Luke 1:39-56
Luke 1:39-56
These verses cover the interaction between Mary and Elizabeth. Here are a few observations from our text:
1. The baby in Elizabeth’s womb (John the Baptist) leaping could easily be interpreted as an early confirmation of John’s role as prophet and even a fulfillment of what the angel told Zechariah in 1:15, that he would be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from the womb. John’s entire purpose was to serve Jesus through preparing people for his ministry. Jesus has given us the purpose of making disciples of all nations. How are you practically making disciples in your life?
2. Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, proclaims a blessing over Mary. It is a blessing that does not glorify Mary, but the Savior she bore. Yes, Mary is a great example of humble faith (as we will see shortly), but that is not her primary blessing—that is in the fact that she has been chosen to be the mother of Jesus.
3. In her song, Mary takes us back to Psalm 34:1-3:
34 I will bless the Lord at all times;
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord;
let the humble hear and be glad.
3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
and let us exalt his name together!
The heart for God that Mary expresses is very reminiscent of the worship and humility of David in this Psalm.
Two other things of note from these verses: Mary acknowledges that she personally needs Jesus to be her Savior, and she also acknowledges her humble estate. Again, as great of an example as Mary is to imitate in terms of her faith, we should be careful not to elevate her to a place she does not even desire she be! It is clear that one of the markers of her character is humble faith, which I would venture to guess is one of the reasons that God blessed her in the first place.
What can you take from our passage today to apply to your life?
By: Graham Withers
These verses cover the interaction between Mary and Elizabeth. Here are a few observations from our text:
1. The baby in Elizabeth’s womb (John the Baptist) leaping could easily be interpreted as an early confirmation of John’s role as prophet and even a fulfillment of what the angel told Zechariah in 1:15, that he would be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from the womb. John’s entire purpose was to serve Jesus through preparing people for his ministry. Jesus has given us the purpose of making disciples of all nations. How are you practically making disciples in your life?
2. Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, proclaims a blessing over Mary. It is a blessing that does not glorify Mary, but the Savior she bore. Yes, Mary is a great example of humble faith (as we will see shortly), but that is not her primary blessing—that is in the fact that she has been chosen to be the mother of Jesus.
3. In her song, Mary takes us back to Psalm 34:1-3:
34 I will bless the Lord at all times;
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord;
let the humble hear and be glad.
3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
and let us exalt his name together!
The heart for God that Mary expresses is very reminiscent of the worship and humility of David in this Psalm.
Two other things of note from these verses: Mary acknowledges that she personally needs Jesus to be her Savior, and she also acknowledges her humble estate. Again, as great of an example as Mary is to imitate in terms of her faith, we should be careful not to elevate her to a place she does not even desire she be! It is clear that one of the markers of her character is humble faith, which I would venture to guess is one of the reasons that God blessed her in the first place.
What can you take from our passage today to apply to your life?
By: Graham Withers
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