When the baby was born, it was a natural expectation of all who were gathered that the son would be named Zechariah, taking after the father. But we know that Elizabeth and Zechariah had been advised otherwise. Elizabeth spoke simply, “No. He will be called John”. Zechariah, perhaps having learned the consequences of disbelieving an archangel, confirmed the choice by writing the name “John” on a tablet. His tongue was instantly freed and this miraculous turn of events signaled to all that this newborn John was specially called by God.