In Luke's infancy narrative, which figure is highlighted for ushering in the divine plan?

• A. Herod the Great.
• B. John the Baptist.
• C. Caesar.
• D. A Pharisee.

Answer: (B)

John the Baptist is the one who ushers in the divine plan in Luke’s infancy narrative. Luke sets up two birth stories—the births of John and Jesus—as complementary parts of salvation history. Zechariah’s prophecy about his son makes clear that John will go before the Lord to turn hearts back to God and to prepare the people for the coming Messiah. This is echoed in Isaiah’s prophecy Luke cites: a voice crying in the wilderness to prepare the way, straighten the paths, and bring salvation to all. John’s mission is to call people to repentance and baptism, signaling the arrival of Jesus, who brings the fullness of God’s saving work. The other figures—Herod, Caesar, and a Pharisee—appear in the narrative in various political or religious roles, but they do not fulfill the role of the forerunner who inaugurates God’s saving plan.