The Responce of Faith

Expectations of the Day

Zechariah was a man, a priest and serving in the temple of the Lord. One would expect that the Angel Gabriel would have come to him with a miracle.

Mary on the other hand was a single woman. Most times, angels did not appear to women but delivered their messages to men. Women were not viewed as credible sources in that ancient society and on top of that Mary was not married.

Their own Desires

Zechariah and Elizabeth were well past the age of having children and yet we know from the text that they wanted children. Even now they had not ceased to ask for a child.

Mary was single and would not have desired a child at this moment. What bride wants to show up in her bridle dress pregnant?

The Cost of the Miracle

For Zechariah, having a child at his age was something everyone would have clearly seen as a miracle. In vs 58 we see that on the birth of the child, everyone rejoiced and when Zechariah’s lips were opened he gave a message from the Lord. When he spoke everyone listened and feared God. Vs 65

For Mary, this was going to cost her something. It could have cost her marriage after-all, Joseph considered breaking off the engagement. People would have looked at her like a pregnant unmarried woman and assumed she was immoral. To see the extent of what it would cost Mary fast forward to chapter 2:34,35 as Simeon gives this prophecy:

Luke 2:34-35

Luke 2:34–35 KJV 1900

And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

The Response and Reward

Both Zechariah and Mary received a miracle. There is no denying that, but because of Zechariah’s unbelief (vs20) he was smitten with dumbness. Mary on the other hand responded in faith (vs 38) and was blessed or favored by the Lord.