Luke 1:36 – “Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, the angel Gabriel gives Mary a sign to confirm the miraculous nature of what is happening. He tells her that Elizabeth, her relative who had been barren and was now advanced in age, is six months pregnant. This news is meant to encourage Mary, showing her that God’s power is at work not just in her own life but also in the lives of others.

The fact that Elizabeth, who had been considered unable to have children, is now pregnant highlights God’s ability to do the impossible. Gabriel’s message to Mary is that if God could work such a miracle for Elizabeth, He can surely accomplish His plan through Mary as well. This serves as reassurance that what seems humanly impossible is possible with God.

Historical Context

Elizabeth’s pregnancy would have been seen as highly unexpected, considering her age and her past inability to conceive. In Jewish culture, being childless was often viewed as a source of shame or a sign of God’s disfavor. However, the Bible consistently shows that God works through women who were previously barren—such as Sarah, Hannah, and now Elizabeth—to bring about significant parts of His plan. The birth of John the Baptist to Elizabeth was a key part of preparing the way for the coming of Jesus.

Elizabeth was married to Zechariah, a priest, and her pregnancy was announced earlier in Luke 1 when Gabriel appeared to Zechariah in the temple. John the Baptist, the child she was carrying, would be the forerunner of the Messiah, calling people to repentance and preparing them to receive Jesus (Luke 1:16-17).

Theological Implications

This verse highlights the power and sovereignty of God. Human limitations, whether they are related to age, barrenness, or any other circumstance, do not hinder God’s ability to fulfill His plans. Elizabeth’s pregnancy is a testament to God’s control over creation and His power to work miracles.

It also emphasizes the idea that God’s timing is perfect. Elizabeth had likely prayed for a child for many years, but God answered her prayer at precisely the right time so that her son, John the Baptist, would be born just before Jesus and prepare the way for Him. This shows that even when God’s answers to our prayers seem delayed, His timing is always intentional and perfect.

Furthermore, the connection between Elizabeth and Mary demonstrates that God’s plan of salvation is interconnected. The miracles in both of their lives are part of a larger purpose—bringing Jesus, the Savior, into the world. This reminds believers that God’s work in our lives is often connected to His work in the lives of others.

Literary Analysis

Luke’s Gospel often highlights themes of divine intervention and the reversal of human expectations. By mentioning Elizabeth’s pregnancy, Luke ties together two miraculous events—Elizabeth conceiving John and Mary conceiving Jesus. This parallel emphasizes God’s pattern of working through ordinary people and extraordinary circumstances to accomplish His will.

The phrase “she who was said to be unable to conceive” draws attention to the idea that God often works in situations that seem hopeless or impossible from a human perspective. This phrase is a reminder that God’s power is greater than human understanding and that He delights in doing what seems impossible.

Biblical Cross-References

• Genesis 18:11-14 – God promises Abraham and Sarah that they will have a son, even though they are both old. Sarah’s miraculous conception of Isaac parallels Elizabeth’s experience.
• 1 Samuel 1:19-20 – Hannah, who had been barren, conceives and gives birth to Samuel after praying to God, showing another example of God answering prayers for children.
• Luke 1:7 – Elizabeth and Zechariah are described as childless and advanced in years, setting the stage for the miraculous nature of her pregnancy.
• Matthew 19:26 – “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” This verse highlights the same truth seen in Elizabeth’s and Mary’s experiences.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For modern believers, this verse is a powerful reminder that God’s power is not limited by human circumstances. Just as He made it possible for Elizabeth to conceive in her old age, God can work in our lives in ways that go beyond what we think is possible. When we face challenges or situations that seem hopeless, we can take comfort in knowing that God specializes in bringing about miracles.

The connection between Elizabeth and Mary also reminds us that God often works through community. Just as Mary would later visit Elizabeth for encouragement and support (Luke 1:39-45), we are called to walk alongside other believers and share in the work God is doing in our lives. When we see God working in someone else’s life, it can strengthen our faith and remind us that He is also at work in ours.

Additionally, this verse challenges us to trust God’s timing. Elizabeth and Zechariah had waited a long time for a child, but God’s plan for their son, John the Baptist, required that he be born at a specific time to fulfill his role as the forerunner of Jesus. In the same way, when we experience delays or unanswered prayers, we can trust that God’s timing is perfect.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is shown in His personal involvement in the lives of His people. He cared about Elizabeth’s desire for a child and answered her prayer, but He did so in a way that was part of His larger plan of salvation. This shows that God’s love is not only personal but also purposeful. He works in our lives for our good and His glory.

God’s love is also evident in the way He provides signs and reassurance to His people. Gabriel’s mention of Elizabeth’s pregnancy is meant to encourage Mary and strengthen her faith. In the same way, God often provides us with reminders of His faithfulness, whether through His Word, answered prayers, or the testimonies of others.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse connects to Jesus by showing how God was orchestrating events to prepare the way for His arrival. Elizabeth’s son, John the Baptist, would be the one to prepare the people’s hearts for Jesus’ ministry. The connection between Elizabeth and Mary emphasizes that the birth of John and the birth of Jesus were both part of the same divine plan.

Jesus’ miraculous birth, like John’s, demonstrates that God’s plan of salvation is rooted in His power and grace. The mention of Elizabeth’s pregnancy serves as a reminder that the work of Jesus didn’t begin with His ministry—it began with God’s careful preparation long before He was born.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Have you ever experienced a time when God worked in your life in a way that seemed impossible? How did that impact your faith?
2. What can you learn from Elizabeth’s story about trusting God’s timing, even when His answers seem delayed?
3. How has seeing God work in the lives of others encouraged you in your own faith journey?
4. In what areas of your life do you need to trust that “nothing is impossible with God” (Luke 1:37)?
5. How can you support and encourage others in your faith community, just as Mary and Elizabeth encouraged each other?

Luke 1:36 is a powerful reminder of God’s ability to do the impossible and His perfect timing in fulfilling His promises. As we see in the lives of Elizabeth and Mary, God’s work is often interconnected, and He uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. Through their stories, we are encouraged to trust in God’s power, walk in faith, and share in the joy of His unfolding plan.