Biblical Lessons From Stories of Pregnancy预览

Elizabeth and the long-awaited one

Luke uses two side-by-side birth stories to invite his readers into the great story of God’s redemption of the world through Jesus Christ. The announcement of Elizabeth’s pregnancy and John’s anticipated birth prepares us for Mary’s pregnancy and the birth of the Messiah. As in his ministry, John’s birth anticipates and directs us toward Jesus.

Elizabeth and Zechariah were righteous before God. Luke repeatedly mentions their blameless obedience, and Zechariah held a prominent position in the temple. However, their status in society was more complex. In accordance with social customs, their childlessness would have resulted in social shame for Elizabeth. The weighty expectation placed upon women to bear children revealed a deeply-rooted assumption that childlessness reflected one’s standing before God. Luke’s clear emphasis on their righteousness contrasts with their childlessness and challenges the assumption that childlessness denotes spiritual poverty.

Elizabeth and Zechariah respond differently to the news of their expected pregnancy. Zechariah, during his career high, cannot believe what he is hearing. Priests could only burn incense once in a lifetime and, in his intimate moment with God, Zechariah doubts. He is handed his own season of waiting as his silence matches Elizabeth’s pregnancy.

Elizabeth’s trust in God’s gift of new life is remarkable. This woman has been socially shamed for years, yet her life changes unexpectedly because of God’s gracious gift. Her body is old. Pregnancy and childbirth wouldn’t be easy and could prove fatal. Yet, she receives the news with grace, humility, and thankfulness. There isn’t fear in her words but trust.

God’s gracious gift for Elizabeth and Zechariah came in John. But John always points us to Christ. God’s gracious gift to us will always be life, found through and in Jesus. The differing responses of Elizabeth and Zechariah stand alongside various other reactions to the good news of Jesus in the Gospels. Likewise, in our lives, people will inevitably react differently to this news. Some will doubt and question like Zechariah, some may trust remarkably like Elizabeth, and some may fall between.

Advent is a wonderful time to share our faith, be it an opportunity to share the meaning of Christmas with those around us. What about the rest of the year? How might you share the story of Jesus as God’s gracious gift to all? And how might people around you respond?

Action

How are you sharing your faith with those around you this week?