74 Jesus forgives a woman who was caught in adultery.75 Jesus teaches in the Temple.76 Jesus sends another seventy-two disciples into the fields of ministry.77 A good Samaritan helping a Jew shows how to love others.78 Jesus heals a man who was born blind.79 The good shepherd cares for his sheep.80 Martha becomes frustrated with her sister’s behavior.
107 Two blind men want to see.108 Mary anoints Jesus with expensive perfume.109 People cheer as Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey.110 Some Greek men want to see Jesus.
5 Mary visits her aunt Elizabeth.
Luke 1:39–56
We have no indication that anyone other than Mary went from Nazareth to the house of Elizabeth (Luke 1:39–40). Why might Mary have joined a caravan of strangers and enter the house in the Judean hill country alone?
Author insights pending
Referring to Elizabeth, the Greek suggenes is often translated “cousin,” but the word actually tells us only that she was a relative. The assumption that she was Mary’s cousin is difficult to support because of the wide separation of ages. What do you think their relationship was (Luke 1:36, 39–40)?
Author’s Thoughts
At no more than hearing Mary’s voice, how could Elizabeth know so much about Mary’s pregnancy (Luke 1:41–45)?
Author’s Thoughts
How do you think Mary felt when she saw that Elizabeth was pregnant (Luke 1:46)?
Author’s Thoughts
Men, but not women, were educated in the synagogues. Where do you think Mary gained her insights that were shared with Elizabeth (Luke 1:46–55)?
Author’s Thoughts
Do you think Mary’s response to Elizabeth at the moment of greeting, as Luke gives it, are her exact words (Luke 1:46–55)? Or might her lengthy statement summarize her insights gained from what she had heard during the past weeks?—from the Holy Spirit, prayer, or meditation. Why?
Author’s Thoughts
Because the Jewish calendar has thirteen months, not twelve, we know that a normal pregnancy in first-century Israel lasted ten months. When Gabriel said Elizabeth was pregnant, she was in her sixth month (Luke 1:36). Mary stayed with her for three months (Luke 1:56). If Mary stayed until after John was born, why do you think Luke didn’t mention that fact?
Author’s Thoughts
What reasons might Mary have had for leaving before the birth of John (Luke 1:56)?