Hope.
One of the most hopeful times in a woman’s life is when she is with child. There are just so many things to look forward to as her belly fills with a growing baby. A million tiny miracles multiply along the nine-month journey. But every hopeful moment is focused on that future day when a new life is ushered into her family.
Worry.
One of the most worrisome times in a woman’s life is when she is with child. There are just so many things that can go wrong. A million tiny miracles multiply along the nine-month journey. And sometimes sorrow is the fruit of the womb as a precious life is carried Home instead of in a mama’s arms.
This post may include affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase based on my recommendation, I get a small remuneration at no extra expense to you. I only recommend things I use and believe to be a blessing.
Yesterday we began our Inductive Study of the Story of the Birth of Jesus. And instead of starting with Jesus (or Creation), we started with the first character mentioned in Luke’s gospel – Zacharias. Today, we will look at his aged wife Elizabeth to discover what we can about her.
She is a woman of great faith and hope.
Let’s dig in!
Elizabeth – wife of Zacharias
When we read about Zacharias yesterday, we also read a little about his wife, Elizabeth. Note what verses 5-7 said about Elizabeth:
- daughter of Aaron (5)
- wife of Zacharias (5)
- righteous in the sight of God (6)
- walking blamelessly in all commandments (6)
- no child, barren (7)
- advanced in years (7)
Now, let’s read the passages about Elizabeth and note what else we learn about her. Read Luke 1:24-25; 36; 39-45; and 57-61.
- became pregnant (24)
- kept herself in seclusion for 5 months (24)
- “This is the way the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He looked with favor upon me, to take away my disgrace among men.” (25)
- relative of Mary (36)
- old age (36)
- was barren, conceived a son (36)
- heard Mary’s greeting (41)
- was filled with the Holy Spirit (41)
- cried out: “Blessed among women are you, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” (42)
- asked how the mother of her Lord should come to her (42)
- “Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord.” (45)
- brought forth a son (57)
- the Lord displayed great mercy toward her (58)
- rejoiced (58)
- named him John (a new name) (60)
Now that we have a list of details about Elizabeth, what do you think of her? Can you see her reactions and her emotions to her extraordinary circumstances? Do you think Elizabeth knew from Zacharias about the angel Gabriel’s appearance and promise?
What do you Learn About God through Elizabeth’s Story?
What does Elizabeth call God? (Lord) What does she say about Him? (He looked with favor upon her; He took away her disgrace among men) How does an previously-barren, now pregnant woman demonstrate God’s mercy?
Here’s an “I wonder” question: How do you think Elizabeth got the idea to name her son John? There are a few possibilities here.
What is Hope?
Hope is expectant patience which looks to the fulfillment of the promises of God. The verses about Elizabeth demonstrate God’s favor, God’s blessing, and God’s mercy toward Elizabeth.
What does it mean to be barren? And how did that impact Elizabeth’s life as she got older?
The angel Gabriel told Zacharias that his prayers had been answered. Do you think Elizabeth was still praying for a baby? What was her reaction to the news about the baby? Notice she is not the one who heard an angel’s words of God’s promise.
What are you hoping for today? In whom have you placed your hope?
What is Belief?
Luke 1: 42 says Elizabeth cried out, “Blessed is she who believed,” speaking of Mary. What does it mean to believe? What did Elizabeth believe? Did it affect her behavior? List the verbs – the action words – the Bible says Elizabeth did.
- kept herself in seclusion (24)
- saying, “This is the way the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He looked with favor upon me…” (24-25)
- heard Mary’s greeting (41)
- cried out with a loud voice, and said, “Blessed among women are you, and blessed is the fruit of your womb…” (42)
- brought forth a son (57)
- rejoiced (58)
- answered and said, “No indeed; but he shall be called John.” (60)
What do you believe? Does your belief affect how you act? How you talk? What you think?
A Preview
Tomorrow we will visit another character in the Story of the Birth of Jesus – Mary. What is the relationship between Mary and Elizabeth?
