Characters at the Cradle: Mary and Elizabeth, Supernatural Pregnancies

by David Chadwick

Mary and Elizabeth. Two women called by God, both of whom were carrying children with tremendous purpose.

Jesus, the perfect God-man, was conceived in Mary’s womb by the power of the Holy Spirit. The angel Gabriel delivered the news to her. In addition to this news of her supernatural pregnancy, Mary was also informed of her cousin Elizabeth’s miraculous conception in her later years. If we think family news spreads fast, imagine how quickly this news must have spread from family to family and from village to village.

The fulfillment of biblical prophecy was happening before people’s very eyes. I can only imagine the relief, the excitement, and the wonder that filled the hearts of all who heard.

Mary went to visit her cousin Elizabeth in the hill country of Judea. We don’t know exactly where Zechariah and Elizabeth lived, but one could suspect that it was relatively near Jerusalem because Zechariah had regular rounds of service in the temple.

Elizabeth’s pregnancy with John was 6 months ahead of Mary’s pregnancy with Jesus. I am sure that both of them could not wait to share their stories with one another. Especially with the angel Gabriel being at the center of both narratives! Let’s not forget the significance of Gabriel. He is the mighty angel who was always delivering news about the Messiah. He did so in the book of Daniel hundreds of years earlier and now was also the one to bring the news of Jesus’s birth.

Mary entered Elizabeth’s home. As she greeted her cousin, the baby John the Baptist leaped in Elizabeth’s womb, and at that moment, Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

There are three significant takeaways that I want to give you when it comes to John’s leaping inside the womb. First, this leaping could very well have been prophetic, as John’s calling was to rise up as the forerunner of the Messiah, Jesus. Much like a leap displays energy and action, John’s fiery message called the world to attention.

Secondly, John’s leaping was a sign of worship, as John seemingly acknowledged, even from the womb, that Jesus was God’s chosen instrument to save the world, not himself.

Finally, this leap is an undeniable pro-life statement. The term “baby” used in this passage is also the term for a “child” that Jesus later used when he said, “Let the little children (child) come unto me.” Only a life can worship Jesus. And the Bible recognizes this baby as a child. To God, this is so very clearly a life both inside and outside the womb. Jesus came to give life and life abundantly, and this message held power even while he was in the womb!

Characters at the Cradle: Mary and Elizabeth, Called by God

by David Chadwick

This week, we will continue to look for glimpses of glory throughout the life of Mary, but specifically in the context of her very special relationship with Elizabeth. Both called by God to very high, very important tasks.

Let’s briefly recap where we are in the story.

Zechariah was visited by Gabriel and given the news that he was going to have a son named John. But because of his unbelief, he was made silent until the birth of his son.

Can you imagine for a moment how Zechariah communicated the news to his wife without the ability to speak? Did he write down what the angel Gabriel had said to him? Or maybe he used hand signals like a game to get her to guess that she would have a child in her old age? It’s fun to think about this!

Now, try to imagine what Elizabeth must have felt as she processed Gabriel’s visit to her husband. To know that she was called by God. After years of prayers and waiting, she would finally have a son! Per Gabriel’s specific instructions, she was to name the baby John, a name that means “God is gracious.” John sure lived up to his name! He was a demonstration of God’s grace to both Zechariah and Elizabeth, and his life’s mission was to pave the way for Jesus, the fullness of grace (John 1:16), to walk out his life on earth.

Afterwards, Gabriel appeared to a young virgin girl named Mary, who we began to study last week. Also called by God, Mary loved God and was a true example of Godly womanhood.

God chose Mary to bear the Son of God, Immanuel, which means “God with us.” Her child would be named Jesus. He would be the Savior of the world, forgiving humanity of its sin and restoring people to the heart of the Father. The Holy Spirit’s presence overshadowed Mary’s humanity and paved the way for the incarnation of Jesus, God in human form.

This week, as we look at Mary and Elizabeth’s very special relationship, remember that their closeness was deeper than being biological cousins or even being close friends. They carried similar callings. They were both called by God to extremely hard tasks for his kingdom.

I like to think that there is no greater closeness than the kind that is formed while living on a common mission for Jesus. There is no greater joy than to work alongside other believers to see the gospel message go forward. Mary and Elizabeth shared this kind of closeness and joy with one another!

I would encourage you, too, to prioritize relationships with others who are called by God to live on mission for Jesus and his kingdom!

Characters at the Cradle: Mary, A Servant of God

by David Chadwick

I hope you are enjoying these characters at the cradle. These are stories of biblical figures who find their lives intersecting with the entrance of Jesus into the world. In each story, you will see so much wonder, purpose and significance.

After Mary had the encounter with the angel Gabriel, her response spoke volumes. However, before we see how she responded, do you remember what Zechariah’s response was when Gabriel told him that he would have a son after many years of waiting and praying? Zechariah spoke words of doubt and unbelief, and because of that, he was made mute throughout Elizabeth’s pregnancy.

As you consider the implications of unbelief in Zechariah’s life, let us finish this week by pondering Mary’s response to the angel Gabriel after all that she heard.

Mary was different. Of course, she was initially stunned. But after realizing what Gabriel came to tell her, Mary showed nothing but faith. She said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). There was not even a shred of unbelief in her response. Only words of faith.

Mary was the kind of woman who all women (and men!) should admire. Though not sinless, she should be a model for how to relinquish control of our lives and submit to God’s call. Instead of shrugging her shoulders with a casual, compromising “whatever” in unbelief, she held herself strong and said, “Whatever you will, my God.”

God wants all of us to have a heart that is postured toward this kind of surrender and trust. A disposition that is willing to do whatever God calls us to do, no matter the cost.

After Mary’s response, Gabriel departed from her. It is almost as if he knew his task was complete. The message was delivered. Her faith was evident. Job well done.

Gabriel then returned to the Father in heaven for his next assignment…