Luke 1:39 -45 – Mary visits Elizabeth

Luke tells us that after the encounter, Mary arose and hastily traveled some three to four days journey down south to the city of Judah where Zacharias lived, to visit her cousin, Elizabeth. It was estimated that she must have traveled some seventy to eighty miles. At her tender age, Mary was a marvel. Young as she was then, she had such a tender heart and unusual spiritual capacity. We can see that she understood the deep theological implication of her experience. And this was later attested to by her outburst in the song of praise known as the “Magnificat.” We are greatly amazed by her obedience at that young age. So here’s a word for parents, let’s not make the mistake of disparaging or denigrating our young children. We must take our children seriously and invest time in their spiritual development, and seek to nurture and disciple them. They are potentially God’s great instrument.

Though both ladies were pregnant miraculously, we must acknowledge the vast difference between them. Mary was a virgin whereas the barren Elizabeth was not. The child they each bore came through divine intervention, but the child that Elizabeth bore was still Zechariah’s. However, there was a strong human joy in the meeting of these two expectant mothers. There was a meeting of souls as both were drawn into the divine plot to save the lost. Both had something in common that few other human beings could ever share. Through their pain, sweat, and blood of their experience as mothers, we are greatly blessed.

Why did Elizabeth’s baby leap for joy? Firstly, it’s because this was no unusual baby. This was God’s prophet making his first attempt at his prophetic calling. Look at it this way, John the Baptist began his ministry three months before his birth. Secondly, it’s because he was overtaken by joy. This fetus, yet to see the light of the world, experienced the emotion of joyous delight. He was so overcome by joy that he leaped for joy, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, as his mother Elizabeth affirmed Mary’s wonderful secret and blessed her greatly. All at once she knew that Mary’s child was the Messiah and so she prophetically exclaimed, “And how has it happened to me that the mother of my Lord would come to me?” 

Mary’s visit to Elizabeth has a point. It’s about the importance of being a participating member of a community of people of likeminded faith. As Mary who sought out Zechariah and Elizabeth, so also must we seek people of mutual faith for encouragement and support. Mary’s conception as a virgin meant she would be exposed to all kinds of speculation concerning her personal integrity. And great as her faith may be, she would need the strength and support of others. Similarly, in our faith journey, we will need the strength and support of likeminded people of mutual faith and love for God. All of us need to be an active participant in a God-loving, Christ-honoring, Word-centered community!