Page 34 - Advanced Life of Christ - Student Textbook

Mary departed from the “city in Judah”, probably a neighborhood city of Jerusalem after a stay of about
three months. That would put Elizabeth at full-term and probably about the time of John’s birth. Upon
returning home, Mary prepared for the cruel taunts and slander. She would have to stand on her own
spiritual feet, lonely, misunderstood, rejected, but trusting in the Lord in faith.

Birth of John (Luke 1:57-80)

Everyone who knew Zacharias and Elizabeth knew beyond a shadow of doubt
that this birth was miraculous. They had heard that the child’s birth had been
announced by an angel. And Zecharias mysteriously could not say one word
after the encounter in the temple. Elizabeth was obviously beyond the age to
bear a child. The Bible says that all the neighbors and relatives rejoiced with
the family upon the birth of John.

On the eighth day, John was not only circumcised, but was named by
Elizabeth. Zacharias confirmed his name to be “John”. Zacharias’ mouth was
immediately released, and he praised God. News of this event spread
throughout the entire hill country of Judea.

It is significant that according to legend, Zacharias was slain by Herod the Great, forcing Elizabeth to flee
with her young son into the wilderness area of Judea. The wilderness was east of Jerusalem and was a
very remote and isolated place. According to Luke 1:80, John grew up in the wilderness until he began
his ministry in his late 20’s or early 30’s.

John the Baptist

Why was the Virgin Birth So Important?
The doctrine of the virgin birth is crucially important (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:27, 34). First,
let’s look at how Scripture describes the event. In response to Mary’s question, “How will this be?” (Luke
1:34), Gabriel says, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will

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