Here’s a quick quiz for you. Hint: the answer is the same for all the questions.
- Whose name in Hebrew means: “God is my treasure”?
- Who is the first woman named in Luke’s gospel?
- Who is the only woman called ‘righteous’ in the New Testament?
- Who is the first person to recognize Christ as her Lord?
If you answered “Elizabeth”, you are correct. We don’t know much about Elizabeth. She is identified primarily in terms of the relationships in her life: to her husband, Zechariah, her son, John, and her cousin, Mary. Elizabeth represents the thread that binds the story of these others together.
This remarkable woman is the only woman called “righteous” in the New Testament, specifically in Luke’s gospel. To be righteous meant to be focused on God, and on the will of God. Elizabeth did this unquestioningly, so the meaning of her name “God is my treasure” is very appropriate.
Elizabeth is the first of 3 women that Luke highlights in Jesus’ infancy narrative. Mary and Anna are the other two. This most important chapter of salvation history begins with the least important people in society: Elizabeth, a barren wife, Mary, a young peasant girl, and Anna, an elderly widow. These are Luke’s ideal believers: totally reliant upon, trusting in, and submissive to the will of God.
In contrast to the response of her husband, Zechariah, the High Priest who was struck mute when he questioned the angel who told him he and his wife would have a son, Elizabeth shows no sign of reluctance, hesitation, or doubt when she learns of her unlikely pregnancy.
This was remarkable considering that Elizabeth was barren and well on in years. To have reached old age without having children who would carry on one’s family and represent the future, demanded real courage and trust. Her faith, her perseverance, and obedience to God never wavered in all her years. She could have become disillusioned and angry over her situation, but she did not.
Most importantly, Elizabeth is the first person to recognize Jesus when she greeted her cousin Mary with the words: “How does this happen that the mother of my Lord should come to me?”
From Elizabeth, we can learn to wait patiently for God’s will for us, and recognize Christ’s presence in an encounter with another, whether that’s a tender moment or circumstances beyond our imagination.
Elizabeth, woman of wisdom and model of faith, obedience, and joy, pray for us.
