After nine months of silence, Zechariah has much to say. His prophetic song, known as the Benedictus, is a song of praise and thanksgiving. Zechariah proclaims that God has looked favorably upon God’s people and has redeemed them by sending a savior. During Zechariah’s time, the people are subject to the Romans. They long for a political savior who would deliver them from the Roman Empire’s control.

Jesus’ mission, heralded by Zechariah and later by his son John, offers us salvation, deliverance, and freedom from captivity to sin. It frees us to love and serve God and others wholeheartedly. This is a part of the good news Zechariah shares in his Benedictus.

Zechariah also speaks of the divine purpose of his own son in the fulfillment of God’s plan. Imagine Zechariah holding baby John in his arms as a proud parent would at a special ceremonial occasion. He looks at his son and declares, “You, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins” (niv). John’s ministry will usher in light to those who sit in darkness and guide their feet in the way of peace.

John the Baptist will fulfill the call upon his life prophetically spoken by his parent. John will cry out in the wilderness, preaching, proclaiming, and preparing the way for the coming of Christ the King. John will call people to repent of their sins and return to God.