Mary Visits Elizabeth

Introduction:

· Chesterton: A scene to fill you with holy laughter

BOTH OF THESE POEMS ILLUSTRATE THE BEAUTIFUL PARADOX OF THE GOSPEL. LET’S LOOK AT WHAT THEY SHOW US ABOUT MARY, AND ABOUT GOD’S KINGDOM.

I) The Blessed Position of Mary (vv. 39-45)

A. Mary: God’s Chosen Vessel for a Privileged Task

i. Luke’s Emphasis: The privileged place of Women (1:3)

1. By emphasizing women Luke strengthens the validity of his gospel

2. AND: God has a heart for “those who don’t make the team.”

ii. “The Covenants Embrace”: John Proclaims the Gospel in utero (vv. 39-41)

1. ILLUSTRATION: Feeling Hailey; but this was different

2. When Mary enters the home, baby John leaps for joy (vs. 41)

3. John used a womb as pulpit, proclaiming the good news of a new prophet

iii. Putting Mary in her place: Proper Honor (vv. 42-45)

1. RCC theology venerates, or is devoted to Mary; others downplay her

2. BUT: Calvin & Elizabeth recognize God chose Mary for a sacred task

3. QUOTE: “Mary’s womb was a sacred temple in which Jesus might dwell”

B. Mary: Trusting in the Promises of God (vv. 45)

i. Mary’s true blessing: Trusting God’s Promise!

1. Elizabeth recognizes why Mary is honored: She trusts God’s promises

2. Mary is an example for us to follow…in that she looks to Christ

GOD CHOOSES AN UNLIKELY SERVANT TO BE THE MEANS BY WHICH HE FULFILLS HIS PROMISE – BUT THERE’S A SECOND PIECE HERE; LET’S LOOK AT MARY’S SONG.

II) The Exulted Place of the Humble (vv. 46-55)

A. Theme One: God Humbles The World’s Exulted

i. Luke invites us to Deep Biblical reflection & worship

1. Instead of prose, Luke uses poetry; why? to inflame our hearts to worship!

2. Mary’s song reflects deep biblical theology: God’s robust plan of salvation

ii. God humbles those the world exults (vv. 51-52a, 53b)

1. God will humble those in positions of power, position, and wealth; why?

2. “The Thoughts of the heart”à“Self-made, self-sufficient” (vs. 51b)

iii. Examining our Own Hearts:

1. YET: How do you view the poor? Are you invested in their flourishing?

2. YET: How do you define success?

3. YET: How much credit do you take for your success? How do you view those of lower position?  How generous are you with what you have?

B. Theme Two: God Exults those who are Low in the world’s eyes

i. The Humble recognize their helplessness

1. From Liberia/S.L to Pew Research: a correlation between wealth & faith

2. Why? Because those of “humble estate” know their vulnerability and have nothing that gives them status in the eyes of the world

3. In God’s kingdom, those of “Humble Estate” are givenplaces of honor

ii. God’s mercy is, by definition, for those who are humble (vs. 50)

1. Status/Power: “Here’s what I have àThis is what I deserve!”

2. Mercy: I deserve nothing from God but deathàantithetical to power

C. The Magnificat Illustrates The Gospel of Jesus

i. Good news for rich and poor alike

1. Gospel for the poor: No “pay to play”, so those “outside” canbe in!

2. Good news for rich: you aren’t defined by your wealth, so you no longer need to chase these things as the measure of your happiness & success

ii. Align not just with a kingdom but with a king

1. Fear the Lord: Fear means losing yourself in awe of God

2. Remember his mercy: The cross is proof of what you deserve (death), but what you are offered (life)

3. Magnify the Lord: Make much of ChristàWhy care about worldly status

Transition:

Conclusion