Meaning of Luke 1:66

The announcement of John the Baptist's birth, preceded by the miraculous silencing of his father Zechariah, generated profound astonishment and speculation among the Judean populace. The question, "What then is this child going to be?" reflects a collective bewilderment, not just at the unusual circumstances of his conception and birth, but at the palpable sense of divine intervention, encapsulated in the phrase "For the Lord's hand was with him." This signifies that John was not merely an ordinary child, but one directly under God's special care and purpose, a notion that stirred both curiosity and anticipation about his future role and identity.

Context and Background

This passage is situated within the opening chapters of Luke's Gospel, which meticulously details the miraculous births and early lives of John the Baptist and Jesus. Zechariah, a priest, had been struck mute by the angel Gabriel for his disbelief when told of his wife Elizabeth's impending pregnancy in their old age. Upon John's circumcision and naming, Zechariah's voice was miraculously restored, and he immediately broke into a prophetic hymn of praise, the Benedictus (Luke 1:68-79). The astonishment mentioned in verse 66 refers to the reaction of those who witnessed these events, particularly Zechariah's restored speech and his subsequent prophetic utterance concerning his son. The Judean hill country, where Zechariah and Elizabeth lived, would have been a relatively close-knit community where news of such extraordinary occurrences would spread rapidly and be a subject of much discussion.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Intervention and Miracles: The verse underscores God's active involvement in human affairs, particularly in orchestrating events that defy natural explanation to fulfill His purposes. The silence and then the miraculous restoration of Zechariah's voice, along with the birth of John to elderly parents, are clear signs of divine power.
• Anticipation of the Messiah: The question posed by the people, "What then is this child going to be?", reveals an expectation of significant events and individuals, likely in anticipation of the promised Messiah. They sensed that John's birth was not a random occurrence but part of a larger divine plan.
• The Lord's Presence and Purpose: The concluding phrase, "For the Lord's hand was with him," is crucial. It signifies God's direct enablement, protection, and guiding influence over John's life, marking him as chosen and set apart for a specific mission.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse invites reflection on how we perceive and respond to God's work in our lives and the world. It calls us to:

• Recognize God's Hand: To be attentive to the extraordinary ways God intervenes, even in seemingly ordinary circumstances, and to acknowledge His presence and power.
• Cultivate Wonder and Inquiry: To approach divine mysteries with a spirit of awe and thoughtful questioning, seeking to understand God's will and purpose, rather than dismissing them.
• Embrace God's Calling: Just as John was destined for a significant role, believers are called to discern and embrace the unique purposes God has for them, trusting in His enablement.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Luke 1:66 is a pivotal point in the unfolding narrative of salvation history. It serves as a prelude to the introduction of Jesus Christ, the central figure of the Gospel. John the Baptist is presented as the forerunner, the one divinely appointed to prepare the way for the Messiah. The astonishment of the people foreshadows the greater astonishment that will surround Jesus' ministry, birth, and miracles. The "Lord's hand" being with John echoes the constant theme of God's presence and guidance with His chosen servants throughout Scripture, from the Exodus to the prophets.

Analogies

• A Signpost: John's birth and the people's reaction are like a signpost pointing towards something even greater. The sign itself is remarkable, but its true significance lies in what it indicates is coming.
• A Seed Germinating: The people's question is akin to observing a seed that has uniquely germinated. They are wondering what kind of plant it will become, sensing that it's not an ordinary growth, but one imbued with special vitality.
• An Overture: The events surrounding John's birth are like the dramatic opening notes of a grand symphony. The music is striking and immediately captures attention, signaling that a monumental composition is about to unfold.

Relation to Other Verses

• Isaiah 11:2: "The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord." This prophecy speaks of the Messiah, but the "Lord's hand" being with John (Luke 1:66) suggests a similar divine empowerment, albeit for a preparatory role.
• Malachi 3:1: "See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you long for, will come," says the Lord Almighty. This prophecy directly points to John the Baptist as the messenger preparing the way for the Lord, explaining the people's wonder about John's identity.
• Luke 1:15-17: Gabriel's prophecy about John states, "He will be great in the sight of the Lord... he will turn many of the people of Israel back to the Lord their God. He will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." This directly answers the implicit question of "what then is this child going to be?" by outlining his divinely ordained mission.