The Faith of Zechariah and Mary Compared (Luke 1:5-38)

Everytime we talk about faith, we go back to the Old Testament and read the accounts of Abel, Enoch, and Abraham. The accounts of their unwavering faith were described in Chapter 11 of the book of Hebrews. Faith is clearly defined in the first verse as:

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."

The coming of Messiah was foretold in the Old Testament scriptures. In the book of Isaiah Chapter 9:6 the following was prophesied:

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, "Mighty God".

The prophecy is saying in effect that a day will come when God in the flesh would be born in this world and bring light to those who are lost in the darkness. With us is God Himself! But the coming of the Messiah was not met with great anticipation. We will compare the responses of two godly individuals in the New Testament: Zechariah and Mary.

Zechariah (Luke 1:5-25)

Zechariah was a priest from the priestly division of Abijah. Both he and his wife Elizabeth were upright in the sight of God. They had no children because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in age.

Once when Zechariah was on duty to serve in the temple, he was chosen by lot to burn incense. Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him and he was startled and was "gripped with fear", according to the scriptures, and it continues in verse 13:

"But the angel said to him: 'Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John.' "

But Zechariah expressed his doubt and hesitation when he asked, "How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years." Because he did not believe the words of the angel Gabriel, he was not able to talk until the birth of his son, whose name is John.

Even as Christians, we have our doubts and hesitations when it comes to trusting in the promises of God. Like Zechariah, we are bound by what is a normal consequence. We pray to God, but we expect Him to answer our prayers our way! Our relationship with God is spiritual. Jesus Christ intercedes for us, and the Father responds to our prayers and needs by the power of the Spirit. God responds to our needs every single day. Each blessing therefore is an opportunity for us to nurture a closer relationship with God.

Mary (Luke 1:26-56)

Like Zechariah, Mary was greatly troubled when an angel appeared and declared that she will have a son, the Son of the Most High. After the angel explained that the Holy Spirit will come upon her and that the power of the Most High will be upon her, she believed with all her faith, saying: "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said."

Mary's expression of faith should encourage and comfort us. Her trust in God is so deep that she cast off her fears of whatever may come upon her as a result of becoming pregnant while still unmarried. The Old Testament law commands that she will be stoned to death! On top of that, Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph. What would Joseph say when he finds out that she is to have a child before they were married? Yet Mary did not doubt the Lord. In verse 45 we read: "Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished."

Yes my dear friends, blessed are we also when we believe with all our hearts, soul, and mind that the will of God in our lives will be accomplished. He gave us His son Jesus Christ so that through him we will have hope of eternal life. Through Jesus Christ we can come to His Kingdom and enjoy a life of peace, joy, and contentment.

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