Rejoicing the Birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:5-80)

Zacharias was a priest during the days of King Herod. His wife was Elisabeth. They were both righteous and did what God would have them do. They had no children and were both old when the Angel Gabriel appeared to Zacharias to tell him that Elisabeth would have a son. Zacharias was also told that many would rejoice at the birth of his son. (Luke 1:14)

Why would so many people rejoice at the birth of a baby? Was it because Zacharias and Elisabeth were beyond child baring years? I’m sure this was a reason for Zacharias and Elisabeth to rejoice, but the birth of this baby would actually help change the world, he would be a big part of history.

When John was born Elisabeth’s neighbors and family did rejoice with her because the Lord had showed her great mercy.  They did not even know that they were about to rejoice even more. When the time came to name the baby everyone wanted his name to be Zacharias after his father, when Elisabeth protested and said that his name was John they turned to Zacharias, who had been mute since the beginning of the pregnancy because of his disbelief he confirmed in writing that the baby’s name was to be John. As soon as he wrote this he was given back the ability to speak and the people were astonished, having witnessed a miracle! They knew that the Lord was with him. (vs 66)

People would rejoice John the Baptist’s birth because he would prepare the way for the Lord. He would only do what the Lord would ask, remaining faithful, losing himself in the service of the Lord. The Holy Ghost would be with him and he would turn the hearts and souls of many to the Lord. He would also baptize many, including our Savior. He even had two members of the twelve as disciples before they met Jesus. He did not respond with jealousy when others left him to follow Jesus, but rather new that this was his purpose. His mission was to prepare the way for the Lord and to baptize the Savior of the world, which he did.

•  Vs 15. He would be great in the sight of the Lord
• Vs 15. He would not drink wine or strong drink
• Vs 15. He would be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from the womb. In vs 41 when Mary came to Elisabeth John leaped in her womb, because he knew the Lord was near. Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost.
• Vs 16. He would turn many children to the Lord.
•  Vs 17. He would have the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children.
• Vs 17. He could turn the disobedient to the wisdom of the just
• Vs 17 and 76. He would prepare the people to meet their Lord
• Vs 77. Give people knowledge of salvation by the remission of their sins
• Vs 79. Guide his people to peace
•  Bible Dictionary – He would baptize Jesus.
•  Bible Dictionary – He would baptize others.
•  Bible Dictionary – At least two members of the twelve were disciples of John before they met Jesus.
• Bible Dictionary – His mission was to prepare the way for the Lord and to baptize the Savior of the world.