Please help us share God's truths and hope in Christ.

Was Mary a Levite because she was Elizabeth’s cousin?  Does that mean that Jesus was from both tribes — Judah and Levite — thereby making Him both King and Priest?

Let’s start with what we know:

  • Elizabeth was Mary’s cousin:

Luke 1:36  And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.

  • Elizabeth was a Levite:

Luke 1:5  There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.

Since Mary was Elizabeth’s cousin, and Elizabeth was a Levite, does that make Mary a Levite?  The answer is, no.

Mary Was Not a Levite

In ancient Israel, tribal affiliation came through the father and Mary’s father was from the tribe of Judah. In Luke 3 we have Mary’s genealogy that traces her lineage through her father, Heli, back through King David, back to Judah, the fourth son of Jacob, and all the way back to Adam.

You might be wondering why the text of Luke 3:23-31 lists Joseph.  So how is this genealogy actually Mary’s bloodline? It is!  And it’s explained in these articles:  Why are there two different genealogies for Jesus? and The Blood Curse of Jeconiah 

Since Mary’s father was from the tribe of Judah, so was Mary.

So how were Mary and Elizabeth cousins?  

It was most likely through their mothers.  We know Elizabeth’s mother was a Levite because her father was a Levitical priest and he was required to marry within his tribe. Elizabeth’s mother being a Levite is confirmed in Luke 1:5 which tells that she was “of the daughters of Aaron.” 

Mary’s father was from the tribe of Judah, and he was not required to marry within his tribe. Therefore, his wife could have been from the tribe of Levite and could have been Elizabeth’s sister.

Jesus Was Not a Levite

Again, tribal affiliation was determined through the father, and Jesus’ legal father, Joseph, was from the tribe of Judah. 

Furthermore, we must remember that Jesus’ priesthood was (and still is) not of the Levitical priesthood of Aaron.  Jesus is “a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.” (Hebrews 5:8-10).

Jesus’ First Coming As Prophet

In His earthly incarnation and ministry, Jesus did not come to be King or to be Priest. He came in the office of Prophet, as prophesied (Deut 18:15, Acts 3:22).

Jesus came to preach “the acceptable year of the Lord” (Luke 4:18-19). And yet, in His final days, He also performed priestlty works, offering Himself as the Lamb of God (John 1:29) to take away man’s sin and to fulfill God’s purpose and plan of redemption.  Additionally, when He rose from the dead and ascended to the Father, He was crowned with glory and He became reigning King of a new kingdom, a spirtual kingdom, the Kingdom of God on earth..

  • Prophet:  Even after death, Jesus continues to be a Prophet.  He spoke God’s words to Paul and many apostles and speaks into the lives of His own today through His Word and the Holy Spirit.
  • Priest:  Jesus continues to fulfill the office of High Priest, sitting at the right hand of the Father in Heaven (Hebrews 1:3, 13, 8:1, 10:12, 12:2) and interceding for us (Hebrews 7:25).  
  • King :  Jesus continues to fulfill the office of King, reigning in the hearts of all who belong to Him as people of the Kingdom of God.

One day Jesus will completely fulfill His offices as Prophet, Priest, and King. One day He will come again in glory to reign and rule on earth, sitting on the throne of David in Jerusalem, just as the angel told Mary (Luke 1:32)..  He will speak God’s truths to the people and will be their mediator until the final judgment when all things are judged and all is made new.  Then the perfect state of eternity will begin with Jesus as the Light of the New Heaven and New Earth. 

In Conclusion

We do not know, for certain, the relationship that made Elizabeth and Mary cousins, because the Bible does not tell us.  But we do that that they were cousins because of Luke 1:36.  We also know that Jesus was born into the Tribe of Judah.  He came to earth and lived and taught as the Perfect Prophet of prophets (Deuteronomy 18:15, 18, Matthew 13:57, Luke 24:19). Since His ascension back to Heaven, Jesus now reigns in the hearts of all who are His. He is the Loving Lord of lords and He intercedes as our High Priest (Hebrews 5:5-10, Hebrews 7). making Him the Righteous Priest above all priests.  And, one day Jesus will come again in all His glory to live and reign as the Eternal King of kings.  He will sit on the throne of David and all the earth will know of His righteousness.

Revelation 11:15  And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign forever and ever. 

Psalm 72:19  And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen.

<*}}}><

Christmas-themed GOT QUESTIONS?

Christmas-themed Articles

Christmas Word Search Puzzles

Scripture from: Isaiah, Matthew, Luke, and John.  A Christmas message from “In the Bleak Midwinter”

Christmas-themed Videos

Have You Heard About This Baby Boy?  A most beautiful rendition of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah, with a Christmas message to touch your heart and give joy to your soul.

Cohen Hallelujah Christmas Version

 

 

 

 

 

Make Some Scripture Cookies – Fun for the Whole Family!

*******

Jesus is the Reason this Ministry Exists

At  Reasons for Hope* Jesus, we are committed to equipping, encouraging, and empowering Christians to know Jesus better, love Him more, and share their faith. We also reach the lost through our Salvation Page. 

With your support, we can continue to provide valuable resources and engaging content.  Please join us in our mission by donating today. Your generous contribution helps us expand our outreach of sharing biblical truths and hope in Jesus.  Thank you for your kindness and for being an integral part of our mission.

 donate
Reasons for Hope*Jesus is a 501c3 Ministry
Use a Credit Card or PayPal for safe, secure giving.

*******
*******

***A Hidden Message in Psalm 23?***  

Hidden in the six verses of Psalm 23 are 11 names for Jesus.  When you subscribe to our newsletter, we’ll send you The Names of God in Psalm 23 PDF that reveals all 11 names and Scripture verses of comfort and hope (link will be sent in your confirmation email).

A Room with a View of Eternity—The Last Will & Testament of Jesus Christ   Take a seat at the Master's table. Learn about the riches He gives to all who are His. This book will bless and encourage you, give you hope, and help you live in the joy of your salvation and the riches of Christ that are yours.

The Top Ten Got Questions? in 2023 

  1. The Meaning of NUMBERS in the Bible?
  2. Was Jesus CRUCIFIED on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday?
  3. How was Jesus Like a Worm? What’s the CRIMSON (OR SCARLET) WORM in Psalm 22?
  4. How are the Shepherd’s ROD and STAFF Different?
  5. How long did JOB SUFFER?
  6. What is the Significance of the Wise Men's THREE GIFTS? And were they kings?
  7. Did The Wise Men Arrive 12 DAYS AFTER JESUS’ BIRTH? Or Was It Much Later?
  8. Jesus’ Last Days TIMELINE: the Cross and the Resurrection
  9. The Meaning of COLORS in the Bible?
  10. Did Jesus Fight Satan to Take Back the KEYS of Death and Hell?

There is much to be learned from those who have gone before us in the faith.  Check out our Cloud of Witnesses category that features the words of departed saints who are now with the Lord in glory.  Their words equip and encourage us even to this day.  Take a few minutes to hear...

  1. ONLY ONE LIFE, Twill Soon Be Past – by C.T. Studd (1860 – 1931)
  2. “The Love of God is Greater Far” by Frederick M. Lehman (1917)
  3. Prayers from Billy Graham
  4. Who Was Robert Robinson? What’s the Story Behind “Come Thou Fount”
  5. “Immanuel” — A Poem by Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892)
  6. Who Am I? A Poem by Deitrich Bonhoeffer (1905-1945)
  7. Understanding the Everlasting Arms of God, by J.R. Miller (1840–1912)
  8. 24 Reasons Why I Love America, by John Wayne (1907-1979)
  9. Give Me Perpetual Broken-heartedness (from The Valley of Vision)
  10. Abide with Me, by James Smith, 1859

This remains one of our most popular pages viewed.

Reasons for Hope* Jesus video banner

TOP TEN Videos from Reasons for Hope* Jesus
  1. Memorial Day BAGPIPES TRIBUTE: Amazing Grace 
  2. RISE AND SHINE and Give God the Glory, Glory!
  3. WERE YOU THERE When They Crucified My Lord?
  4. PAUL HARVEY: THE BIRDCAGE
  5. PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN: A SOLDIER'S PLEDGE
  6. Hark! the Herald Angels Sing -- CHARLIE BROWN Christmas
  7. JOHN WAYNE ~ WHY I LOVE AMERICA
  8. Jimmy Stewart - Nativity Scene Prayer: Mr. Krueger's Christmas
  9. THE LEGEND OF THE CANDY CANE - A Christmas Story to Share 
  10. Not by Might, Not by Power, But BY MY SPIRIT says the Lord (Zechariah 4:6)

*****************

Please help us share God's truths and hope in Christ.

SubscribeNow!

The goal of Reasons for Hope* Jesus is to help you establish your heart and anchor your soul in Jesus, and renew your mind in His Word.

 

Get equipped with knowledge!

Be encouraged in hope!

Live empowered with love! 

You have Successfully Subscribed!