Tuesday 24 June 2025
Fear came over all their neighbours, and all these things were talked about throughout the entire hill country of Judea. (v. 65)
Background
We are back in Luke’s Gospel for the birth of John the Baptist, who was the forerunner to Jesus and was also Jesus’ cousin. Part of his story that I have never thought much about before is the actual naming. And clearly there was a bit of a dispute going on that the wider family and neighbours all decided was their business as much as the parents, and everyone seemed to have an opinion. Sounds familiar?
All and sundry assumed the child would be named Zachariah after his father, a common enough occurrence even today. But Elizabeth was having none of that despite the objections of her wider family, neighbours and no doubt anyone who happened to be passing. The meaning of a name is always important and the debate was between Zachariah (the Lord remembers) and John (God is gracious). I'm tempted here to immediately take sides, to support Elizabeth and basically join in the dispute, albeit 2000 years on. That perhaps is not the way to go.
Maybe it's better to recognise the joy that the birth of a child brings, with all the hopes that lie ahead; to recognise that God knows everything but is gracious; and to remember that John spent his life pointing people to Jesus.
All the neighbours, relatives (and perhaps even us) had an opinion on what the name should be. That’s what they were talking about. But God intervenes and the father Zachariah’s voice is miraculously restored as he writes to support naming the child John. As he speaks and praises God, the voices of the neigbours and wider family change as they recognise the presence of the Almighty.
What started as a bit of fun for some and pitching in to a potential family argument, ends up with the presence of God being what is talked about. God is in charge. Sometimes it takes us quite some time to recognise this.
To Ponder:
- What does your name mean? My name (Stephen) means ‘a crown’ which perhaps showed my mother’s rather bold hopes for my future.
- When did a messy situation for you resolve in a way that showed God’s presence?
Prayer
Loving God, you call us your children by name. Even the sparrows are loved and cared for by you. Remind us again what it means to be your daughters and sons, because we forget too easily. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Dr Stephen Skuce
Stephen is the Superintendent of the North Western District of The Methodist Church in Ireland.