John was born about six months before his cousin, Yeshua. John’s father, Zacharias, was serving as priest when an angel came to him. Not only was Zacharias surprised, he was frightened:
Zacharias had doubts about the promise of a child, because he and his wife were far past the time when a child could be born to them. Because he doubted, the Angel gave him a sign so that he would know the word came from God; he made Zacharias mute, and told him he would remain so until the baby, John, was born.
Why would it be so important that the “one crying in the wilderness, prepare ye the way of the Lord” be called John (Ioannes, in Hebrew)? We know that John’s name means “Jehovah is a gracious giver.” The name is a good one, reminding us that truly our God is a gracious giver, especially in that He was in the act of providing for us Yeshua, our Salvation. But there is more.
The meaning of John's name does not appear to be of primary importance in this story. The focus is on how important it was that John be called by the name announced by the Angel. If Zacharias had not lost his speech during that time, if it had not been such a marvel to the entire countryside, we might have lost sight of the reminder that God is interested in NAME, in particular in the name of One soon to be born, of whom the Angel had said, “Thou shalt call his name Yeshua (Salvation!), for He shall save His people from their sins.”
12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.
14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.Luke 1:12-14 (New King James Version)
Zacharias had doubts about the promise of a child, because he and his wife were far past the time when a child could be born to them. Because he doubted, the Angel gave him a sign so that he would know the word came from God; he made Zacharias mute, and told him he would remain so until the baby, John, was born.
57 Now Elizabeth’s full time came for her to be delivered, and she brought forth a son.58 When her neighbors and relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, they rejoiced with her.59 So it was, on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him by the name of his father, Zacharias.60 His mother answered and said, “No; he shall be called John.”61 But they said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name.”62 So they made signs to his father—what he would have him called.63 And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying, “His name is John.” So they all marveled.64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, praising God.65 Then fear came on all who dwelt around them; and all these sayings were discussed throughout all the hill country of Judea.66 And all those who heard them kept them in their hearts, saying, “What kind of child will this be?” And the hand of the Lord was with him.Luke 1:57-66 (New King James Version)
Why would it be so important that the “one crying in the wilderness, prepare ye the way of the Lord” be called John (Ioannes, in Hebrew)? We know that John’s name means “Jehovah is a gracious giver.” The name is a good one, reminding us that truly our God is a gracious giver, especially in that He was in the act of providing for us Yeshua, our Salvation. But there is more.
The meaning of John's name does not appear to be of primary importance in this story. The focus is on how important it was that John be called by the name announced by the Angel. If Zacharias had not lost his speech during that time, if it had not been such a marvel to the entire countryside, we might have lost sight of the reminder that God is interested in NAME, in particular in the name of One soon to be born, of whom the Angel had said, “Thou shalt call his name Yeshua (Salvation!), for He shall save His people from their sins.”
No comments:
Post a Comment