After leaving Jerusalem, Elizabeth and her husband Zechariah lived in seclusion in Ein Kerem. With all their household help gone, it was not easy for the elderly couple to manage by themselves. At first, Elizabeth did not understand why her husband insisted that they live alone, but after reading what he had written, she realized they had no choice. If news spread about a child destined to prepare the people for the Messiah, it would only be a matter of time before King Herod had them killed—a danger she, from bitter experience, knew all too well.
To be honest, she hadn’t fully believed her husband at first. But seeing the certainty in his expression and his changed demeanor, she sensed something profound must have taken place in the sanctuary. Day by day, she began to meditate on what God’s will might be. Sometimes, she wished God would send her an angel as well, so she might believe more easily. Still, assuming God had His own reasons, she resolved to trust her husband and follow his words for now.
However, as her belly grew, their secluded lifestyle became increasingly burdensome. Though Zechariah genuinely tried to help, he had never done housework before, and Elizabeth often thought things went better when he kept his distance. Had she been younger, perhaps she could have managed on her own, but age had made even daily chores in their small home overwhelming. After much deliberation, Elizabeth decided to send someone to Nazareth to ask for help.
Mary’s family in Nazareth were close relatives. Although distance kept visits infrequent, they stayed in touch regularly. In spite of their hardships, Mary’s family always managed to stay cheerful and consistently refused offers of help, saying God must have a reason for their trials and that they wanted to find the meaning before accepting any assistance. Recently, there had been several months without contact, and Elizabeth was deeply hurt to learn that Mary’s father had been seriously injured during that time. If only they had told her, she would have found some way to help. But, as always, determined to discern God’s will, they had endured that difficult period in secret—even from her. Still, since Mary’s marriage had come out of that ordeal, perhaps their decision was for the best after all.
What kind of man would Mary’s husband be? Elizabeth did not know him, but she was certain he was truly blessed. More than anyone, she knew how fine a bride Mary would make. Mary possessed unwavering faith, a kind heart, and was skilled in both housework and cooking. Always attentive to others, she was the first to offer help to those in need. Even just hearing about what she had done when her father was injured proved what a wonderful person Mary was.
Remembering Mary’s character, Elizabeth had sent word to Nazareth, asking if Mary could come and stay for a while. The last time she had visited Nazareth a few years ago, Mary was a cheerfully endearing young girl—what must she be like now? With her marriage approaching, she must have blossomed into quite the young woman. Elizabeth could hardly wait to see her.
As Elizabeth eagerly awaited Mary’s arrival, the child in her womb continued to grow each day. Zechariah and Elizabeth prayed daily, meditating on what God was asking of them. They were certain that God would act to fulfill His promise, but had no idea what that would entail.
Then one day, while Zechariah was briefly out on an errand, Mary finally arrived. Elizabeth opened the door and saw Mary at last, her long-awaited guest. Mary seemed as if she wanted to say something but remained silent, her eyes brimming with tears. Seeing this, Elizabeth felt a pang of worry.
“Mary, you’ve become such a beautiful young woman.”
Elizabeth stroked Mary’s hair, and at that, Mary buried her face in Elizabeth’s chest and burst into tears. Elizabeth wondered what suffering Mary must have endured to be so distraught, and silently rubbed her trembling back. After a while, Mary calmed down and looked up at Elizabeth.
“You truly are with child!”
“Yes, Mary. God has shown us such grace.”
“I am truly happy for you.”
“Thank you.”
Mary smiled, gently touching Elizabeth’s belly in wonder.
“The baby is moving.”
“It’s been so much more active since you arrived.”
Tears welled up in Mary’s eyes again as she pressed her palm gently to Elizabeth’s stomach.
“Mary, has something happened?”
Elizabeth’s gaze was full of concern, but Mary still hesitated to answer.
“You can tell me anything. Please don’t worry.”
Encouraged by Elizabeth’s sincerity, Mary seemed to gather her courage and began to speak. As Elizabeth listened to what had happened in Nazareth, she was stunned. It fit perfectly with the prophecy Zechariah had received in the temple: her own child would prepare the way for the Messiah, and Mary’s child would be the Messiah Himself. Elizabeth, who had told no one what had happened in the sanctuary, immediately knew Mary’s story was true. God was at work in ways neither of them had imagined.
“Oh my, I haven’t even greeted you properly. Dear Elizabeth, I’m here. Have you been well?”
As the sound of Mary’s greeting reached Elizabeth’s ears, the baby in her womb leaped for joy. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth exclaimed in a loud voice:
“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! Why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your greeting came into my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy! Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of the things which have been spoken to her from the Lord!”
Mary seemed startled by Elizabeth’s sudden exclamation but soon broke into a bright smile and joyfully replied:
“My soul magnifies the Lord. My spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior, for he has looked at the humble state 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. Holy is his name. His mercy is for generations of those who fear him. He has shown strength with his arm. He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has put down princes from their thrones, and has exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things. He has sent the rich away empty. He has given help to Israel, his servant, that he might remember mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and his offspring forever.”
Elizabeth embraced Mary tightly and praised God in a loud voice. Things that defied logic kept happening: her husband’s encounter with an angel in the sanctuary, Mary’s annunciation, and now even the baby’s reaction to Mary’s presence. What did it matter if an angel had never appeared to her directly? After long meditation on God’s word, she could see plainly now. The child in her womb and the Messiah to be born to Mary—what greater proof could there be? God is truly righteous.
Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months, until just before the baby was born, and then returned to Nazareth. Mary’s belly had begun to swell, noticeable to those who knew her. How would her family and Joseph, her betrothed, react when they saw her? That remained to be seen. Yet one thing was certain—God would not abandon those He loved.
The passages from Luke 1:42–55 quoted in this narrative are taken directly from the World English Bible (WEB) translation.
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