The Conception of the Honourable and Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John
Galatians 4:22-31; Luke 1:5-25
Read Galatians 4:22-31
Today we celebrate the conception of St. John the Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist of the Lord. John is an important figure as the final prophet of the Old Testament and the one who proclaims and prepares Israel for the coming of the Messiah and the initiation of the final and everlasting New Covenant. Today’s feast marks the second event of the preparation of the coming of the Saviour—the first event is the conception of Mary, which is not recorded in the Scriptures.
We see a lot of similarities with Isaac and John. Both Zachariah and Elizabeth—St. John’s parents—were barren just like Abraham and Sarah. They also struggled with God’s promise: Zachariah struggled to believe and so did Sarah. In their old age, God worked a marvellous miracle, which changed the course of history. Through Isaac, who was the legitimate son of the promise of the bond of marriage between Abraham and Sarah, the nation of Israel arose. Through the preaching of St. John the nation of Israel was prepared to receive the Son of the promise who was given not only to them but to all those who believe in the Christ. For through Jesus we are united to the legitimate genealogy of the Jerusalem above and as such are made free through the Spirit.