Definition: And his mother answered and said, Not [so]; but he shall be called John.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down that verse from Luke 1:60 together! It’s a really beautiful and significant moment in the story of Jesus’ birth. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: When Mary says "Not so," she’s saying “No!” She’s resisting the idea that Jesus will be named John. Let's unpack it word by word: “And his mother answered” : This sets up a conversation – something is happening between Mary and her husband, Joseph. “and said, Not so” : Mary responds with a firm "No!" This is the key part. She’s refusing to believe that Jesus will be called John. “but he shall be called John.” This is what she says – she's choosing to name him John instead of another name. What does this mean in terms of the story? This verse highlights a few important things: God’s Plan: It shows that God has a plan for Jesus, even before he’s born. He knows exactly what He wants to happen. Faith and Obedience: Mary's response is a testament to her faith – her belief in God's plan. She’s obeying His will. God’s Choice: It suggests that God has chosen to call him John, and this was His original intention all along. In essence, Luke 1:60 tells us that Mary knew from the very beginning that Jesus would be called John, and she refused to accept that He would be named something else. It’s a powerful image of how God works in our lives – He knows what’s best for us even before we understand it. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the significance of this verse within the larger story of Jesus' birth? Explore why this moment is so important in Christian tradition?