological: Luke 1:57-66
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Chase Snyder
Writer, Pastor
