Character Study Of Elizabeth – Mother Of John The Baptist Series

CHARACTER STUDY OF ELIZABETH – MOTHER OF JOHN THE BAPTIST

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Luke 1:5-25

"And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless." (Luke 1:6)

Supporting Texts: Luke 1:39-45, Luke 1:57-66, Genesis 18:10-14, Isaiah 54:1

INTRODUCTION:

Elizabeth was the wife of Zechariah and the mother of John the Baptist. She was from the priestly lineage of Aaron and was described as a righteous woman who obeyed God’s commandments. Despite being barren for many years, she remained faithful and eventually conceived in her old age through divine intervention.

Her life is a testimony of God’s faithfulness, the power of patience, and the joy of answered prayers. She also played a key role in affirming Mary’s miraculous conception of Jesus, recognising Him as the Lord while He was still in the womb.

1. ELIZABETH WAS A RIGHTEOUS WOMAN

a) She walked blamelessly before God (Luke 1:6)

Elizabeth and her husband Zechariah lived a life of devotion and obedience to God.

b) She was faithful despite her barrenness (Luke 1:7)

Even though she had no children for many years, she did not waver in her faith.

c) She was married to a priest, Zechariah (Luke 1:5)

This shows she was part of a godly household dedicated to serving the Lord.

d) Her life reflected patience and trust in God (Psalm 37:7)

She waited on God’s perfect timing for her miracle.

e) Biblical Example: Hannah also remained faithful despite barrenness and was later blessed with Samuel (1 Samuel 1:10-11).

2. GOD REMOVED HER REPROACH

a) Barrenness was seen as a disgrace in her time (Luke 1:25)

In Jewish culture, childlessness was often considered a divine punishment.

b) God visited her and gave her a son (Luke 1:13)

The angel Gabriel announced that she would conceive a special child.

c) She conceived in her old age (Luke 1:24-25)

Her pregnancy was a miracle, just like Sarah's in the Old Testament.

d) God turned her shame into joy (Isaiah 54:1)

She became a testimony of God’s faithfulness.

e) Biblical Example: Sarah also conceived in old age after a long wait (Genesis 21:1-3).

3. ELIZABETH WAS FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT

a) She recognised Mary’s divine pregnancy (Luke 1:41-42)

When Mary greeted her, the baby in Elizabeth’s womb leaped for joy.

b) She spoke prophetically about Jesus (Luke 1:43-45)

She called Mary “the mother of my Lord,” showing her spiritual insight.

c) She was a source of encouragement to Mary (Luke 1:45)

She strengthened Mary’s faith in God’s promise.

d) Her words confirmed what the angel had told Mary (Luke 1:38)

She affirmed the divine purpose of Mary’s child.

e) Biblical Example: Simeon also recognised Jesus as the Messiah by the Holy Spirit (Luke 2:25-32).

4. ELIZABETH GAVE BIRTH TO A GREAT PROPHET

a) John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit from birth (Luke 1:15)

He was chosen by God to prepare the way for Jesus.

b) His birth was a fulfilment of prophecy (Malachi 4:5-6)

John was the forerunner of the Messiah.

c) She insisted on naming him John as instructed by the angel (Luke 1:59-63)

She obeyed God rather than following tradition.

d) Her son was a joy to many (Luke 1:14)

John’s birth was a sign of God’s goodness.

e) Biblical Example: Samson was also dedicated to God from birth (Judges 13:3-5).

5. ELIZABETH EXPERIENCED GOD’S TIMING

a) God’s delay is not denial (Habakkuk 2:3)

She waited for many years, but God’s timing was perfect.

b) She became a testimony of divine possibilities (Luke 1:37)

Her story proved that nothing is impossible with God.

c) She lived long enough to see John’s purpose begin (Luke 1:80)

She witnessed the start of his prophetic ministry.

d) Her story inspired faith in others (Luke 1:58)

Her neighbours rejoiced with her at God’s goodness.

e) Biblical Example: Job also experienced restoration after a long season of suffering (Job 42:10).

6.  STRENGTHS OF ELIZABETH

a) She was righteous and blameless before God (Luke 1:6)

She lived a life that pleased God.

b) She remained faithful despite her long season of barrenness (Luke 1:7)

She did not give up on God’s promises.

c) She was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke prophetically (Luke 1:41-42)

Her words confirmed Mary’s divine pregnancy.

d) She encouraged and strengthened Mary’s faith (Luke 1:45)

She supported Mary in her divine calling.

e) She obeyed God in naming her son John (Luke 1:63)

She honoured God’s instructions rather than following human traditions.

7. WEAKNESSES OF ELIZABETH

The Bible does not record any moral or spiritual failures of Elizabeth. However, like all humans, she likely faced moments of doubt and discouragement, especially during her years of barrenness.

LESSONS TO LEARN FROM THE LIFE OF ELIZABETH

a) Faithfulness brings divine reward (Luke 1:6, Hebrews 11:6)