Luke 1:62
And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.
Luke 1:62
When the relatives and neighbors “made signs” to Zechariah, they likely gestured to ask how he would have the child named, given Elizabeth’s earlier statement. In a culture where speech can be easily clashed with expectations or even superstition, signs become a natural, communal tool to communicate. Zechariah’s muted state (not yet mentioned here but soon relevant) adds irony—his inability to speak previously was a sign of divine judgment and the next moment’s sign would bring revelation. The act of silent communication underscores the community’s curiosity and the weight of naming as a public matter.
The scene highlights how God’s actions require discernment beyond words and social cues. Names carry destiny; to reframe a child’s future through a divinely chosen name is a theologically rich moment about identity and vocation. It also foreshadows how John’s forthcoming speech (as soon as his mouth is opened) will declare God’s purposes. The community’s reaction to the naming demonstrates the tension between human curiosity and the greater unfolding of God’s redemptive plan.
In contemporary life, names and announcements can symbolize new chapters (career shifts, spiritual awakenings, or calling). When others seek to interpret your path, remember that God may be writing a different narrative. Practical steps:
- Pause before you conform to others’ expectations.
- Seek prayerful confirmation about new directions.
- Share your sense of calling with a trusted few for accountability.
Cross-References: Luke 1:18-22; Acts 9:36-41; Matthew 7:7-8; Psalm 37:5; Philippians 3:13-14