Luke Week 4

What makes something a Hymn?

Hymns are a fiercely protected musical idea in the Christian church. One of the problems that we face today is we have assigned the word “Hymn” to a specific time period of music. Hymns are not confined to this time period they are older than what we find in our modern day hymnals.

A Hymn is defined as “A religious song of Praise or thanksgiving to God”.

The oldest collection of hymns is the book of Psalms. There are others through out the scriptures.

The Song of the Sea (Exod. 15:1–18), the Song of Moses (Deut. 32:1–43), The Song of Deborah (Judg. 5), the Song of Hannah (1 Sam. 2:1–10), the Magnificat of Mary (Luke 1:46–55), the Benedictus of Zechariah (1:68–79).

Luke shares with us one of the great hymns of the church.

The Magnificat: Mary’s Song

Mary’s Song also known as the Magnificat (Latin) is a powerful hymn of Praise, theology, and Shift in cultural thinking. We learned last week that Mary was of a young age and her trust and faith in God was amazing. Here she shares a message of that faith and it is magnificent.

Do we talk about Mary enough in church? Why or Why not?

Read Luke 1:46-53

The Song of Mary is the first opportunity that Luke uses an extended speech to by a main character to bring forward his theological approach. There are many similarities and comparisons made between mary’s Song and Hannah’s Song from 1 Samuel.

Insert Scripture comparison

What similarities do you see between Hannah’s song and Mary’s song?

Theological Themes

The Song of Mary besides it’s praise to God also contains some strong theological themes. William Barclay presents the idea that there are Three Revolutions of God that it speaks of.

The First Revolution: Moral

How do you define Morals?

Morality is defined differently by many people because the source of their morals changes. For Christians we build our ethics of right and wrong around the Bible and the teachings of Jesus. To build these morals we have to sacrifice our pride and allow God to inform them not our own desires.

Why is Pride a problem when it comes to your Morals?

Mary’s song rejects pride and embraces the humble servant approach that defines much of our faith. As Christians we have to strip away our pride. We recognize that we are comparing our moral standing to Jesus.

American writer O. Henry has a short story about a boy who was brought up in a village. In school he used to sit beside a girl and they wer fond of each other. He went to the city and fell into evil ways. He became a pickpocket and a petty thief. One day he snatched an old Lady’s Purse. It was clever work and he was pleased. And then he saw coming down the street the girl whom he used to know, still sweet with radiance of innocence. Suddenly he saw himself for the cheap, vile thing he was. Burning with shame, he leaned his head agains the cool iron of a lamp standard. ‘God,’ he Said, “I wish I could die.’ He saw himself.

When we compare ourselves to Jesus we don’t stand a chance

Luke 1:51 NIV

51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

The Second/Third Revolution: Social and Economic

Is it wrong to seek Authority over others?

Is it wrong to be Rich?

Luke 1:52–53 NIV

52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.

Christianity puts an end to the world’s labels and prestige. Christ died for all. He puts us all on an even playing field.

Christianity calls us to shift our thinking when it comes to wealth and authority. It calls us to humble ourselves and turn to God and to remember that all these things are gifts from Him.

Hoe does our world still separate people today?

How should we look at people as Christians?

Luke 1:54–55 NIV

54 He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful 55 to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”

Why is this promise so important?

The promise of the coming King in Jesus is a powerful one. It calls us to see that there is a promise that we will be under his reign and authority it is a Kingdom that will last for all time. This is the hope we have to look forward to.