The physician, Luke, gathered first-hand accounts before writing the gospel of Luke. It seems that he interviewed Mary, and she told him about the events leading up to the birth of Jesus.
An angel came to her and angel told her that she would have a baby. After the angel explained that this baby will be the Son of the Most High, she asked this question. How will this be, since I am a virgin? Luke 1:34
Mary was betrothed to Joseph but not yet married. Did she wonder if this alluded to a child that she and Joseph would have? The angel explained that she would conceive by the power of the Holy Spirit.
I imagine that she might have thought about Joseph’s response and her family’s response. How could she explain her pregnancy to others?
God, in his great mercy and timing, had a plan. The angel informed Mary that her cousin Elizabeth was miraculously pregnant in her old age. The angel’s information about Elizabeth prompted Mary to visit her cousin.
In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. Luke 1:39-40
According to historical evidence, Zechariah and Elizabeth were living in Ein Karem, a town in the hills outside Jerusalem. Ein Karem was 120 kilometers or 74.6 mile away from Nazareth. Yet, Mary went with haste.
I believe the meeting of Mary and Elizabeth was orchestrated by God to give them comfort and guidance. Both women had a calling on their life that was hard to explain to others.
And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” Luke 1:41-45
Mary responds by praising God.
“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.
And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” Luke 1:46-55
Mary and Elizabeth were filled with joy. They knew God was at work.
In scripture, and in our life experiences, we get glimpses of God’s lovingkindness as he calls us to a journey of faith. If we pay attention we will see that God is at work.
The Visitation was painted by Philippe de Champaign in the 1600s
I’m sure Mary and Elizabeth were a great comfort and encouragement to each other. How wonderful those months they spent together must have been, as they rejoiced and marveled at the miracles God was doing and the parts they played! Thanks for sharing with Scripture and a Snapshot
Elizabeth’s husband was unable to speak. Elizabeth had someone to share joy and concerns. I do wonder if Mary made the journey to Ein Karem alone or if she was accompanied.
I’m sure Elizabeth was a great comfort to Mary and Mary a great comfort to Elizabeth as they processed the miracle of life within them.
It is a great example of women supporting each other. I am thankful for the women who came alongside me during my son’s illness. We need each other!