When the angel Gabriel told them they were going to each have a son, they seemed to be both doubtful, yet only one was reprimanded for their disbelief. Why? What was the difference in their answers?
Luke 1:1 - 80
ESV - 1 Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us. 2 Just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us.
Community answers are sorted based on votes. The higher the vote, the further up an answer is.
In my opinion, Mary was treated differently because she asked a natural question, since what she had been told would happen to her (a virgin giving birth) was unprecedented. The fact that she readily agreed to what Gabriel had told her (after Gabriel had responded to her), with no further question, was the decisive consideration. Zacharias, on the other hand, was given no indication of such a supernatural conception for John. Although Zacharias and Elizabeth were both of advanced age, Zacharias should have been aware (particularly since he was a priest who was presumably versed in Scripture) of at least one prior instance (Abraham and Sarah) where a woman who had been past "normal" child-bearing age in human terms had conceived naturally in God's planned time. As such, and especially in view of the fact that it was an angel who informed Zacharias of what would take place (indicating God's direct involvement in the situation), he should have just accepted the angel's words, and not questioned or doubted what he had been told.
All answers are REVIEWED and MODERATED.
Please ensure your answer MEETS all our guidelines.
A good answer provides new insight and perspective. Here are guidelines to help facilitate a meaningful learning experience for everyone.