Genealogy of Mary and Elizabeth
Mary and Elizabeth were both figures in the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. Mary, being the mother of Jesus, was the daughter of an unwed teen, and Elizabeth was the wife of Zacharias and the mother of John the Baptist. Both enjoyed divinely-ordained pregnancies, so there is definitely some theological significance to the fact that they were related.
An examination of their genealogy will be necessary to provide a more in-depth understanding of how the two women were related. According to the Biblical account of Luke 1:36, Mary was a descendant of David through her father, thus tying her to the lineage of the House of David. Elizabeth, on the other hand, is from a different branch of the family tree since she is descended from Aaron, who is regarded as the brother of Moses in the Bible.
Relationship Between Mary and Elizabeth
Even though it appears from their genealogy that Mary and Elizabeth were not siblings, according to the Bible, a family relationship beyond the normal routine of an aunt and niece – was believed to exist between the two.
Suppose Mary and Elizabeth were related, how closely were they related? Well, according to Luke 1:36, Mary was a blood relative of Elizabeth. In addition to being related through the lineage of David and Aaron, Mary was a cousin of Elizabeth as they were both descendants of the same ancestor – Ruth.
Older Generations
As per the Bible passages, Elizabeth’s mother was named Hanna, which is another version of the name Hannah (1 Samuel 1:2). She and her husband, Joachim, were evidently related to King David. According to the Gospel of Luke, Mary was the daughter of a couple called Joachim and Anna (Luke 2:5-7). This may be why Mary’s womb was chosen to bring forth Jesus.
Joachim was Elizabeth’s father, while Anna was Mary’s mother. This makes the two almost second cousins, which further validates the belief that they were related in some way.
Age Difference Between Mary and Elizabeth
The age difference between Mary and Elizabeth, though not clearly specified, was believed to be considerable according to the Bible. Mary was a young teen who was likely between the ages of thirteen and sixteen. Elizabeth, on the other hand, was believed to be an elderly woman in her later years, and was far advanced in age.
Therefore, it is likely that Elizabeth was the older of the two. This suggests that the women could have been related in a specific way, similar to a mother and daughter. As for the exact manner of their relationship, it is impossible to tell as the Bible does not provide insight into this matter.
Miraculous Pregnancies
The close relationship between Mary and Elizabeth is highlighted by their shared miracle pregnancies. Elizabeth, being barren and advanced in years, was naturally the first to conceive in the Bible. Later, Mary, who was deemed worthy of carrying the babe with whom God was pleased (Luke 1:30-31), miraculously gave birth to Jesus.
These twins births were not only unexplainable by natural means, but were also special in the sense that they were the very first pregnancies recorded in the Bible. This is further proof that these two women had a relationship that was above the norm and very special in the eyes of God.
Elizabeth’s Blessing to Mary
The miraculous pregnancies of both women indeed elevated their relationship in the Bible. The particular mention of Elizabeth’s blessing to Mary (Luke 1:43), has a very symbolic significance associated with it. The blessing is displayed as a sign of approval, recognition, respect and honor towards Mary.
Elizabeth states that the fact that Mary is to give birth to a son brings great joy to her. The joy is so great that it radiates around the world, blessing Mary and all those who will partake in this joy.
Mary Visiting Elizabeth
The Biblical account mentions that Mary visits Elizabeth after her pregnancy has been announced by an angel to Joseph (Luke 1:39). Her visit appears to have taken place some time after Elizabeth had conceived – as it was during this time that the baby in Elizabeth’s womb jumped when he heard Mary’s greeting.
The visit is possibly a reassurance to Elizabeth that her pregnancy is indeed a miracle. She sees the confirmation when her unborn son, John the Baptist, recognized the pregnancy of Mary and leapt for joy, even though he was still inside her womb.
The Significance of the Relationship
The overall significance of Mary and Elizabeth’s relationship is related to the birth of today’s most prominent godly figure – Jesus. Mary and Elizabeth’s relationship, though not entirely defined in the Bible, however, serves as a sign of hope and trust in the Lord. This is evident in the way Mary accepts the divine intervention that allows her pregnancy with Jesus and pays a visit to Elizabeth to share her joy. Moreover, it shows how two women – despite the fact that they are not sisters or even neighbours – are able to both receive God’s divine intervention in their lives.
Devotion to God’s Plans
Their commitment to this intervention allows us to recognize their willingness to embrace it and accept it despite the difficult situations and pressures of their time and culture. Their relationship serves as an example of trusting in God’s plans for their respective lives. Elizabeth plays an important role in honoring Mary’s blessing and recognizing her child, Jesus, as God’s divine son, just as Mary’s visit to Elizabeth provides a spiritual connection between them.
Role of God-Send Angels
The role of angelic visitors in bringing the two together further strengthens the idea that they are in fact related spiritually. In Luke 1, angelic visitors appear to both Mary and Elizabeth, announcing each of their unique divine pregnancies. This further solidifies the relationship and connection between the two, cementing their roles as mothers blessed by God.
Connection to Judaism
The shared family connection between Mary and Elizabeth also provides a greater context for Jesus’ mission among the Jews. Being from the same family line, in this case the House of David, and related to each other in some way, gave Jesus greater legitimacy and acceptance among the Jews. Having an aunt and cousin relationship with both Mary and Elizabeth allowed Jesus to form stronger connections among the Jewish population, thus aiding in his ministry.
Conclusion
Mary and Elizabeth’s relationship in the Bible is undeniably significant, with both figures playing an integral part in Jesus’ life. Mary offering Elizabeth a visit when she first hears of her pregnancy further deepens their connection, showing how two women of faith can demonstrate acceptance and trust in God’s plans. The connection between Mary and Elizabeth also reinforces Jesus’ ties to the House of David, providing an environmental context for his mission. Finally, the close relationship between the two women highlights the importance of their children and the divine destiny that God had intended for them both.
