ELIZABETH: From Grace to Disgrace

 

After so many years of waiting, Elizabeth had likely given up on her dream of ever having a child.

In ancient times, a woman’s fulfillment was often tied to motherhood. Being a mother was considered her primary role. This is why the first woman was called Eve—“the mother of all the living” (Gen. 3:20). We can therefore understand the disappointment and shame that came with childlessness. In Jewish tradition, barrenness could even become grounds for divorce. In some cases, men took a second wife just to bear children (as in Hannah’s story). A stigma clung to childlessness, for they believed it was the Lord Himself who had “closed the womb” (Gen. 20:17–18; 30:1–2; 1 Sam. 1:5–6). That’s why, before Luke mentions the couple’s barrenness, he emphasizes their character: “Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly” (Luke 1:5–6).

WHEN GOD TURNS THINGS AROUND

But God is able to reverse any situation, especially for those who walk faithfully with Him. The angel declared to Zechariah, “Your prayer has been heard!” (v. 13). The request that once seemed impossible was finally granted. They were chosen to be the parents of John the Baptist—the long-awaited Elijah who would prepare the way for the Lord (vv. 12–17). What a tremendous honor! The news was so astonishing that Zechariah struggled to believe it (v. 18). Yet while his response was doubt, Elizabeth’s response was gratitude: “The Lord has done this for me. In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people” (v. 25).

From humiliation to honor.
From disgrace to grace.

WHEN GOD FAVORS THE HUMBLE

Not long after, Elizabeth was visited by another woman who had also “found favor with God” (v. 30)—Mary. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth cried out: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” (vv. 41–43).

For three months, these two chosen women lived together. Both were first-time mothers. Both were entrusted with extraordinary children. Every good mother dreams of her child becoming someone great—but their children were not just destined for greatness, they were destined for God’s redemptive plan. Mary’s Son would be the Messiah; Elizabeth’s son would prepare His way. It’s likely Mary was still with Elizabeth when John was born (vv. 36, 56). What a powerful season of encouragement it must have been for them both.

_______

Mary, the mother of the promised Messiah, and Elizabeth, the mother of the prophesied Elijah—these women will forever be remembered for their role in God’s plan of salvation. Elizabeth may have thought her story was over. Given her age, she likely no longer expected the Lord to grant her deepest longing. Even Zechariah’s reaction shows that they had probably stopped hoping. Elizabeth had already learned to live with her disgrace. But “no word from God will ever fail” (v. 37). With God, there is no “too late.” He can step in at any moment and change the story. And when He does, He turns disgrace into grace and honors those who honor Him. Stay Curious.