Holy Bible - Obsidian Study Guide

Birth of John the Baptist

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Birth of John the Baptist

Overview

  • Testament: New
  • Book: Luke
  • Chapters: Luke 1:57-80
  • Summary: Elizabeth fulfils her time and brings forth a son; neighbours and kinsfolk rejoice with her at the mercy of the Lord. On the eighth day the child is to be named, and contrary to expectation the family calls him John at Elizabeth’s direction, confirmed by Zechariah in writing. Zechariah’s tongue is immediately loosed and he utters the Benedictus, prophesying the redemption God hath raised up and the child’s calling as prophet and forerunner of the Lord. The passage closes with the note that “the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel” (v.80).

Significance

The naming of John and the loosing of Zechariah’s tongue (which had been bound since his unbelief in the temple, Luke 1:20) demonstrate God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises and the arrival of a new prophetic age. The Benedictus draws on the language of the Davidic covenant and the prophets, situating John within the grand sweep of redemptive history. John’s desert sojourn foreshadows his ministry as a voice calling Israel to repentance.

Key Verses

“And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people.” — Luke 1:67-68 (KJV)

“And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways.” — Luke 1:76 (KJV)

Cross-References

  • Luke — the Gospel that records the infancy narrative of both John and Jesus
  • Annunciation — the angel Gabriel’s announcement to Zechariah and to Mary that precedes this birth
  • John the Baptist — the child born, who will grow to become the forerunner of Christ
  • Isaiah — Isaiah 40:3 underlies Zechariah’s prophecy of one preparing the way
  • Malachi — Malachi 3:1 and 4:5-6 prophesy the messenger who prepares the Lord’s way, fulfilled in John

Key Figures

  • Elizabeth — mother of John the Baptist, filled with the Holy Ghost at the Annunciation
  • Zechariah — priest and father of John, whose tongue is loosed to deliver the Benedictus
  • John the Baptist — the child born, forerunner and prophet of the Highest

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