The Gift of Joy (Luke 1:46-55) (2)

Introduction

Joy has seemed elusive to me over the last year…

We’re continuing our four part series for Advent, Pastor Larry studied the idea HOPE two weeks ago.

Last week we dove into the concept of PEACE and how only Jesus can give TRUE PEACE.

This week we look at the biblical perspective of JOY.

And in a world of joyless chaos and uncertainty, today’s passage reminds us where true joy is found.

In fact, the joy we observe today from the text of Scripture is the joy Mary expresses because she has been asked to do something no other woman has ever had the privileged to accomplish - carry the Son of God.

She was so joyful, she wrote a song about it. And for a fourteen year old girl, she had a great grasp of her faith and her God.

Joy can feel elusive for many of us, especially in a season filled with challenges or unmet expectations.

But Mary’s song invites us to rediscover joy through her example of faith in God.

This song is dripping with joy because her song is full of Jesus.

Main Idea: Jesus is the Joy of Mary’s Song

There are three ways that this song demonstrates Mary’s joy and should give us joy as well.

1. Mary’s Humble Joy (v. 46-49)

Luke 1:46–49 (ESV)

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

Mary is joyful because Jesus is her personal Lord and Savior

Luke 1:46–47 (ESV)

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

Isn’t it interesting that Mary needed a savior? She was not sinless.

She was not perfect!

She needed redemption and salvation from her sin condition.

She admits this in the text by calling God, not her co-redeemer, but her Savior.

By the way, if Mary needed a savior and redeemer, so do you! Is her Son your personal Lord and Savior?

Mary is joyful because she will be forever blessed

Luke 1:48 (ESV)

for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

Mary understood that she was not from high nobility or a wealthy family background.

Yet God, in His sweet providence decided to call on Mary to perform a task that would forever (and I mean forever) change the course of her life.

Bearing the God-man would give her a notoriety that would last an eternity.

Jesus being the God-man is a very unique position for Him to be in.

There has never been, nor will there ever be again a God/man that is 100% God and 100% man.

And just as unique is His mother.

There never has been nor ever will be anyone that has done something so special.

Mary is not a god.

She is not sinless.

But she does occupy a very special place in God’s redemptive plan.

What a joy it is to be used of God!

Isaiah 7:14 (ESV)

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Mary is joyful because Her God is Mighty (vs. 49a)

Luke 1:49 (ESV)

for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

It is good to remember that our God is mighty. How does He show His might?

Creation of the World (Genesis 1-2):

The Exodus and Parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14):

Resurrection of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, and John 20):

What has your mighty God done for you?

Mary is joyful because Her God is Holy (vs. 49b)

Luke 1:49 (ESV)

for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

God’s holiness is a profound reality that all believers need to understand.

His holiness means He is set apart and unique from His creation because He is sinless, righteous, and perfect!

Psalm 99:3 (ESV)

Let them praise your great and awesome name! Holy is he!

This is a distinguishing factor with our God. There is no guile or corruption found in his mouth. Sin, which is the opposite of holiness, makes God want to wretch.

Picture this: you’re making a big pot of stew. You’ve got all the best ingredients—fresh veggies, tender meat, just the right spices.

Everything smells amazing.

But then, without thinking, you toss in a potato that’s gone bad—soft, slimy, and smelling awful.

You figure, “It’s just one potato; there’s so much other good stuff in here, it’ll be fine, right?”

Wrong! As the stew cooks, that nasty potato spreads its gross, sour flavor through the whole pot.

Now, what was supposed to be a delicious meal is completely ruined.

One bad ingredient ruins the whole thing. In the same way, even a little sin can corrupt a whole lot of good.

Friends, this is you and me.

Sin has infiltrated us, and now we are corrupt to the core.

We are not holy, and there is nothing we can do about it.

God on the other hand is holy, pure and righteous.

And because of this, He cannot have a relationship with us.

Unless He solves the problem.

And this is why Mary is carrying Jesus – so that he would save us.

Matthew 1:21 (ESV)

She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

Do you, like Mary, recognize that God is holy?

More importantly, does your life reflect the holiness of God?

Mary understood her position before God.

She had a healthy view of herself.

The NLT says “lowly servant girl.”

And this girl would be blessed throughout all generations because as Mark Lowry said so well as he was introducing his song, “Mary Did You Know” to a crowded concert hall, “Mary was the first one to carry the Gospel.”

Notice she says she will be blessed, not venerated. Mary was humble.

Every Christian would be wise to follow the example of her spirit and, as Paul says in Philippians 2, “not to think more highly of themselves than they ought.”

Matthew 23:12 (ESV)

Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

James 4:6 (ESV)

But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

James 4:10 (ESV)

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

Mary carried within her womb, her personal Lord and Savior.

She, the mother of the God/man recognized she needed a savior.

Do you?

Yet Mary says to God, ‘If that is your will, then I’ll do it.’ The beginning of Jesus’ life is marked by a mother who submits to the will of God. The end of Jesus’ life is marked by the words: ‘Not my will, but yours be done.’

R. C. Sproul

Consider a young girl from a small town, suddenly tasked with raising the Son of God.

Mary showed no signs of entitlement or expectation.

Instead, she embraced her calling with humility, reflecting a deep trust in God’s plan.

This narrative teaches us about the beauty of yielding to God's will, even when we feel insufficient.

Mary’s humble spirit serves as a powerful encouragement for us all to approach our own life's challenges with grace and acceptance.

Mary’s humility allowed her to see God’s mercy and strength at work in her life, which is the source of her continued joy.

Review: Jesus is the joy of Mary’s song

Mary’s humble joy - Because Her God is Personal, A Blesser, Mighty and Holy

2. Mary is Joyful Because of God’s Mercy and Strength (v. 50-53)

Luke 1:50–53 (ESV)

And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.

Mary is joyful because Her God is Merciful (vs. 50)

Luke 1:50 (ESV)

And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.

There are two ways to understand Mercy.

One is withholding of just punishment.

The next is the relief of suffering.

Look at what Jesus says to the religious elite!

Matthew 9:10–13 (ESV)

And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Mary demonstrated awe and reverence for her God. And God’s promise was mercy.

Proverbs 1:7 (ESV)

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

You can take a cue from this godly girl by asking yourself, “Do I have a proper fear and reverence of God.”

If you do, you will receive a special measure of His Mercy.

Mary is joyful because Her God is Strong (vs.51-52)

Luke 1:51–52 (ESV)

He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate;

The theological term for this is Omnipotent, all-powerful.

Mary recognized that God is powerful to accomplish whatever He desires.

Psalm 89:10 (ESV)

You crushed Rahab like a carcass; you scattered your enemies with your mighty arm.

Mary was facing an unprecedented life of challenge.

And yet her unwavering trust was in a God who was strong over all.

Remember Jesus' wise words?

Matthew 10:28 (ESV)

And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Do you trust the all-powerful one even when life doesn’t make sense?

Mary did and so can you!

Mary is joyful because Her God is a Strong and Merciful Provider (vs. 53)

Luke 1:53 (ESV)

he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.

Mary can trust her God and Savior because He has and will continue to provide all things for her!

Psalm 107:9 (ESV)

For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things.

The God of the Bible is unique. There is none quite like Him.

And for this, I am eternally grateful.

Because no one else has the capacity or capability to rescue us from our eternal condemnation other than this God.

The MIGHTY, HOLY, STRONG, PROVIDER GOD is Mary’s UNIQUE God!

Is He your God as well? Do you know how to become part of God’s family?

So often, the world sees God as a merciless tyrant who only seeks His own glory.

But Mary’s song reminds us of the truth: our God is a God of mercy.

Mercy is His compassionate withholding of judgment and His active care for the undeserving.

Mary understood this deeply.

She knew what she and her people deserved because of their generational disobedience.

And yet, she rejoiced because God remained true to His Word, extending mercy across generations and providing eternal salvation to all who, by faith, trusted the God of the Old Testament.

That same mercy is available to us today—mercy that flows from His strength to keep His promises.

God’s standards have not changed, but you and I cannot attain them in our own strength. We need help; we need a Savior. We do need mercy, and we obtain mercy when we come to Christ.

J. Vernon McGee

And because God is mighty to save we can trust the salvation He mercifully offers.

You may be facing some pretty challenging circumstances right now—things that feel too hard to bear.

But just as Mary found joy in God’s mercy and strength, you can, too.

If you are in Christ, you have a mighty God behind you who loves you, sustains you, and walks with you through every trial.

Joy doesn’t mean pretending everything is fine; it means trusting in the One who holds you and your circumstances in His hands.

This week, take time to pray, reflect on God’s mercy, and remind yourself of His power to carry you through even the hardest moments.

Review: Jesus is the joy of Mary’s song

Mary’s humble joy - Because Her God is Personal, A Blesser, Mighty and Holy

Mary is Joyful Because of God’s Mercy and Strength

3. Mary is Joyful because God is Faithful to His Promises (v. 54-55)

Luke 1:54–55 (ESV)

He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

Have you ever faced a situation so dark and overwhelming that you couldn’t see a way out?

In those moments, what do you hold on to? Mary’s song reminds us that God’s promises are an unshakable source of hope and joy.

So what should you do then?

You should go to the promises of God!

Our God always speaks the truth because He is the truth. God cannot lie!

And so when He makes a promise, He keeps it.

This is why reading and meditating on His promises in the Bible are so comforting.

These verses give two ways in which God demonstrates that He is a promise-keeping God

Mary is joyful because Her God has cared for his people throughout history (vs. 54)

Luke 1:54 (ESV)

He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy,

Remember, Mary was a committed Jew who loved God and was looking for Messiah.

She understood how God had cared for her people through the ages. For example…

Micah 7:20 (ESV)

You will show faithfulness to Jacob and steadfast love to Abraham, as you have sworn to our fathers from the days of old.

Psalm 98:3 (ESV)

He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

If you are in Christ, you are his people too!

Both the Old Testament and New Testament make this promise. (Deut 31:8; Hebrews 13:5-6).

Deuteronomy 31:8 (ESV)

It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

Mary is joyful because Her God will care for his people forever ! (vs. 55)

Luke 1:55 (ESV)

as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

Do you understand Mary’s point?

As stiff-necked as God’s people were, His promise to Abraham would stand.

They would be His people forever!

Genesis 17:9 (ESV)

And God said to Abraham, “As for you, you shall keep my covenant, you and your offspring after you throughout their generations.

Galatians 3:16 (ESV)

Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is Christ.

The Bible Knowledge Commentary 1:46–55

Through the Child that she was to bear, God was being merciful to Abraham and his descendants. Mary was aware that the birth of her Child was a fulfillment of the covenant promises to Abraham and his people.

Mary’s God keeps every promise He has ever made.

The most amazing promise God made over and over throughout biblical history is that He will save His people from their sins.

God’s promises are not vague or abstract; they are fulfilled in Christ.

The birth of Jesus was the beginning of God’s ultimate promise to save His people from their sins.

This is why Mary rejoiced—and why we can, too.

Christmas is the beginning stage of fulfilling that promise.

The incarnation, God becoming a human and living among His creation who is under the curse of sin.

Why? To rescue them from this curse.

Joy To The World

Joy to the world; the Lord is come; Let Earth receive her King; Let ev'ry Heart prepare him room, And Heav'n and nature sing.

Joy to the Earth, the Savior reigns, Let men their Songs employ, While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains, Repeat the sounding joy

No more let sins and sorrows grow, Nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make his blessings flow Far as the curse is found.

The atonement is the real reason for the Incarnation.

James Montgomery Boice

You have a choice to make this morning.

You may find yourself in an emotionally difficult place this morning, feeling disconnected from the joy of the season.

Maybe your are lonely?

Maybe your are dealing with financial uncertainty?

Or perhaps your health isn’t great these days?

Mary’s song invites you to turn to the promises of God.

Make a habit of meditating on His promises—they are life-giving and joy-restoring.

Write them down, memorize them, or read them daily.

As you do, you’ll be reminded of His faithfulness to you, just as He was faithful to Mary.

God has not forgotten you. He is with you, He loves you, and He will never forsake you.

Review: Jesus is the joy of Mary’s song

Mary’s humble joy - Because Her God is Personal, A Blesser, Mighty and Holy

Mary is Joyful Because of God’s Mercy and Strength

Mary is Joyful because God is Faithful to His Promises

Conclusion

Mary embarked on a life-changing mission when she accepted God’s call to be the mother of the Messiah.

Did she fully understand the gravity of the situation or the pain she would endure?

Likely not.

But she did not let fear of the unknown diminish her faith in the God who chose her for this awesome task.

Instead, she found joy—joy in her Savior/Son and in the privilege of being part of God’s redemptive plan.

As you face this season, with its unique challenges and uncertainties, take Mary’s example to heart.

Be humble before God.

Trust in His mercy and strength.

And remember that He is always faithful to His promises.

Your circumstances may feel overwhelming, but your Savior is greater.

When you look to Him, your joy will not only sustain you but will also shine as a testimony to His goodness.

God will not call you to a task like Mary’s, but He will use you in His great story of redemption.

Walk forward in faith, knowing that He works all things for His glory and your good.

Mary’s faith and joy came from trusting in a God who is merciful, mighty, and faithful to His promises.

As you face life’s uncertainties, look to Jesus. He is your Savior, your Hope, and your JOY!