Mary Visits Elizabeth

["Click here for Luke's account"]

Shortly after the appearance of Gabriel to Mary, and Joseph's decision to honor his contract with Mary, Mary leaves Nazareth and goes to the home of her cousin Elizabeth who lived in the hill country of Judah. This probably was the town of Ain Karem, about 4 miles west of Jerusalem, which would have been a journey of about 75 miles.

When she arrived, she was greeted by Elizabeth who was about 6 months into her pregnancy and Luke says that when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the yet unborn John the Baptist, leaped in her womb. With this Elizabeth also knew that Mary carried within her the "promised salvation" of Israel and she said, "Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb." And then she asked the question, "Why has this honor been granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come and visit me?"

Perhaps it was at this time that Mary got some understanding of what she was involved in. The expressions that she makes following Elizabeth's declaration indicates something of this.

1. "My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior."
2. "God has taken into consideration the "low estate" of His handmaiden for behold, henceforth, all generations will call me blessed, for He that is mighty has done great things to me.

Mary remained with Elizabeth for about 3 months, until it was time for Elizabeth to deliver. Then she returned home to Nazareth.

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