Mary's Treasure
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Finding Your Treasure: A Journey of Praise
Finding Your Treasure: A Journey of Praise
Bible Passage: Luke 1:39–56
Bible Passage: Luke 1:39–56
Summary: In this passage, Mary visits Elizabeth, and upon hearing Elizabeth's greeting, she praises God for the great things He has done for her. Mary's song of praise, known as the Magnificat, emphasizes humility, faithfulness, and God's favor towards the weak and downtrodden.
Application: This sermon can help Christians recognize where their true treasure lies—in a relationship with God and in the acknowledgment of His blessings in their lives. By understanding the value of rejoicing in God’s work, believers can realign their focus from worldly possessions to spiritual riches.
Teaching: The primary teaching of this sermon emphasizes that our true treasure is not found in material wealth, but in the richness of our relationship with God and our faithful response to His grace. It encourages believers to cultivate a heart of gratitude and praise, as demonstrated by Mary.
How this passage could point to Christ: In the context of the entire Bible, Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise and Mary's song anticipates the coming of the Messiah, revealing God's plan for redemption that emphasizes humility, grace, and divine favor.
Big Idea: The bigger idea communicated in this sermon is that true treasure is found in recognition of God's blessings and a heart that praises Him, allowing Christians to live authentically in a world that often values materialism.
Recommended Study: In preparing for this sermon, consider diving into Logos to explore the theological implications of Mary's song, particularly the theme of God's mercy and justice. Investigate commentaries that unpack the cultural and historical context of Mary and Elizabeth's relationship, as well as examining the significance of the Magnificat in early Christian worship. Also, look for insights into the Hebrew Scriptures that echo the themes of humility and exaltation found in this passage.
1. Journey to Joy
1. Journey to Joy
Luke 1:39–45
You could explore Mary's journey to Elizabeth, highlighting the joy and affirmation Elizabeth offers when filled with the Holy Spirit, which affirms the work God is doing in their lives. This suggests that recognizing God’s blessings starts with community encouragement and support. Within this context, Jesus' significance is anticipated, emphasizing God's plan of redemption. The application for believers is to treasure spiritual fellowship that points us back to God’s promises.
2. Praise in Perspective
2. Praise in Perspective
Luke 1:46–50
Perhaps Mary's Magnificat, starting with her humble acknowledgment of God’s greatness, could illustrate how recognizing and praising God shifts our focus from worldly treasures to divine blessings. Mary’s praise points us to Christ, highlighting His mercy across generations. Encouraging believers to begin their treasure hunt with gratitude, this passage demonstrates the richness found in God-centered worship and adoration.
3. Treasure through Trust
3. Treasure through Trust
Luke 1:51–56
Maybe you could focus on Mary’s proclamation of God’s mighty acts, inviting reflection on how God lifts the humble and fills the hungry with good things. This passage suggests our real treasure lies in trusting God's justice and grace. By anticipating Jesus’ role as the ultimate act of God’s mercy, believers are encouraged to embrace God’s upside-down kingdom values, prioritizing spiritual richness over material gain.
You must keep all earthly treasures out of your heart, and let Christ be your treasure, and let him have your heart.
Charles Spurgeon
Christ is God’s treasure, and God’s delight, and the storehouse of all God’s riches. God had that treasure in heaven, but sent it down to earth, and in the babe of Bethlehem. In that Jesus who had not a place to lay His head; in that Jesus as an earthen vessel, there was that heavenly treasure of God. The Jesus that went down into the grave, in that broken earthen vessel, was the treasure of God. He lifted Him up to the glory, and then the Holy Spirit came down to bring that heavenly treasure into the hearts of men. And the treasure in heaven, that God delights in, can be a treasure in your heart, that you can delight in.
The Bible leads us to Jesus, the inexhaustible, the ever-unfolding Revelation of God. It is Christ “in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge,” not the Bible, save as leading to Him.
George Macdonald (Scottish Novelist and Poet)
Andrew Murray
O Jephthah, judge of Israel, what a treasure hadst thou!
Ibid.
William Shakespeare
It takes a radical break to turn from earth’s trash to heaven’s treasure.
Havner, Vance
Treasures in heaven are laid up only as treasures on earth are laid down.
Anonymous