Joy (Luke 1:39–56)

Now that Mary knew she was to become a mother, and that her kinswoman Elizabeth would give birth in three months, she wanted to see Elizabeth so they could rejoice together. “Joy” is the major theme of this section as you see three persons rejoicing in the Lord.

I. The joy of Elizabeth (vv. 39–45)

39 Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, 40 and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. 45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.”

A. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

Spirit-inspired words from Elizabeth rained blessing on Mary. They distinguished Mary from all other women. She had God’s grace and presence in unique measure, but not in measure that lifted her up for eternal praise and worship. Mary’s blessing came not from who she was or would become. Mary’s blessing came from the holy baby whom she carried in her womb. This blessed child placed Mary in the position of blessing.

God had turned his eyes to Elizabeth but had set his Savior in Mary. Just to stand in such presence awed Elizabeth. How did she deserve the opportunity to stand in the presence of the mother of her Lord? Even before his birth, Jesus was recognized as Lord, the Messiah of God.

B. The thing that Elizabeth emphasized was Mary’s faith.

Such recognition came from humble priestly folks in the Judean hill country, not royal people in the nation’s capital. The same humility characterized Mary. Now we see why she was blessed. She believed God’s promise. She expected God to accomplish what he said he would do. Faith brings blessing.

Elizabeth’s praise both begins and now ends with a reference to Mary’s blessedness. The blessedness of Mary’s faith stands in contrast to Zechariah’s lack of faith in 1:20. Her blessedness is a present state (cf. 6:20–22). Again Mary serves as an example for the believer. Indeed Luke sought to maximize Mary’s role as a model believer. Mary is “blessed” here for her faith but is “most blessed” in Luke 1:42 for the privilege of being the mother of God’s Son.

II. The joy of Mary.

A. What God did for Mary (vv. 46–49)

46 And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord,

47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.

48 For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.

49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is His name.

To begin with, God had saved her (Luke 1:47), which indicates that Mary was a sinner like all of us and needed to trust the Lord for her eternal salvation. Not only had He saved her, but He had also chosen her to be the mother of the Messiah. No doubt there were others who could have been chosen, but God chose her! The Lord had indeed showered His grace on her.

God was also mighty for her, working on her behalf. Mary would have no problem singing “Great Things He Hath Done!” Because she believed God and yielded to His will, He performed a miracle in her life and used her to bring the Saviour into the world.

B. What God did for us (vv. 50–53).

50 And His mercy is on those who fear Him From generation to generation.

51 He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

52 He has put down the mighty from their thrones, And exalted the lowly.

53 He has filled the hungry with good things, And the rich He has sent away empty.

In the second stanza of her song, Mary included all of God’s people who fear Him from generation to generation. We have all received His mercy and experienced His help. Mary named three specific groups to whom God had been merciful: the helpless, the humble, and the hungry.

The common people of that day were almost helpless when it came to justice and civil rights. They were often hungry, downtrodden, and discouraged, and there was no way for them to “fight the system.” Mary saw the Lord turning everything upside down: the weak dethrone the mighty, the humble scatter the proud, the nobodies are exalted, the hungry are filled, and the rich end up poor! The grace of God works contrary to the thoughts and ways of this world system.

C. What God did for Israel (vv. 54–55).

54 He has helped His servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy,

55 As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and to his seed forever.”

In spite of Israel’s destitute condition, the nation was still God’s servant and He would help the people fulfill His purposes. God was on Israel’s side! He would remember His mercy and keep His promises. Were it not for Israel, Jesus Christ could not have been born into the world.

Mary stayed until Elizabeth was ready to give birth to John, then she returned to her people. What a surprise for Nazareth! An unmarried local girl comes down from the hills at least three months pregnant. It made no difference to Mary. God had confirmed his word for her. A baby leaped. The Spirit moved. Elizabeth blessed. God gave her a song of praise. Let the people say what they would. Mary was willing to bear the disgrace in order to become God’s instrument of grace.