Mary's song

Remember last time I said there would be a little detail from that would be interesting or even important once we got down to v. 56?Let’s look at these two verses and compare.

​ NASB95Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth,

Verse 26 says In the sixth month...and v. 56 says

​ NASB95And Mary stayed with her about three months, and then returned to her home.

Mary, was present at the birth of John the Baptist.That’s a little detail that we could miss if we’re not looking at the whole picture.Wiersbe points out another detail that we miss if we don’t pay attention.

​The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter One: Hear the Good News! ()Mary stayed with Elizabeth until John was born, and then she returned to Nazareth. By then, it was clear that she was pregnant, and no doubt the tongues began to wag. After all, she had been away from home for three months; and why, people were likely asking, had she left in such a hurry?

Mary stayed with Elizabeth until John was born, and then she returned to Nazareth. By then, it was clear that she was pregnant, and no doubt the tongues began to wag. After all, she had been away from home for three months; and why, people were likely asking, had she left in such a hurry?

Her Joy would be challenged. The nay sayers would begin to attack. Even her betrothed Joseph was planning to divorce her albeit secretly.

​ NASB95And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly.

BUT!!!One of the best words in the Bible BUT. Remember…it is an indicator that a change of direction is about to happen.Mary was about to lose EVERYTHING! You remember what we learned about the betrothal process.You know what Joseph’s rights are.You know what her father’s rights are, what the law says he can do to her.But you also remember her faith.

​The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter One: Hear the Good News! ()The thing that Elizabeth emphasized was Mary’s faith: “Blessed is she that believed” (). We are saved “by grace … through faith” (). Because Mary believed the Word of God, she experienced the power of God.

And experience the power of God she did.

​ NASB95But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.

And then he goes on to explain how this Son fulfills God’s promises through Isaiah

​ NASB95“Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us.”

And Joseph woke up and did just as he was commanded, took Mary as his wife.Accepting the criticism and the shame that will go no doubt come to him too.