Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Amen - Mane - Mean - Name (07/10/25)
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TITLE: A Stranger Story | Previous Challenge Entry
By Catherine Green
07/17/25 -
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“The man you follow, what’s his story?”
One of the disciples beckoned the newcomer over. “Come and sit with us, my friend, and we’ll tell you all you want to know.”
The man willingly joined the group. He settled down, with a welcome lump of bread and a jar of water, to listen to what they had to say.
“Our master’s from the hill country of Judah. A place of olive groves and vineyards. He’s a prophet and—"
One of the younger followers interrupted. “Tell him the story from the beginning, about his birth; about the miracle!”
The storyteller smiled indulgently and nodded his head “It started about thirty years ago with a Godly priest who was in the division of Abia. It was time for his holy duties and so he made his way from the quiet of his home-town to the hustle and bustle of Jerusalem, to serve for a week in the Temple.
“One morning they cast lots and he was chosen to present the incense on the golden altar. This was a rare honour. Dressed in his ceremonial clothes he walked up the marble steps and into the sanctuary court. He drew aside the purple curtain and entered the Holy Place. The golden lampstand cast a shimmering light across the altar as he stood in front of it holding the censer of incense. He made the offering and as the chamber filled with fragrant aroma he prayed for God’s blessing on Israel.
“And then an angel appeared! It was terrifying moment. The heavenly being spoke and said that the priest’s wife was going to have a baby and that the child was set aside for special service to God. He was to be called Yochanan. Now, this was a miracle because the priest was old and his wife’s childbearing days were long gone. He couldn’t believe it was possible and questioned the angel. His unbelief caused him to be punished and from that moment he lost the ability to speak.”
“And did she have a son?”
“Yes, she did. She had found favour with the Lord. She was blessed and filled with joy. It was the answer to many years of prayer. When the child was eight days old he was presented for the ceremony of circumcision. The men of the family, were going to name him Zacharias, after his father, as is the tradition, but his mother insisted he was to be given another name.
“In order to proceed they needed to hear what Zacharias thought of this but he was still mute. To overcome this problem, he signed for a writing tablet. And to everyone’s astonishment he wrote, ‘His name is Yochanan.’ The second he had obeyed the angel’s instructions his voice returned and he spent his time rejoicing and praising God.
"And that's how our master got his name and why we follow him."
The stranger smiled. “That’s an incredible story.”
“Yes it is, and as we have discovered, the name suits him perfectly because it means God is gracious.
“It is a name that cries out for reconciliation.
"It is a name that stands for everything he believes in.
"It is a name that represents the salvation he talks about.
“He has the spirit and power of Elijah. He has taught us about the kingdom of heaven. His words have led us to repentance. We have all been baptised in the Jordan and turned our backs on our old sinful lives. It’s like we are new men. God is indeed gracious.”
“Is he the Messiah we have all been waiting for?”
“Well, we thought he might be but today he told us a new thing. He said a man was coming who would baptise us with the Holy Spirit and fire; someone far mightier than our master. He says he isn’t worthy to untie the straps of his sandals. That’s why everyone is here.
“We’re all waiting for this man to arrive.”
Luke Chapters 1 and 3
Inspired by the story of John the Baptist.
Yochanan is the Hebrew name for John.
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