In view of the significance of John the Baptist, the average reader of the New Testament shows relatively little knowledge of his work. We may well search the Gospels for a better understanding of this young man, who held a unique position in the unfoldment of the career of Christ Jesus, the Founder of Christianity.
Following an ancient custom a male Hebrew child would receive his name when eight days old, at the time of his circumcision, in the presence of relatives and friends. The normal practice would have been to name this boy after his father, Zacharias.
But to the amazement of the assembled guests, who insisted on calling the child "Zacharias," "his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John" (Luke 1:60). Observing that the father was still speechless following his memorable vision in the Temple, the relatives and friends sought by the use of signs to check with Zacharias himself, regarding the child's name. When a writing tablet was provided at his request, Zacharias wrote clearly, "His name is John" (verse 63).
