This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in Luke 1:57-66, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
One day, it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, and she gave birth to a little boy. Everyone was so happy for her because they knew that God had been very kind to her.
On the eighth day, it was time to do something very special for him. They were going to have a ceremony called circumcision, and they were going to name the baby.
Elizabeth said, “His name is going to be John.” But the people around her said, “No, nobody in your family has that name. We should name him after his father, Zechariah.” They didn’t understand why Elizabeth wanted to name him John. So they asked Zechariah what he wanted to do.
Zechariah couldn’t speak because God had made him quiet for a little while. But he asked for something to write on and wrote, “His name is John.” As soon as he wrote it down, he was able to speak again.
Everyone around them became scared because they knew something amazing was happening. People started talking about this incredible event in all the towns and villages around them, wondering what kind of special person this baby would grow up to be. They wondered what God had in store for this little baby.
Biblical Lessons
- We should trust in God’s plan, even when it doesn’t make sense to others.
- The birth of John the Baptist reminds us that God is faithful to keep His promises, even when it seems like they will never come true.
- We should celebrate with and support those who have received blessings from God, like Elizabeth’s neighbors and relatives did for her.
Related Stories
Birth of John the Baptist Foretold
Must-Read Christian Books
Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life
Practical, biblical guidance on disciplines like prayer, Bible intake, worship, and fasting to grow in godliness.
View on Amazon
Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God
Shows how God's sovereignty in salvation fuels, rather than hinders, faithful evangelism.
View on Amazon
Systematic Theology
A classic Reformed theology text, rich in biblical exegesis and doctrinal clarity.
View on Amazon
Basic Christianity
A timeless introduction to who Jesus is and what it means to follow Him according to Scripture.
View on Amazon
Living the Cross-Centered Life
A call to keep Christ's cross at the center of our thinking, worship, and daily living.
View on Amazon
Let the Nations Be Glad!
Missions-focused theology showing that worship is the goal of evangelism to the nations.
View on Amazon
According to Plan
An introduction to biblical theology that shows how all Scripture points to Christ.
View on Amazon
The Attributes of God
Devotional meditations on God's character that stir reverence and worship.
View on Amazon
Morning and Evening
Devotional readings for each day that point believers to Christ and His promises.
View on Amazon
The Bruised Reed
A tender Puritan work on Christ's gentleness toward weak and struggling believers.
View on Amazon
Biblical Preaching
Introduces the "big idea" approach to expository sermons, rooted in the biblical text.
View on Amazon
Worship Matters
Helps worship leaders and churches keep the gospel central in congregational worship.
View on Amazon
The Gospel Comes with a House Key
A call to radical, everyday hospitality as a means of gospel witness and discipleship.
View on Amazon
Christ of the Covenants
Explains the biblical covenants and how they reveal Christ and God's plan of redemption.
View on Amazon
The Christian Life
A clear, doctrinally rich overview of salvation and Christian living.
View on Amazon
This Momentary Marriage
Shows how marriage is designed to display the covenant love of Christ and His church.
View on Amazon