You Should Know Better
There are a number of similarities between Zachariah and Mary. Both had angelic visitors, both were encouraged, "Do not be afraid", and both were told about future events. Even more so, their responses were almost identical: "How will I know this for certain?", "How can this be...?". However, this is where their similarities end. Mary, when she questioned the angel, was comforted and answered rather specifically. Zachariah, on the other hand, was rebuked and left mute until after John's birth. Why was God so unfair? I mean, both simply asked a question. Could the angel not just simply answer Zachariah in the same manner he did for Mary?
The answer is found when we look at the difference between the two individuals involved. Mary was a virgin. Although Scripture informs us that Mary was most certainly a virgin in regard to sexuality, here the Greek term means that she was a young woman, likely a teenager. As a child in the bloodline of David, she would have some grasp about the nature of God, but she would not have the knowledge and understanding of Scripture that Zachariah would. Zachariah, as high priest, was standing in the Most Holy Place when the angel greeted Him. Prior to the work of Christ, The Most Holy Place was THE place where God's presence dwelt. This is where the High Priest would enter once a year to offer sacrifices for the entire community of Israel. The Most Holy Place stood at the exact center of worship of the LORD: the same God who delivered Israel from captivity, led them through waters on dry ground, fed and clothed them for 40 years, delivered them from adversary after adversary, and the list goes on. Mary had legitimate reasons for questioning the angel as this may have been the first time she had seen or heard of a divine encounter such as this. Zachariah should have recognized immediately what taking place and simply obeyed. To put it bluntly, Zachariah should have known better.
As we serve the Lord, He will start expecting more from us. In the same way that children grow, develop a greater understanding of life, and develop greater responsibilities, we too grow and develop spiritually. As we do, our responsibilities will grow as well. Paul spoke to the Corinthians about milk and meat, implying that they should be growing in their understanding of the things of God rather than remaining on spiritual milk. As I read this Scripture this morning, I am gently challenged by the Holy Spirit that I too know better pertaining to certain areas of my life. How about you?
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My understanding is that Mary simply wanted to know how this would be - i.e., how would God go about giving her a child. Zechariah, however, asked for proof, not procedures.
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