Dec
11
Written by:
host
12/11/2009 7:00 AM
Although he wasn’t born in a stable, the circumstances surrounding the birth of John the Baptist were certainly unusual. Elizabeth was old, and considered to be barren, when she became pregnant. Zechariah was struck mute until the baby was named. And his parents went against tradition and named him John instead of Zechariah! Is it any wonder that people asked, “What, then will this child become?” (Luke 1:66)
Anytime a child is born, it is natural to ask that question. We look upon this small, miraculous human being and wonder about the future. We ask ourselves, “What will this child become?” The questions (and the number of people asking them) are simply increased when the circumstances are out of the ordinary.
Imagine the talk surrounding Jesus’ birth: Did you hear that Mary is pregnant? Can you believe that Joseph has decided not to break his engagement to Mary? What can he be thinking? Now they’re off to Bethlehem even though Mary is huge with child! Did you hear where Mary ended up giving birth? And I am sure there were those who wondered, “What, then will this child become?”
Living now instead of then, we know some of what became of the child, Jesus. He grew up, was baptized by John the Baptist, gathered a group of disciples and traveled the countryside healing people, performing miracles and teaching and preaching. Jesus also practiced what he preached. His life was a living example of loving God and loving neighbors. And with his words and actions, Jesus made it clear that God’s love is meant for all, including those who live on the fringes of society. I am sure that throughout his life, death and resurrection there were people who continued to ask, “What will become of this Jesus?”
The question is a valid one still today. The world is in need of Jesus’ message of love, hope and peace as much today as it was when Jesus was born. However, Jesus is no longer with us in human form. Now we, Jesus’ followers, are his hands and feet. It seems then that the answer to “What will become of this Jesus?” is up to us. What is your answer?
~Sally Hoelscher
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