Interact
After the video, prompts are supplied for thinking and sharing with others personal perception and experience. This opening activity prompts participants to think about and relate to the topic, and to share with others.
Do you know why your name was chosen by whomever named you?
Review the most popular names in the last few generations. These were the five most popular U.S. baby names for each generation.
| Generation | Girls, ranked 1–5 | Boys, ranked 1–5 |
| Baby Boomers, 1946–1964 | Mary, Linda, Patricia, Susan, Barbara | James, Robert, John, Michael, David |
| Gen X, 1965–1980 | Jennifer, Lisa, Michelle, Kimberly, Melissa | Michael, David, James, John, Robert |
| Millennials, 1981–1996 | Jessica, Ashley, Jennifer, Amanda, Sarah | Michael, Christopher, Matthew, Joshua, David |
| Gen Z, 1997–2012 | Emily, Madison, Emma, Hannah, Olivia | Jacob, Michael, Joshua, Matthew, Christopher |
What do you think is the main reason parents choose a particular name for their child?
A. It honors a family member, friend, or hero.
B. They like its sound.
C. It comes from a movie or book or historical person.
D. Its meaning expresses a hope for the child.
When people were asked about why they chose the name the answers above are in order (A-45%, B-35%, C-15%, D-5%)
Notice in the story, naming the name of the forerunner of the Messiah is guided by God. John’s relatives expected his father’s name, Zechariah. God specified John, meaning “The LORD is gracious” (Luke 1:13, 59-63). How might that name connect his birth and mission?
Insight
The Bible discussion begins with a careful reading of the whole passage, either from your own Bibles, or from the provided images below.
Then participants are to ask:
- What is going on in this passage of Scripture?
- What are the key words and phrases? Highlight them.
- Why do you think this passage is included in the Bible?
- What does it contribute to our “knowing Christ” and “living in Christ”?
The words “great mercy” connect John’s birth to the coming of Jesus. God has answered Elizabeth and Zechariah’s longing for a child, and their joy is part of something larger. John means “The LORD is gracious.” His name points to the grace people will encounter in Jesus. God chose this name as He gave John a purpose: to prepare people for the Lord (Luke 1:13-17). Before Jesus begins teaching and healing, John will help people become ready to receive him.
When Zechariah writes, “His name is John,” he trusts God’s direction, even though his relatives expected a family name. When he can speak again, he praises God. His song explains why this moment matters: God is keeping His promises (Luke 1:72–73). John will prepare people to recognize the forgiveness, and new beginning Jesus brings (Luke 1:76–79). The name invites us to see God’s heart. He sees people’s struggles, remembers His promises, and comes near with grace.
Insight Out
A parting video clip with a personal invitation to apply the message to “knowing Christ” and “living in Christ” in the coming week.