Expectant Praise

Intro: The births of John & Jesus have been prophesied and are now being eagerly awaited.

Luke 1:39–45 ESV

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

Illustration: Urgency

The Setting:

Mary urgently goes to see Elizabeth

John rejoices at the presence of Jesus

Elizabeth is filled with the Spirit and testifies

That Mary is blessed

That Jesus is Lord

That John’s work has begun

That faith is rewarded with blessing

Luke 1:46–50 ESV

46 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; 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.

Mary praises God for His favor

v. 48 - His faithfulness

v. 49 - His power

v. 49 - His holiness

v. 50 - His mercy

Luke 1:51–56 ESV

51 He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; 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. 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.” 56 And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home.

Mary praises God for His favor on Israel

v.51-52 - Praise God for His sovereignty

v.53 - Praise God for His purposeful provision

v.54 - Praise God for His everlasting mercy