Today we are going to look at the child who was born to prepare the way for the Messiah—John the Baptist. His birth itself was pretty spectacular. His parents were well past child-bearing years, his father was a priest on duty in the temple when an angel appeared to announce his birth. Because his father questioned the validity of this announcement the angel told him he would be unable to speak until the child was born. Fast forward to the baby being born and brought to the day he was to be named—father, Zechariah, still unable to speak was given paper to write down the baby’s name. As soon as he gave the name given by the angel his tongue was loosed and he was able to speak. All their neighbors were amazed and word spread throughout the countryside wondering, “What then is this child going to be?” For the Lord’s hand was with him.
What was the message this baby came to bring? What was he to do that was so amazing? What could possibly be the reason for such a sensational beginning? We find the answers in his father’s words as he prophesied over this young baby boy. He was to become a prophet of the Most High (God), preparing the way for the Messiah, giving people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins because of the tender mercy of our God (Luke 1:77—78). You see, up until the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus, the Son of God, the only way to have sins forgiven was to come before the priest with a sacrifice. And while that might have fulfilled the requirement of the law it didn’t wash away that guilt we all have when we know we’ve done wrong.
What then is this child going to be—the forerunner of the greatest Christmas gift ever given! Do you remember what gifts you were given last year for Christmas? The year before? Five years ago? We all know those toys and trinkets are temporary. But a gift that can wipe out the things that plague our mind—priceless.
What then is this child going to be—the one who not only pointed out the evil, but taught how then we should live. When the crowds asked, “What do we do?” he told them—“anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none.” Of the tax collectors, “Don’t collect more than you’re required to,” of the soldiers, “don’t accuse people falsely,” also, “be content with your pay,” (Luke 3:10—14).
What then is this child going to be—John’s answer to the people wondering if he himself was the Messiah, “I baptize you with water. But One more powerful than I will come. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire,” (Luke 3:15—16).
What then is this child going to be—possibly the one who points you to Jesus; the one who announces to your world-heavy heart the One who desires to set you free. Come to Jesus. Come to the One about whom this child grew up to proclaim, “Look the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29)!
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