Mary and Zechariah's Encounters with the Angel Gabriel- Curiosity vs. Doubt and the Consequences.

In the New Testament, we encounter two remarkable encounters between the angel Gabriel and individuals chosen for a divine purpose – the young Mary and the elderly priest Zechariah. Both were visited with life-altering messages, each tasked with the miraculous birth of a child, and both responded to Gabrial with questions.

However, the nature of their inquiries and the subsequent outcomes of these encounters reveal a striking difference in the angel's responses and the individuals' fates. These two stories, intertwined with questions of faith, understanding, and divine providence, invite us to explore the dynamics of human responses to extraordinary circumstances and the profound impact of trust and doubt on the unfolding of their destinies. Here is the story:

Mary, a young and devout Jewish girl, is visited by the angel Gabriel, who delivers a life-altering message. The angel announces that Mary, though a virgin, will conceive and give birth to a son, whom she should name Jesus. Filled with wonder and seeking to understand the extraordinary message, Mary asks, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" Her question, characterized more by curiosity and a quest for comprehension than doubt, elicits a gentle response from the angel, who explains that the Holy Spirit will come upon her, and the power of the Most High will overshadow her. Mary's unwavering faith shines through as she submits herself to the divine plan, saying, "Let it be to me according to your word." Her acceptance marks the beginning of a journey that will lead to her becoming the blessed mother of Jesus, the Son of God. Mary's account serves as an embodiment of trust, obedience, and humility in the face of a divine calling, setting an enduring example of faith for generations to come.

Zechariah's account, also found in the Gospel of Luke, revolves around the significant event of when the angel Gabriel appears to him while he is serving as a priest in the temple. Gabriel brings the astonishing news that Zechariah's elderly wife, Elizabeth, will bear a son, John, who will play a crucial role in preparing the way for the coming of the Messiah. However, in response to this message, Zechariah questions the angel, expressing doubt about the feasibility of his elderly wife conceiving a child. This skepticism is met with a stern response from the angel, who pronounces that Zechariah will be unable to speak until the day these things take place due to his unbelief. Zechariah's temporary muteness serves as a period of reflection and growth in faith, ultimately culminating in his obedient confirmation that the child's name shall be John. This account underscores the consequences of doubt and the importance of trust and faith in responding to divine messages, particularly when one's role is pivotal to the unfolding of a divine plan.

Gabriel's Message to Mary: "Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end."

Gabriel's Message to Zechariah: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

The Question:

Mary's Question: "How can this be since I am a virgin?" Mary's question is one of understanding, seeking clarification about the angel's message, displaying curiosity and faith in her inquiry.

Zechariah's Question: "How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years." Zechariah's question reflects doubt and skepticism, expressing concern about the feasibility of the angel's message.

The Response:

Mary's Response: "Let it be to me according to your word." Mary's response is one of complete trust and submission to the divine plan, accepting the angel's message with unwavering faith.

Zechariah's Response: "How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years" Zechariah doubts the angel's message, leading to a stern response from the angel who pronounces that he will be mute until the birth of the child. "Doubt may mute our voices, but faith can awaken our souls."

Consequences and Comparison:

In contrast to Mary, who inquired with a desire for understanding and received a kind and clarifying response, Zechariah's initial skepticism led to a stern response from the angel. The consequence of Zechariah's doubt was being rendered mute until he confirmed the child's name as John. This period of silence served as a transformative moment for Zechariah to reflect and deepen his faith. Mary, on the other hand, was blessed with the privilege of becoming the mother of Jesus, her unwavering faith leading to her divine blessing.

This comparison emphasizes the profound impact of trust and doubt on the unfolding of their destinies, as well as the importance of faith in responding to divine messages. Mary's unwavering faith is rewarded, while Zechariah's doubt is temporarily met with discipline, ultimately leading to a growth in faith.

"When we question with curiosity, God responds with clarity; when we question with doubt, God may respond with silence."  

The distinct responses of the angel to Mary and Zechariah's questions are intimately tied to the nature of their inquiries. Mary's question was steeped in a genuine desire for understanding, a quest for clarity in the face of an astounding revelation. Her response was anchored in trust and a profound sense of submission to the divine will, resulting in her being blessed with the privilege of becoming the mother of Jesus. In essence, Mary's reaction exemplified unwavering faith and an unshakable commitment to the divine plan. For, as the scriptures teach, "we live by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7), and it is impossible to please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6).

"Miracles often arise from the fertile soil of persistent faith, breaking through the concrete of doubt."  

Conversely, Zechariah's initial response was tainted by doubt and skepticism, questioning the feasibility of the angel's message. This contrast highlights the fundamental significance of faith and trust when it comes to embracing divine messages and participating in the unfolding of God's plan.

The stark contrast between Mary's unwavering acceptance and Zechariah's initial doubt in response to divine messages compels us to deeply reflect on our approach to reading and believing the word of God. It challenges us to consider how we engage with the scriptures and whether we truly allow them to transform our lives.

Personally, this narrative urges me to take a deliberate pause at God's words, to not merely skim through them, but to immerse myself in His truths.

It's a call to align my own opinions, which often reflect my limited understanding, with the profound and unchanging wisdom of God's Word. This reflection prompts me to approach the scriptures with a receptive heart, willing to let His truth reshape my beliefs and perspective. 

It encourages me to meditate on His Word, not just as a casual reader but as a dedicated seeker, desiring to align my will with His divine plan. This alignment isn't just about acknowledging His teachings but, much like Zechariah's period of being "mute," it's symbolic of willingly silencing my own agenda and ego to hear the voice of God more clearly.

"Faith isn't the absence of questions; it's the courage to seek answers and understanding, minus doubting." 

This serves as a poignant reminder that when our faith is firmly grounded in God's truth, and we wholeheartedly embrace His Word with unwavering trust, our questions should be met with a response of curiosity, akin to Mary's quest for understanding. This, in essence, is synonymous with having faith in God's Word as a truth that unfolds with understanding.

For we know that God, who cannot lie (Hebrews 6:18), is faithful in His promises and His teachings, and aligning ourselves with His truths leads to a life enriched by His grace and wisdom, not disciplined by doubt and skepticism. So, the narrative of Mary and Zechariah inspires us to be more like Mary, open to the transformative power of God's Word, willing to pause, reflect, and align ourselves with His eternal truths.

Amanda Allen

www.KingdomRevelations