Download the Notes: 01222012WomenOfTheBible—Elizabeth

Women of The Bible—Elizabeth

Luke 1

Nathan House
Adapted from Rose Publishing

  1. Luke 1:5-6
    1. What do we learn about Zechariah and Elizabeth?
      1. He was a priest
      2. Division of Abijah- The priests were divided into 24 groups or divisions and each provided week of service twice a year.
      3. Both Levites
      4. Righteous
      5. Childless because Elizabeth was barren
      6. Elderly
    2. Who do they remind you of? An obvious similarity to Abraham and Sarah who were righteous, childless and advanced in years. What similarities do we see?
  2. Luke 1:8-17
    1. V 9- Chosen by lot- not everyone serving would enter the temple and burn incense. It was an honor. It maybe that he has never in his years of service performed this task.
      1. What significance is there? What is at work here?
      2. Prov 16:33 “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.”
    2. V 11Note the location of the altar of incense. As he entered the area an angel of the Lord appeared to the right side of this altar.
    3. V 13-17 – Discuss the message the angel delivered to Zechariah
      1. Based off the angels’ comments, what do you think had been a portion of his prayer?
        1. It seems that he had been praying for a son. Now the question to me is, when was this request made? Now? He is old and doubts the probability of it. In my opinion, this is not necessarily a comment based on his prayer right now, but based on many years of previous prayers. Prayers he likely believed long past the time of answering. If this is the case, what does it demonstrate about our prayer life? God’s timing (see v 20)? 
          1. What is to be the character and work of his son?
        2. What else, besides a son would he have been praying for?
          1. This prayer, at the hour of incense, was supposed to be a prayer for the nation of Israel. How does the angel address this request?
  3. Luke 1:18-25
    1. Comments?
    2. V 19-20- Comments?
      1. How does the angel describe himself and his work?
    3. V 21-25- Comments?
      1. What is revealed about Elisabeth in her comments?
        1. She recognizes the Lord in her life.
        2. She recognized that being barren was a “reproach”. How might this have affected her negatively? Do we see that in her life? What does that say about her? It shows to me that she was a person who strove to overcome trials and did not let them destroy her; rather she remained faithful to the one whom she had prayed to all those years. A prayer that was not answered in her time. I think this shows the depth of her faithfulness.
      2. Which is harder: for an elderly barren woman to have a child, or for a virgin? Thus when we turn the page to Mary, we will see that even though the miracle done for Elizabeth was great, and her son would be great; much greater would the miracle of a virgin birth, and much greater the offspring to come (i.e. Jesus than John).
  4. Luke 1:39-45
    1. Comments?
    2. Discuss Elizabeth’s praise.
      1. Note the words of Elizabeth in verse 43. What significance is this? This is the first recognition of Jesus as the promised Messiah. 
      2. “Think of the reunion that must have taken place—two women, one elderly and one still a girl, both touched by the hand of God.” David Roper
  5. Luke 1:57-66
    1. Comments?
  6. What Characteristics do we see in Elizabeth that are influential? In what ways was she an influential woman?
    1. She was a righteous woman
    2. She was a thankful woman (v43, 58)
    3. She was a humble woman (v 43)
    4. She rejoiced with those who rejoice (v 42ff)
    5. She was faithful in spite of her being a “reproach among people” (v 25). She did not let others determine her faithfulness or worthy to God. They may have viewed her barrenness as a reproach but the continued faithful in her walk.
    6. She recognized the Lord in her life (v 25)
  7. What lessons can we learn from the story of Elizabeth?
    1. God demonstrates that nothing is impossible for Him
    2. God is a bringer of life. She was elderly and barren, but God changed all that.
    3. It demonstrates the faithfulness of God to fulfill His promise.