“Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me?” Luke 1:43 (NLT)

One of my favorite paintings is Visitation, created by Mariotto Albertinelli in 1503. It depicts the story of Mary the mother of Jesus visiting her older cousin, Elizabeth, who was John the Baptist's mother and a descendant of the high priest Aaron. Rich with theology, the painting reminds me that these women, both recipients of a miracle, were honored and chosen by God for high and holy purposes.

As I once stood before this painting, I got sucked into their connection, from the closeness of their faces to the grasp of their hands and all that their stories mean for the world as we know it today.

These women played essential roles in fulfilling the prophecy of the coming Messiah. Elizabeth, though barren in her old age, gave birth to the Messiah’s forerunner, John. Mary, a pregnant virgin, gave birth to our Savior, Jesus.

After Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit in Luke 1:41, she exclaimed to Mary:

“God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said” (Luke 1:42-45, NLT).

The work of the Holy Spirit infused this historic encounter! Mary was overshadowed by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35) as her uterus formed a living tabernacle for the Son of God, much like the cloud of His presence overshadowed the tabernacle in the wilderness (Exodus 40:35). And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied more than 30 years before Pentecost — when the Holy Spirit would come to dwell permanently within all Christ followers, fulfilling Joel 2:28. Elizabeth’s words testified to what she knew was true.

She also asked in faith why “the mother of [her] Lord” would visit her (Luke 1:43). Why is this so noteworthy? In this passage, the Greek word for “Lord” is the translation for YHWH, God's covenant name in the Old Testament! Elizabeth was proclaiming through the Holy Spirit that inside the womb of Mary was the Most High God! Her young cousin was carrying the Lord, and favor would be upon Mary for believing in Him.

Sisters, this Advent season, may Elizabeth and Mary’s story remind us God has set aside women like you and me for high and holy purposes. God has chosen women to lead His people like Deborah (Judges 4), to do good and help the poor like Tabitha (Acts 9:36), and to teach evangelists like Priscilla (Acts 18:26). Women are fully made in the image of God, and God calls us good! When our Lord reminds us He will do for us as He promised, may we believe Him in the very depths of our being, like our sisters Elizabeth and Mary.

Father, we come against the enemy’s lies that say we are in any way less-than. We thank You for using women like us to advance Your Kingdom on earth. And may the portrait we paint of ourselves show that in Jesus, Your promises to us are yes and amen. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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ENGAGE

Experience Visitation and many other visual stories of leading women in art — online for free! — at the Visual Museum of Women in Christianity. Shala captured most of the photos in this gallery, which serves as a place to learn about women throughout Christian history and their unique contributions to the life and faith of the Church.

You can also find Shala on Instagram for more everyday reminders of God’s unlimited truths.

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Luke 1:46-49, “Mary responded, ‘Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me’” (NLT).

Genesis 1:31a, “Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good!” (NLT).

We can often wrestle with feelings of unworthiness or inadequacy. To combat those thoughts, take some time to praise God for how He has uniquely gifted you and how He has moved on your behalf.

© 2024 by Shala Wilson. All rights reserved.