Luke 1: 39-45 NASB
Luke 1:39 Now at this time Mary arose and went in a hurry to the hill country, to a city of Judah, 40 and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 And she cried out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 “And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord would come to me? 44 “For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy. 45 “And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord.”
If you can, please go back and read all of Luke 1-45. In these verses, we find that the angel, Gabriel, went to Zacharias and Mary to announce their coming sons. Zacharias’s son would be with Elizabeth, and their child would be the “forerunner” announcing Jesus. Mary’s child would be conceived by the Holy Spirit, and would be the Son of God. Gabriel instructs Mary to go to Elizabeth to see what the Lord had already done. Mary immediately goes to Elizabeth, who is in her sixth month of pregnancy, and Mary stays there for three months.
There are a few things here that speak to the love and care the Lord gave to both women.
Similar Experiences - Elizabeth immediately knew that Mary was pregnant with the Lord. I imagine their conversations as Mary described the angel of Gabriel and all that happened. At this time, Zacharias was still mute, so Mary could offer details about the angel that Zacharias could not yet say.
No Jealousy - Elizabeth only shared complete joy with Mary. There is not a single sign that Elizabeth was jealous. In her humanness, she could have been jealous that Mary got pregnant so young or that she was carrying the Messiah. Yet, she only responded with elation.
Mentorship - Elizabeth was believed to be too old to conceive, so many would doubt the conception until she was showing. Mary was a virgin, and most would not believe her story at all. Yet, God saw these two incredible women, and gave them the gift of relationship. Once Mary leaves, there will not be any phone calls or text messages. It would most likely be years before they were together again. Thus their three months together would be a priceless time together, with another woman who completely believed their stories.
As we walk in leadership, the relationship between Mary and Elizabeth is a beautiful reminder of how we support and encourage each other. We have similar experiences in our leadership roles, and we should be cheering each other on every step of the way. As we enter the season of conferences and trainings, may we all remember these powerful examples when we come together. My prayer is that they empower and encourage each of you.
Blessings,
Dr. Ashley Graves