What Manner Of Child Shall This Be

WHAT MANNER OF CHILD SHALL THIS BE

Luke 1:57-66.

Not only did the old priest Zacharias and his barren wife Elizabeth PROFESS righteousness, but they were LIVING righteously before God and men (Luke 1:6). This does not mean that they were perfect: the old man initially failed to fully believe the messenger of God (Luke 1:18), and was (temporarily) struck dumb for his obstinacy (Luke 1:20). I wonder what our response would be if God suddenly broke into any of our long familiar routines and comfort zones?

With his duties at the temple completed for the season, Zechariah returned to his home (Luke 1:23). After Elizabeth had conceived, she “hid herself” (Luke 1:24). This conception represented a release from the long years of reproach (Luke 1:25), and was nothing short of miraculous (Luke 1:36-37).

After six months, Mary visited, bearing in her womb the baby Jesus. Baby John the Baptist-to-be leapt in his mother’s womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost (Luke 1:41). Elizabeth pronounced a remarkable benediction over Mary (Luke 1:42-45), and Mary’s soul magnified the Lord (Luke 1:46-55).

Mary stayed with Elizabeth for three months, and then returned to her own house (Luke 1:56). Elizabeth’s full time came, and she bare a son (Luke 1:57). This was cause for celebration among her neighbours and cousins, who acknowledged the Lord’s great mercy upon her, and rejoiced with her (Luke 1:58; cf. Romans 12:15).

Eight days later, when it became time for the baby to be circumcised, everybody except the boy’s parents was presuming that he would be named after his father (Luke 1:59-61). This was customary, and was particularly to be expected as this was the old priest’s first (and therefore possibly only) son. However, for this child, the Lord had other plans: the old order was passing-away, and the priesthood was about to pass from the line of Aaron to One ‘after the order of Melchizedek’ (Hebrews 5:5-6).

The perplexed celebrants would not accept the word of a woman, but “made signs” to the boy’s father (Luke 1:62). I wonder if the old man was deaf as well as dumb? Zacharias, all doubts dispelled, asked for (presumably indicated) a writing table and, to the astonishment of all but Elizabeth, wrote: “his name is John” (Luke 1:63).

This was a moment of healing for Zacharias, an end to his chastening (Hebrews 12:11). Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue loosed, “and he spoke, and praised God” (Luke 1:64). A certain “fear” fell upon the witnesses, and the whole matter was noised abroad throughout the region (Luke 1:65); and those who heard them wondered, “what manner of child shall this be” (Luke 1:66).

John was going to be the prophet of the Highest, the herald and forerunner of the Lord (Luke 1:76). John's message was intended to bring knowledge of salvation to the people of God (Luke 1:77). This is only possible because of the mercy of God in visiting us in the person of Jesus (Luke 1:78-79).

The final word in our reading is, “and the hand of the Lord was with him (i.e. John)” (Luke 1:66). We could pray for this for our own ministries, and for our offspring. Without the Lord Jesus, we can do nothing (John 15:5).