Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. Luke 1:64 NABRE
At Christmas we have Jesus’ birth and the birth of John the Baptist. John is the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth. Zechariah is visited by an angel and told of Elizabeth’s pregnancy. Zechariah doubts as she is old and has been baron her entire life. For doubting the angel renders Zechariah mute. John’s birth goes well and after eight days the boy is taken to be circumcised and named. Elizabeth says his name is John, but those with her question her as it is not a family name. Turning to the boy’s father Zechariah, he writes on a tablet affirming John as the name. As soon as he does his mouth is opened and tongue freed and he announces blessings to God. Unlike like Mary’s conception and birth, John’s is rather normal and in full view of his neighbors and relatives. Through the miracle of Zechariah’s healing and the special naming of the boy those close friends feel like there is a special role for John in the future, they see the hand of God marking his life. We know John goes on to have a great following, announcing a baptism of repentance and preparing the way for the Lord.
These two birth stories are quite different, John is born and honored and seen as a future instrument of God. Mary’s conception brings doubt into her marriage and the birth of Jesus occurs on the road without friends and family supporting. In fact during Mary’s pregnancy we hear nothing of the kind of support her relative Elizabeth received. Perhaps it is the difference in age, Elizabeth’s social circle knowing she needs more help. Mary, the mother of Jesus doesn’t have an easy start, even when her son is born they must hide from King Herod’s plot. Two mother’s, two different beginnings.
Do you see mothers struggle? Can you be support for a mother?
These two birth stories are quite different, John is born and honored and seen as a future instrument of God. Mary's conception brings doubt into her marriage and the birth of Jesus occurs on the road without friends and family supporting. Click To Tweet#bible #godisgreat #jesus #christianity #dailybibleverse @youversion #BeAnEncourager #support #mom #Luke #everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood #dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture #bibleverse #verseoftheday #cross #last #gospels #loveeachother #godisgreat #thisVineyard #youversion #everythingalways