Luke 1:57-80

1:59-64 | In those days, a firstborn Jewish son was usually named after his father at the time of the child’s circumcision (the eighth day). Apparently, the encounter with Gabriel in the temple rendered Zacharias both mute and deaf; otherwise, the concerned neighbors and friends would not have needed to make signs to the aged priest to determine what he wanted to name his son.

1:63-64 | God does not chasten His people any longer than is necessary. As soon as Zacharias confirmed the boy’s divinely appointed name, which means “God is Gracious,” the Lord opened the priest’s ears and loosened his tongue. His praise was centered on God’s great gift of salvation.

1:65-66 | The circumstances surrounding John’s birth were so extraordinary that they – and he – immediately became the talk of the whole region. Luke often speaks of people responding with fear, or astonished wonder, to the miracles of God. In every case but one, this fear prompts people to glorify God.

1:67-69 | First his son was filled with the Holy Spirit, and then his wife, and finally Zacharias. His hymn of praise to God emphasized the national benefits of God’s gift. God’s blessings are not just for individuals to keep to themselves.

1:70-73 | Although these events represented a new phrase in God’s program of redemption and deliverance for His people, they fulfilled very old prophecies – and very old promises.

1:74-75 | The coming of the Messiah was an opportunity for the nation to serve without fear of destruction from its enemies, and to serve in holiness and righteousness through Christ’s work on the cross.

1:76-79 | Zacharias directly addressed his son, proclaiming his purpose as a prophet of God and a preparer of the way of the Messiah (Dayspring). Probably as a result of long father and son conversations about his unique role, John grew up with a clear sense of his identity (Isa. 40:3; John 1:23).

1:80 | As a doctor, Luke had special interest in the physical maturation of his subjects. Because John’s parents were already far along in age when he was born, they likely died when he was quite young. That he was in the deserts suggests that John was relatively isolated until his commissioning (manifestation), when he began his public ministry.