Two Miracle Mothers Have Miracle Sons
Mary hurried to Elisabeth, her cousin who had become pregnant in her old age. They were surprised and happy to see each other. As close relatives, they probably had not met for some time as travel was difficult in those days. There were no cars of course, so you had to walk or ride on the back of a donkey to travel.
At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elisabeth’s child leaped within her and she was filled with the Holy Spirit.
Elisabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “You are favoured by God above all other women, and your child is destined for God’s mightiest praise.” (Luke 1:42 TLB)
Zacharias Was Visited By An Angel
What a story Elisabeth had to tell Mary. She said that for many years, she and her husband, Zacharias, had tried to have a baby, and prayed for a child, but never could have one. Then one day, six months ago, Zacharias was busy in the Temple, working as a priest. An angel, Gabriel, appeared to him and said, “Don’t be afraid, Zacharias. Your prayer has been heard, and your wife, Elisabeth, shall have a son. You shall call his name, ‘John’.
The angel told Zacharias that their son would be great in the sight of the Lord God, and that he should not drink wine or strong drink. Their son, John, would also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before birth. Many of the people of Israel would turn to the Lord their God, to make the people ready for the coming of the Lord, the Messiah.
Doubting The Angel Had Consequences For Zacharias
“My husband,” Elisabeth continued, “told the angel he didn’t think this could happen. He said that he and Elisabeth for getting too old to have a child. But the angel replied, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and am sent to show you this happy news.”
Since he did not believe the news, Gabriel told Zacharias that he wouldn’t be able to speak again, until the baby was born.
Mary Shared Her Miracle Story And Worshipped God
Then Mary told Elisabeth how the same angel, Gabriel, spoke with her. After sharing that her son, Jesus, would be the Messiah, Mary worshipped God, saying in Luke 1:46-55 (EASY):
“All of me wants to praise God and say, Lord, how good and great you are!”
I thank God because he is the one who saves me.
I know that I am not an important person. God knows this, and he has been kind to me. Listen! From now on, all people will say that God has made me happy.
Yes, God has done great things for me. He is very powerful and strong. He is good in every way.
He is kind to people who respect and obey him. He will always be kind to people like that.
He has shown how strong he is to do great things. Some people think that they are very important. But he has sent them away in different directions.
Some people were ruling countries. But he has taken their power away from them. He has given power to people who do not feel important.
He has fed hungry people with good things to eat. But he has sent rich people away with nothing.
He promised that he would be kind to his people, Israel. Now he has come and helped them.
He made a promise to Abraham and to our other ancestors. Now he has done what he promised.”
Mary Stayed With Elisabeth and Zacharias Till Their Baby Was Born
After three months, Elisabeth’s son was born, as Gabriel had told Zacharias. Since Zacharias could not speak, family and neighbours insisted the baby be named after his dad. But Zacharias wrote down the name which the angel had said: “John.” As soon as he did, Zacharias was able to speak again, and God gave him a special message about his new son. God told him that John would be a prophet, to prepare the way for the Messiah, who would save people from their sins. The Messiah would visit the people, bring them light in darkness and guide their feet into the way of peace.
It seemed like everyone gathered for the birth and naming of John could sense the presence of God, and that a great moment in history had arrived, and it had.
God had called two baby boys. John, the “prophet of the Highest,” had been born, and Jesus, the “Son of the Highest,” was on his way. What a powerful effect their lives would have when they grew up.
