A Trumpet is Born

In Medieval times, before the king made an announcement, trumpets often times were played.  It was part of the pomp and circumstance of the king‘s court, but it was also a sign that something important was about to be said, so it was best to “pay attention.”

Jesus was the greatest king to ever walk the earth. Very humble, he let others tell of his divine heritage. For instance, Angels were God’s messengers who told the shepherds of the birth of the Son of God, our Savior (Luke 2:11).

Today’s reading, Luke 1:57-66, is about another of God’s messengers, John the Baptist, who shared the news of the coming Christ with the world. Although everyone thought this messenger would be named Zechariah, when he was born, his mother and father named him John. (Zechariah the Baptist just doesn’t have the proper ring to it, does it?)

John is a rather common name, but John had anything but a common job. He may be history’s most important trumpet, telling us to “pay attention”!

His ministry of repentance reminded people that they were sinners and unable to earn their way to heaven. John sounded the trumpet, rather loudly, saying Jesus would soon be coming. Jesus would see to it that believers would be baptized with the Holy Spirit and would be members of the Kingdom of Heaven. Effectively, John was telling people to “pay attention” to this man Jesus.

When John baptized someone with water, it was a sign that a sinner repented and had “paid attention” to his message.

John the Baptist was Jesus’ trumpet for over 2 years. However, not everyone appreciated being told he was a sinner. King Herod eventually had John imprisoned and then beheaded.

We are all sinners and John is long gone. Fortunately, today God’s Word reminds us of our need for a savior. And even more fortunately, God’s Word also tells us Jesus is that Savior!

As John the Baptist would say, “Pay attention.”