Chapter 2
A Child Prepared by God
Follow the announcement, birth, and naming of John, and discover what it means that he came in the spirit and power of Elias.
- Luke 1:5–25
- Luke 1:39–45
- Luke 1:57–80
John’s birth was God’s gracious work, and God gave him a special mission before John had done anything to earn it.
Zacharias and Elisabeth
Zacharias was a priest, and Elisabeth was descended from Aaron. They had no child and were advanced in age. Gabriel announced that Elisabeth would bear a son named John who would turn many to God, go before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elias, and prepare a people for Him.
John and Jesus Before Birth
When Mary visited Elisabeth, the child in Elisabeth’s womb leaped. God was working through both promised births, but John remained the messenger and Jesus the promised Lord. John’s birth was miraculous to elderly parents; Jesus’ conception was uniquely by the Holy Ghost and the virgin Mary.
His Name Is John
Relatives expected a family name, but Elisabeth and Zacharias obeyed the angel’s instruction. When Zacharias confirmed the name John, his speech returned, and he prophesied that his son would prepare the Lord’s ways.
Spirit and Power of Elias
John was not Elijah reincarnated. He carried out an Elijah-like prophetic mission marked by courage, urgency, confrontation of sin, and a call to turn toward God.
Fantasticamos Truth Compass
Gabriel announced John’s name and mission.
John’s Elijah-like role refers to prophetic mission, not reincarnation.
John personally served as a temple priest or that Mary and Elisabeth were definitely first cousins.
God’s grace and calling come before human achievement.
KJV Vocabulary
- Course
- A priestly division or period of service.
- Barren
- Unable to have children.
- Elias
- Elijah.
- Prophet of the Highest
- A prophet serving the Most High God.
Ariel’s Investigator Question
List three things Gabriel said John would do.
Alice’s Look-and-Tell
Put in order: Gabriel speaks, Mary visits, John is born, John is named, Zacharias speaks again.
John’s Early Timeline Builder
Choose the correct position for each event.
Parent Answer Guide
- Gabriel appears to Zacharias
- Elisabeth becomes pregnant
- Mary visits Elisabeth
- John is born
- The child is named John
- Zacharias praises God
Family Discussion
- Did John earn his mission before he was born?
- How was John’s birth different from Jesus’ birth?
- Why must we avoid saying John was Elijah reincarnated?
Challenge Extension
Compare Malachi 4:5–6 with Luke 1:16–17. Identify the repeated ideas of turning, hearts, preparation, and the Lord.
Parent Teaching Note
John was not literally the ancient prophet Elijah. He came in the spirit and power of Elias and fulfilled an Elijah-like role.