Luke 1:67-80
“Notice what you notice.”
I have probably noticed before, but never really took it to heart how much Zacharias’ prayer/prophecy is more about Jesus than John. Check it out – the only reference specifically to John is contained in one sentence in verses 76 and 77: “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins…”. Earlier, Gabriel’s appearance to Zacharias was almost totally about John. The only reference to Jesus is in verse 17: “…and he will go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.”
I can now see something of an RTB meeting with Elizabeth, Zacharias, and Mary chatting together.
Mary: “Well, I have told you what the angel Gabriel told me about my Son who is to be born, whom we are to name Jesus. Zacharias, what exactly did Gabriel say to you about this Son of the Most High?”
Zacharias: “Really, only that he would go before Him and prepare the people for the coming of the Lord, not much more.”
Elizabeth: “Even though I only knew what Zacharias had told me, I felt there was something special going on when you first visited, Mary, because the baby leapt in my womb immediately when I saw you. And in my prayer I referred to the ‘mother of my Lord.’ That must have come from the Holy Spirit.”
They must have continued for hours, days, and weeks trying to figure this thing out! And although they got it right, they didn’t know the half of it…!!
Notice also that John is referred to as the “prophet of the Most High” (v. 76) whereas Gabriel in his visit to Mary earlier referred to Jesus as the “Son of the Most High” (v. 32). Intriguing…!
Blessings!!
And in all that chatting among the three of them, Zacharias couldn’t actually speak — talk about frustrating!
But when he finally does get to speak, he blesses God, is filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophecies — not a bad turn around!
So one thing I noticed in this passage was Zechariah’s voice returning when he was obedient and named the child John—there was no guarantee that it would! 🙂
But when he could speak again, he praised God and prophesied. I think perhaps I would do well to endure an extended time of enforced silence and listen to God!
John said something about memorization earlier. The Song of Zechariah (Luke 1:68-79) is one I have memorized from childhood. It was known as the Benedictus in the 1928 Book of Common Prayer and sung often during Morning Prayer—the dominant service when I was growing up.
That’s pretty cool, Katey. It is a great passage to “own” and call up when you need it.