Fathers should feel a responsibility to guide their children.  But Zechariah's prediction about his son's future ministry was different.  It was not a parental idea, but God's.  The Holy Spirit had filled the old priest, who then issued God's job description for John the Baptist.  His was to be a unique role, preparing Israel to receive God the Son, Jesus Christ, and marking the beginning of His ministry at baptism (Luke 3:2-22).  Although John's role was special, the same principles apply to anybody who introduces people to Jesus: they may well apply to you as well.

Jesus Himself fulfilled many roles but was not fully defined by any of them.  Being God, He was and is greater than all His actions and achievements.  John's prophetic role was limited.  He had to announce that the Christ (Messiah) was also the Lord.  He is the One to whom all are accountable, but also the one through whom the humble and penitent will find forgiveness and peace.  Until John, prophets said that God would bless all who kept the law.  But John's task was to announce salvation, not through good works (Ephesians 2:8-9), but through the sacrifice of Jesus (John 1:29).  His salvation includes a merciful and thorough cleansing of all past sin, and the assurance of a new life, away from darkness and into the light of God's peace.    

Mercy is a huge part of God’s nature.  He does not desire the destruction of sinners but that they will come to repentance and live (2 Peter 3:9).  We all need Christ's salvation; without it we remain in darkness, with eternal death as our only destiny.  But when we receive God's mercy everything changes, the past as well as the future.  Proclaiming this salvation continues to be the task of Jesus' people, until He returns.  Of course, the uniqueness of salvation through Christ is an offensive challenge to those who think that their good ideas, good works, religious ritual or religious tolerance will secure God's favour.

Followers of Jesus are not always welcome when they bring the message of mercy and peace.  John the Baptist was not appreciated either; he was executed shortly after introducing Jesus (Mark 6:14-29).  However, uniquely, the gospel has God's power to save those who believe (Romans 1:16).  So, if you believe, you hold the key to life in your heart: do not keep it to yourself, let it out!  Tell others that Jesus has come to save them, whatever their background. Your colleagues need to hear that: and believing it will transform their life and eternity (John 20:30-31).