Barren Wombs, Boundless Faith: The Story of Zacharias and Elizabeth
Introduction:
A story of faith, patience, and divine intervention, a story woven into the very fabric of the Christmas narrative: the story of Zacharias and Elizabeth. Their lives, marked by righteousness and longing, offer us profound lessons about God's faithfulness and the power of belief.
I. They Were Both Righteous Before God (Luke 1:6-7):
A. Walking in the Commandments of God:
Luke introduces Zacharias and Elizabeth as "righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly." Their lives were a testament to their devotion, a living example of obedience.
B. Childless and Advanced in Age:
Yet, amidst their righteousness, they carried a deep sorrow: Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years. This barrenness, in their culture, was a source of great shame and perceived as a sign of divine disfavor.
• Remember the echoes of other miraculous births: Isaac, Samson, Samuel – all born against the odds, foreshadowing the ultimate miracle of Christ's birth.
II. The Angel's Announcement and Zacharias's Doubt (Luke 1:8-20):
A. Gabriel, the Warrior of God:
Into their lives, marked by prayer and longing, stepped Gabriel, the mighty messenger of God. He announced that Elizabeth would bear a son, John, who would prepare the way for the Messiah.
B. Zacharias's Muteness:
Zacharias, overwhelmed and doubting, questioned Gabriel's words. His disbelief resulted in a temporary muteness, a stark reminder of the consequences of unbelief.
• Gabriel's name, meaning "hero, warrior of God," emphasizes the divine strength behind this miraculous announcement.
III. Elizabeth's Faith and Mary's Visit (Luke 1:24-45):
A. Elizabeth's Five Months of Seclusion:
Elizabeth, filled with a mixture of joy, humility, and devotion, secluded herself for five months. This period was likely a time of intense prayer and reflection, a quiet celebration of God's faithfulness.
• As the JFB commentary stated, she likely waited until the pregnancy was undeniable.
B. Mary's Visit and John's Leap:
When Mary, carrying the Messiah, visited Elizabeth in her sixth month, a remarkable event occurred: John leaped in Elizabeth's womb.
• This leap affirmed John's prophetic role even before his birth, recognizing the presence of the Messiah in Mary's womb.
• Luke's use of the Greek word "brephos" to describe John in the womb, the same word used for newborn infants, underscores the humanity of the unborn.
• Jeremiah 1:5 states, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you."
C. Elizabeth, Filled with the Holy Spirit:
Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, uttered a prophecy:
• "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!" (Luke 1:42).
• She acknowledged Mary as "the mother of my Lord" (Luke 1:43), recognizing the divine nature of the child Mary carried.
IV. Elizabeth's Sermon For Us:
A. "The Mother of My Lord" (Luke 1:43):
Elizabeth's words reveal a profound understanding of Mary's role. She recognized that Mary was carrying the Lord, the Messiah. This recognition of Jesus's Lordship, even in the womb, is a powerful affirmation of His deity.
• This echoes David's prophetic utterance in Psalm 110:1.
B. "Blessed is she who believed" (Luke 1:45):
Elizabeth contrasts Mary's unwavering faith with Zacharias's doubt. Mary questioned, but ultimately believed.
• Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that "without faith it is impossible to please Him."
Conclusion:
The story of Zacharias and Elizabeth is a story of hope and faith. They were righteous, yet they faced a seemingly impossible situation. But God, in His infinite wisdom, intervened, transforming their barrenness into a blessing. Let us learn from their example: to walk in obedience, to trust in God's promises, and to believe, even when circumstances seem bleak. May we, like Elizabeth, proclaim the Lordship of Jesus and embrace the blessings that come from unwavering faith. Amen.
