Research Paper on "Impact Elizabeth Had on Christian Faith"

Research Paper 4 pages (1188 words) Sources: 3

[EXCERPT] . . . .

Elizabeth had on Christian Faith

Elizabeth is the woman in the Bible who bore St. John the Baptist and it is perhaps from that deed that her importance is recognized. However, as a character in its own right, it is important to examine her own character, alongside with her impact on the Christian Faith, as derived not only from her being the mother of St. John the Baptist, but also from her own characteristics and story.

Elizabeth's name means "God is my oath" or "dedicated to God"

A descendant from Aaron (which is an important element, because the Bible plans to show that Elizabeth had great family roots. In the Jewish tradition, this is important and relevant for the family in which John the Baptist will be born), she was married to Zachariah, who was a priest and a righteous man.

In Luke 1:6, we have the first important reference to Elizabeth's character, which makes us better understand her importance in the subsequent actions of the Bible: "Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commandments and regulations blamelessly" (Luke 1:6). All subsequent references in Luke emphasizes some of the elements that form her righteousness, notably the fact that she names God her "Lord," that she has no fault, that she observes all required commandments and adheres to the general rules, as set by God.

Elizabeth is, however, childless. This is an essential element and correlates quite adequately to the present times. As seen from the description in the previous paragraph, she is a righteous individual, so it cannot be that it is because of this reason that she is childless. She also wants to have a child, as does her husband. As today, sometimes this is not enough and it is not because of sin that she is childless, just as much as today someone who has not sinned sometimes does not see his or her wishes come true. The explanation for this resides in God's greater plan and, as a righteous and holy woman, Elizabeth understands this and does not contest God's decision, but rather trusts him completely.

Elizabeth is one of the characters from the Bible in the tradition of Abraham who never ceases to trust God, no matter what challenges he poses for her. In Abraham's case, God imposed the slaying of one's child to demonstrate faith. In this case, he postpones the appearance of one's child for the same reason and Elizabeth answers to the cause. God builds his trust towards Elizabeth, to the degree to which God is then confident that she will be able to properly raise John the Baptist, which is her most important role in the Bible, including in terms of the thereafter impact.

The fact that Elizabeth is probably about 60 years old when she gives birth to John the Baptist is in no way a hindrance to her mission and to how she understands that mission to be completed. It is probably an advantage, because her main mission in the Bible story is an educational one and her advanced age has allowed her to gather all important and relevant experience to complete it.

Elizabeth is important in the Bible also because of her relationship with Mary and their interaction, including in the period before John and Jesus are born. Elizabeth and Mary are related, but they are also having their children at similar times, as their pregnancies overlap to some degree. In Luke 1:57-66, it is described how Mary visits Elizabeth and, during this visit,… READ MORE

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