Deeper Reflection
THE PARALLEL ACCOUNTS OF JOHN (THE BAPTIST) AND Jesus follow the prologue: the prophecy of the birth of John is followed by the prophecy of Jesus’ birth; the birth of John (vv.57-66) has a parallel in the birth of Jesus (Lk 2:1-21); Mary’s Song − the Magnificat (“glorifies”) − is paralleled in Zechariah’s Song – the Benedictus (“praise be”). Why the precedence of John the Baptist over Jesus in their birth accounts? If the Gospels are essentially a record of Jesus’ life and ministry, why did Luke start his birth narratives with the prophecy of the birth of John the Baptist?Perhaps one explanation is this: John the Baptist is intentionally depicted as the one who has come to fulfil his role as the forerunner of Jesus the Christ, as promised in Scripture (Lk 1:17, 76; cf. Matt 3:1-3). This is certainly plausible in view of Luke’s description of how he carefully researched and thoughtfully recorded eyewitness testimonies (the text reads “carefully and methodically write” in the original Greek language); cf. Luke 1:1-4. If correct, this has several implications: (1) John the Baptist’s precursory role was clearly articulated in God’s plan; (2) John fulfilled his given role without comparison nor complaint (see Matt 3:11-12; Jn 3:30); and (3) John came to reconcile fathers to children, make wise the disobedient and to “make ready for the Lord a people prepared”. Do we know and are actively and joyfully fulfilling our God-given roles in the Kingdom of God? Are we readying ourselves and others to meet King Jesus? It may simply be sharing our story this Christmas. Let’s be ready!