Luke 1:80

The child grew. Primarily a reference to physical growth (cf. ch. 2:40, 52). A similar statement was made concerning the child Samuel (see 1 Sam. 2:26).

Waxed strong in spirit. That is, in intellect and moral perception (see 1 Sam. 2:26; Luke 2:40, 52). The symmetrical development of physical, mental, and moral strength is well illustrated in the life of John, for his parents brought him “up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). Similarly, it is our privilege today so to live in communion with God that “we too may expect the divine Spirit to mold our little ones, even from their earliest moments” (DA 512). See on Luke 1:15, 24; 2:52.

Deserts. The “deserts” in which John spent most of his time “till the day of his shewing” are commonly spoken of as the “wilderness of Judaea” (see Matt. 3:1; etc.). This semiarid, wild, rugged, and unsettled region lies between the Dead Sea and the crest of the mountainous highlands of southern Palestine, and constitutes the eastern slopes of the range. Probably this was the region where Christ later fasted 40 days and meditated on His life mission. The Wilderness of Judah was in close proximity to Hebron, the possible home of Zacharias and Elisabeth (see on Luke 1:23, 39). Although some of the Essenes, a strict, ascetic sect of Judaism, maintained secluded colonies in this wilderness area, there is no historical evidence for the view that John became an Essene (see on Matt. 3:4). The home of the prophet Amos had been in the vicinity of Tekoa, a small town situated near the borders of this wilderness area (see on Amos 1:1).

In later years John made his own the Nazirite vow taken by his parents on his behalf at his birth (DA 102). It seems likely that his parents, who were already advanced in age at the time of his birth (see on v. 7), died when John was still a youth. It would appear, also, that he took up his abode in the desert solitudes not long thereafter. Solitude was for John a better schoolmaster than the best rabbi Jerusalem could offer, and the desert a better-equipped schoolroom than the Palace of Herod or the Temple courts. The rabbinical schools would have unfitted John for his task (DA 101). As only the still waters can mirror the stars, so only a heart untroubled by the ripples and eddies of this world can reflect perfectly the light of the “Star” that came “out of Jacob” (Num. 24:17). John chose as his abode a place where every other voice but that of God was hushed, and where he might in quietness wait before the Lord. It was there, in the solitude of the desert, that the silence of his soul made more distinct the voice of God (see DA 363). There he led a comparatively secluded life until the time came for him to take up his public ministry.

As the wilderness was God’s great classroom for training such leaders as Moses, Amos, and John the Baptist, so the wilderness experiences of life can provide favored opportunities for attuning the soul to Heaven. The equanimity of soul that comes with insight into things invisible is the preparation needed by those whom God chooses today to prepare the way for the coming of Jesus. Modern life is not conducive to meditation on the will and ways of God, as revealed in His Word and in His providential dealings with us. Unless we find time to escape from the din of the world and shut ourselves in with God, quietly waiting before Him, we may never hear His “still small voice” speaking to our souls (DA 363; cf. 1 Kings 19:12). It should be our purpose to spend less and less time with the things of earth and to devote more and more time to walking with God as did Enoch of old. Like John, we need to set our affection on “things above, not on things on the earth” (see Col. 3:2).

Shewing. Gr. anadeixis, “a pointing out,” or “a public showing forth.” Anadeixis is often used by the classical writers in speaking of the inauguration of those appointed to public office, and also of the dedication of temples. Luke uses the related verb, anadeiknumi, in reference to the appointment of the Seventy (ch. 10:1). John was of priestly descent, and as stipulated by the law of Moses, a priest was to take up his ministry at about the age of 30 (see on Num. 4:3). It is probable that the “shewing” of John came when he was about 30, as with Jesus when He commenced His ministry (see on Luke 3:23).