Elizabeth

In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron.  Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly.  But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old.

~Luke 1:5-7

What important things do these verses tell you about Elizabeth and Zechariah?  Do you think the words of verse 6 mean they were perfect?  If not, what do these wrods mean?

• that they were righteous people and followed God's word
• I don't think Elizabeth and Zechariah were perfect, they were just very religious people and fearded God

Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense.  And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside.

  Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense.  When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear.  But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.  He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born.  He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God.  And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

  Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.”

  The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news.  And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.”

  Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple.  When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak.

~Luke 1:8-22

Why do you think Zechariah didn't believe the angel?  Was he so afraid?  Was the announcement so unbelieveable?  Why do you think he was punished for not believing?

• Because he knew both he and his wife Elizabeth were very old people
• He was punished because the word came from God

Imagine an angel coming to you with some unexpected and unbelievable announcement.  What would your reaction be?

• I think I would be very suprised, but if this message indeed comes from God I would listen adn adhere to it

 When his time of service was completed, he returned home.  After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion.  “The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.”

~Luke 1:23-25

Why would Elizabeth say she was disgraced among her people?

• possibly because she was not able to bear children before

Describe how the infertile woman feels today.  Is disgrace part of her feelings?  If you know someone who is struggling with infertility, how can you be a friend and support to her?

• I think she feels disgraced and alone.  I don't know anybody who is infertile at this moment but if I did, I would be willing to pray with her.

At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea,  where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth.  When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

~Luke 1:39-41

Do you think the reaction of Elizabeth's baby to Mary's arrival was just coincidence?  What do you think prompted the baby to "leap" just then?

• not really.  It's complicated to explains but since Mary was pregnant with Jesus at teh time as well, we could say that Elizabeth's baby was aware of Jesus' soon coming arriva sa well.

In a loud voice she exclaimed: “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?  As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.

~Luke 1:42-44

Elizabeth didn't just smile and offer a quiet prayer when Mary arrived.  She "exclaimed" and praised God "in a loud voice."  What would have to happen for you to exclaim your praise to God in a loud voice?

• I think I would need to find a job first

Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!

~Luke 1:45

What is the focus of Elizabeth's praise: what God has done to ehr life or what God has done in Mary's life?  What does this reveal about Elizabeth?

• I think the focus is about what God has done in Mary's life. 
• I think this reveals that Elizabeth is very honored to be in the presence of her coming Messiah