Luke 1:60
Luke 1:60 (KJV) says: “And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.”
This verse is part of the account of the birth of John the Baptist. To fully understand its significance, let’s look at the context.
In Luke 1, the angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah, a priest, and announced that his wife Elizabeth, who was barren and advanced in years, would conceive a son. This son was to be named John and would have a special role in preparing the way for the coming of the Lord.
However, when the time came for the baby to be named, some of Zechariah’s relatives and neighbours assumed he would be named after his father, which was a common practice at the time. They expected the child to be named Zechariah after his father, as it was the customary tradition.
But Elizabeth, the mother of the child, responded, “Not so; but he shall be called John.” Her answer indicated that the child’s name was to be John as instructed by the angel Gabriel.
The significance of this event goes beyond just the choice of a name. It signifies the fulfilment of God’s plan and the breaking of tradition. John’s name was not chosen by human tradition but by divine intervention. It emphasised that John had a unique purpose in God’s plan, to prepare the way for the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ.
Additionally, the name “John” holds significance in itself. The name means “God is gracious” or “Yahweh is gracious.” This name reflects the mercy and favour of God, as John’s birth was a miraculous event, given the age and barrenness of his parents.
Luke 1:60 highlights the obedience and faith of Elizabeth in following the divine command regarding the name of her son. Despite the pressure to conform to tradition, she affirmed the name given by God’s messenger, Gabriel. This obedience demonstrated her trust in God’s plan and his ability to bring about something extraordinary through her child.
Overall, Luke 1:60 teaches us the importance of listening to and obeying God’s instructions, even when they may go against societal expectations or traditions. It encourages us to have faith in God’s plan and recognise the significance of our unique roles in fulfilling His purpose.
