Mary's Magnificat

39 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, 40 and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.

We dont know the location of Zechariah and Elizabeth, though the temple is a three day journey from Nazareth

41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit,

The Lutheran Study Bible (Notes) (Chapter 1)

Elizabeth recognized that Mary was carrying a child who was the “Lord,” knowledge that only the Holy Spirit could reveal. Even more remarkably, John reacted from within her womb as well

Here is the first of Luke’s numerous references to someone who boldly proclaims God’s word as being “filled with the Holy Spirit.”

English Standard Version (Chapter 1)

15 for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb

42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”

The Holy Spirit was a part of the prompting of her blessing over Mary .

Its not Elizabeth is a blessing to Mary Hosting her during the early months of her pregnancy but instead it’s Mary and the fruit of the womb that the blessing is for Elizabeth.

A Walk with God: Luke (4. Mary Visits Elizabeth (Luke 1:39–56))

Young Mary would normally have paid homage to Elizabeth, the older of the two; but Elizabeth recognises that she is in the presence of one whom God had highly favoured.

English Standard Version (Chapter 1)

4 Now the word of the LORD came to me, saying,

5  “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,

and before you were born I consecrated you;

I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

Jeremiah 1:4-5

English Standard Version (Chapter 10)

14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”

46 And Mary said,

“My soul magnifies the Lord,

47  and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

A Walk with God: Luke (4. Mary Visits Elizabeth (Luke 1:39–56))

This is a prayer of prayers. What Mary says in this song of prayer is that from the depths of her being she wants God to be exalted. She is a model of adoration

The Lutheran Study Bible (Notes) (Chapter 1)

not only His rescue from physical calamity but also His saving power in spiritual matters (Ps 18:46; 24:5; 25:5; 27:9).

48  for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.

For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

A Walk with God: Luke (4. Mary Visits Elizabeth (Luke 1:39–56))

She cried out in gratitude, words of prophecy: ‘From now on all generations will call me blessed.’ Two thousand years later Mary is still regarded as the most blessed woman in the history of the human race.

Songs of Moses Exodus, Prayer of Hannah, Psalms, Zechariah at the Birth of John the Baptist

49  for he who is mighty has done great things for me,

and holy is his name.

50  And his mercy is for those who fear him

from generation to generation.

The Lutheran Study Bible (Notes) (Chapter 1)

Recalls covenants given to Abraham (Gn 12:1–3) and David (see note, vv 32–33). Thus, the climax of Mary’s song emphasizes fulfillment (cf vv 54–55).

I might be bringing of the OT and Genesis a lot in our message over the last couple of weeks but it is so important to see the connection

51  He has shown strength with his arm;

he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;

. Mary is recognizing that God is in control, that the powerful, movers and shakers

. Herod and the Romans

52  he has brought down the mighty from their thrones

and exalted those of humble estate;

53  he has filled the hungry with good things,

and the rich he has sent away empty.

. Luke’s Gospel caries Mary’s theme of the lowly and the powerful being flipped

Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man as example, widow and the judge

Jesus and the Gospels: An Introduction and Survey (The Birth Stories (1:5–2:52) [Aland §2–5, 7–9, 11–12])

They combine spiritual and socioeconomic dimensions of that salvation,

54  He has helped his servant Israel,

in remembrance of his mercy,

55  as he spoke to our fathers,

to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

A Walk with God: Luke (4. Mary Visits Elizabeth (Luke 1:39–56))

Covenants have been made between God and man. The promise that had been made to Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is now coming into fullness in space and time. ‘He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful.’

56 And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home.

A Walk with God: Luke (4. Mary Visits Elizabeth (Luke 1:39–56))

You could do nothing but live in gratitude to God for what he has already done in your life. We easily forget, but we are fortunate that God does not forget. When he makes a promise, he keeps it. Mary understood that as she sang.