NOTE: This post continues a series of writings through the book of Luke. See the previous post here.

To fully grasp the significance of this passage, we have to understand the context. 

In this culture, circumcision was a big deal. It was a ritual that was a symbol of the covenant that God made with Abraham that God would never forsake Abraham or his people. Because of this, family gathered together when a child was circumcised to celebrate the gift of life and the covenant the Lord made.

A child is also named once he is circumcised, so that added a layer of importance to the event. Think of it like a gender reveal party, but 100 times more meaningful. 

And naming was also hugely significant in this culture. Naming was very family-centric, and it was the custom to name children after someone in the child’s lineage. 

The fact that no one in this child’s lineage was named John was shocking and even a little scandalous. This is why when Elizabeth said the child’s name was John, those gathered immediately turned to Zacharias to get a different answer. When Zacharias wrote on a tablet “his name is John” and was immediately able to speak, it was clear to everyone present that the Lord’s hand was upon this decision. 

Naming the child John was an act of submission and a step of faith for Elizabeth and Zacharias, and everyone present knew it. Add to that the fact that John means “gift of Jehovah” or “Jehovah has graciously given,” and it’s made even more clear. 

John’s birth, name and calling was the gift to prepare the way for Christ, just as Christ’s coming was a gift to prepare the way to heaven for the rest of humanity.