Shortly after Mary is given the promise that she will give birth to the long-awaited Messiah (Luke 1:31-33), she heads to see her relative Elizabeth. Mary had been told that Elizabeth had also conceived a child in a seemingly impossible manner (Luke 1:36). It is generally understood that Elizabeth and Zechariah lived in one of the hill towns outside of Jerusalem. The traditional location is Ein Karem (Kerem)[1] which would have likely resulted in a journey of three to four days (see below map). When Mary arrives, Elizabeth responds with great joy declaring that Mary and the child are blessed. The word “blessed” (eulogéō) carries with it the idea of being privileged because of God’s special favor.
It is important to note in this passage that it was not simply that Mary was going to give birth to the Messiah, but that she believed the Lord would do the impossible. She had previously stated in Luke 1:34 that it was not a matter of “if” but “how” God would do this. In Luke 1:45, we see that she believed God would do the impossible by fulfilling His promise.
“The thing Elizabeth emphasized was Mary’s faith. Because Mary believed the Word of God, she experienced the power of God.”[2]
It is one thing to hear the promises of God’s Word, but it is a completely different thing to believe them no matter how impossible they may seem. Later in Luke’s gospel Jesus himself states this vital truth. In Luke 8:21, Jesus reiterates the theme of obedience to the Word of God.[3] It is not being a family member or of Jewish nationality that makes one a follower of Christ. Rather, it is those who hear and obey Him.
“Some people feel close to God when they read the Bible, pray, hear a certain type of music, contemplate nature, or sit in a great cathedral. However, Jesus taught that the way to get close to God is to listen to and obey God's Word. Obedience brings the believer into an intimate relationship with Jesus (cf. John 15:14).”[4]
May we, like Mary, not simply hear the many promises throughout God’s Word, but truly believe they will be fulfilled. When we do, we will find ourselves blessed as well.
“Therefore, keep up your courage, men, for I believe God that it will turn out exactly as I have been told.” (Acts 27:25 NASB 95)
Blessings,
Pastor Steven
[1] For more information on this location, please see https://www.holylandsite.com/ein-karem.
[2] Warren Wiersbe. The Bible Exposition Commentary Matthew-Galatians, pg. 172.
[3] See also James 1:22-23
[4] Constables Expository Notes – The Gospel of Luke.