Courage to Love

Holy God, Word made flesh, let us come to this word open to being surprised. In you are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Open our eyes that we may see the wonders of your Word; and give us grace that we may clearly understand and freely choose the way of your wisdom; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

So welcome back to the last week of our sermon series I am calling Unthinkable courage. A reminder for those who have been here and an introduction to those just joining:

Unthinkable Courage is a sermon series all about women of the bible doing unthinkable things, not because they should not do something, but because they had the courage to help. The Bible is full of stories of the lives of women who play a unique role in the unfolding of God’s plans throughout history. From Eve to Deborah to Pheobe, these women introduce us to a variety of experiences, challenges and contributions. In some moments we see weakness and danger of falling into sin, yet in others we see acts of courage. They were mothers, wives, leaders, prophets and more, shaping biblical history in profound ways. So today we look at these stories to see the lessons they have to share with us about faith, resilience, wisdom, obedience and redemption.

The goal of the series is looking at the stories of women in the bible to inspire courage in everyone. When we are solely focused on Jesus Christ, we can miss out on the people who came before him to get us to where we are. In addition, this series is a reminder that God works through all people, regardless of gender or status, to fulfill God’s promises. This inclusion of women throughout the Bible further enriches God’s message of love, grace and salvation for all.

Today I am going to reintroduce you to many women surrounding the life of Jesus Christ, some are directly related and others are indirectly linked, however all play significant roles in his story. In our scripture today we are introduced to the first two women, Elizabeth the mother of John the Baptist and Mary the mother of Jesus. We start here because this is where the story of the gospels comes to life and where the promise of a Savior is fulfilled.

The Gospel of Luke is the only account that features the stories of the birth of both John the Baptist and Jesus Christ. Not only does Luke tell the story, but he also focuses on the lives of the women who will give birth to two prominent biblical figures. So, we find the life and thoughts of both women as they are told about the children they will have.

The Gospel of Luke kicks off with immediate action, starting with an older couple, Zechariah and Elizabeth, who’ve always wanted a child but never had one. While Zechariah is doing his priestly duties, an angel named Gabriel shows up with wild news: they’re going to have a son, John the Baptist, who will prepare the way for God’s big plan. Zechariah isn’t convinced thinking, “We’re way too old for this”, so Gabriel hits pause on his ability to speak until it all comes true.

Meanwhile, six months later, Gabriel makes another surprise visit this time to a young woman named Mary in Nazareth. She’s engaged to Joseph and probably expecting a normal life… until the angel tells her she’s going to have a baby by the Holy Spirit. Not just any baby, but one who will be a king forever. Instead of panicking, Mary responds with courage and faith, basically saying, “Okay, I’m in.”

Mary and Elizabeth share the same first act of courage, having children. Not just saying they would do it but doing what no one believed was possible for either of them. Elizabeth was too old and Mary was too young, but they did it anyway.  How is this courageous? Elizabeth has been barren and not able to have children, she was also “getting on in years.” For her to conceive a child would be a public display of the impossible and she did it with confidence, even when her husband, a priest, doubted what God could do. And Mary is a child, from what we know she was likely a teenager and was promised to be married to Joseph. Now somehow, she is pregnant by the Holy Spirit? This would be tearing her family apart and would dishonor her. Even Joseph is ready to leave her, and no one believes this Holy Spirit story. But she is confident and says, “here I am Lord, use me.”

In our scripture this morning Mary goes to visit Elizabeth, and things get even more joyful as Elizabeth’s baby literally jumps for excitement, and Elizabeth recognizes that something huge is happening. This is the first time these two meet each other and without knowing each other they share a bond that lasts a lifetime. This chance meeting would be where Mary steps into her calling fully, understanding that her child is the One they have all been waiting for. In the verses following our reading we see Mary’s song of praise, giving thanks for what God is doing in her life and how God has been faithful to the people. She breaks into a powerful song celebrating how God flips expectations, lifting up the humble and surprising everyone.

This first chapter teaches that courage is not loud or dramatic but deeply rooted in trusting God when life feels uncertain. Through Mary, we see the courage to say yes to God’s plan even when it brings risk, confusion, and major life changes. Her willingness to accept something she doesn’t fully understand shows that courage often means stepping forward in faith without having every detail figured out. Similarly, Elizabeth demonstrates courage by believing in God’s promise despite years of disappointment, reminding us that it’s never too late for God to work in powerful ways.

At the same time, Luke 1 shows that courage can be expressed through our words and our waiting. Both Mary and Elizabeth boldly speak about what God is doing, encouraging one another and proclaiming truth with confidence. Elizabeth and Mary teach us that courage is found in trusting God’s promises, embracing His timing, and faithfully stepping into the roles He calls us to; even when it feels uncomfortable or unknown.

This is just the beginning of how women play a significant role in the life of Jesus Christ; here are other woman who also help shape biblical history:

Have you heard of Anna? An elderly prophet who recognizes Jesus as the Messiah when He is presented at the temple. She was in her eighties and when she recognized him, she told everyone about him. She represents faithful waiting and spiritual devotion.

I know you remember Mary Magdalene. One of Jesus’ most devoted followers, Mary Magdalene is present at His crucifixion and is the first to witness the resurrection. She plays a key role in announcing that Jesus is alive.

Then there is Martha, the host. Martha is known for her hospitality but also for her bold declaration of faith in Jesus as the Messiah. And Mary of Bethany, known to many as the other Mary. She sits at Jesus’ feet as a learner (a role usually reserved for men at the time) and later anoints Him with perfume.

Do you remember the Samaritan woman? Who, after an honest and transformative conversation with Jesus, she becomes one of the first evangelists, bringing her whole town to hear Him. Or the Woman with the issue of blood? Her quiet but bold faith leads to healing. Jesus publicly affirms her, showing compassion and restoring her dignity. What about the Canaanite woman? She boldly seeks healing for her daughter and persists even when tested. Jesus praises her great faith.

Whether these women were named or unnamed they are significant in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. They teach us and Jesus Christ many lessons about faith, love and courage. They show up fighting for the chance to meet and even get to know the chosen One. They show that throughout Scripture, God works through people others might overlook, and they play a vital role in revealing who Jesus is.

Over the last three weeks we have seen courage in a variety of ways. First, through the women surrounding Moses birth. They taught us that significance isn’t tied to visibility. Reminding us that even in oppressive systems, individuals, especially those overlooked, can resist, protect life, and participate in something much bigger than themselves.

Second, we relived the story of Esther. She taught us that courage is not the absence of fear but is the decision to act despite real risk. And that courage can look like using your voice, your influence, and your moment, even when the outcome is uncertain, to stand up for others and do what is right.

Lastly, we looked at the women who started it all with Elizabeth and Mary. While also highlighting the women who have a significant presence in Jesus Christ’s ministry. They taught us countless lessons about faith, resilience, wisdom, obedience and redemption.

When we started this series I said we needed to define the word courage because most of us have our own definition of the word. I suggested that we shouldn’t try to decide on one and instead we should take them all together. However, I think most of us would agree that courage is mental or moral strength, not a physical attribute but an internal dialogue. For me, the definition I am caught in is the ability to do something that frightens one.  Why, because life frightens me at times and I’m sure it frightens you too. That’s why courage is so important.

So, what is courage teaching us? Courage teaches us that we are all capable, we all can do something that frightens us. We all have what it takes to be strong, to be brave, to be confident. We are all enough. We can all be faithful, trust in the promises of God, live in hope, show the world grace and love God the way that God has always loved you.

It’s not hard to say yes to God, but it does take courage to remain faithful. Because life will scare you, it will make you want to run and hide sometimes, but courageous faith will change everything.

Amen.