50 and his faithful love extends age after age to those who fear him. Even if not composed by Luke, it fits in well with themes found elsewhere in Luke: joy and exultation in the Lord; the lowly being singled out for Gods favor; the reversal of human fortunes; the fulfillment of Old Testament promises. * [1:15] He will drink neither wine nor strong drink: like Samson (Jgs 13:45) and Samuel (1Sm 1:11 LXX and 4QSama), John is to be consecrated by Nazirite vow and set apart for the Lords service. Regardless, these are some of the most beautiful words in all the word of God. 45 Yes, blessed is she who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled. The lofty will be put down and the humble will be exalted (vv. Elizabeths proclamation does not focus on the blessing of the child which she will bear (John), but on the blessing of God in the arrival of Mary, who is to be the mother of the Messiah. The immediate faith and submission of Mary, a simple and very young peasant girl, to the will of God is contrasted with the hesitant request of Zachariah for a sign, a man who was a priest all his many years of life. Mary and Elizabeths praise of God went much further than just gratitude for the gift of a child. Try Bible Gateway Plus free today! It is largely, however, the composition of Luke who writes in imitation of Old Testament birth stories, combining historical and legendary details, literary ornamentation and interpretation of scripture, to answer in advance the question, Who is Jesus Christ? The focus of the narrative, therefore, is primarily christological. From now on all generations will call me blessed. John the Baptist was born through the actions of Elizabeth and Zacharias, which God supernaturally brought to conception and birth. The other, Mary, responds to this word of prophecy in her song saying: "All generations will call me blessed" (Lk 1 : 48). Catholic Online. There is no mention as to whether or not Mary was pregnant when she first arrived at the home of Elizabeth and Zachariah. Mary visits Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-56) With the time drawing near when Elizabeth would give birth, Mary travelled south to visit her. Zacharias returned home to his wife, who kept herself in seclusion for five months (vv. We have here an interview between the two happy mothers, Elisabeth and Mary: the angel, by intimating to Mary the favour bestowed on her cousin Elisabeth ( Luke 1:36 ), gave occasion for it; and sometimes it may prove a better piece of service that we think to bring good people together, to compare notes. 38 Mary said, 'You see before you the Lord's servant, let it happen to me as you have said.' We have further corroboration of this from two other statements made by Luke: But she was greatly troubled at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this might be (Luke 1:29, emphasis mine). It is my personal opinion, however, that she is no just a mere mouthpiece for the Holy Spirit, who has had no knowledge of what God was doing. You shall name him John: the name means Yahweh has shown favor, an indication of Johns role in salvation history. Bible. 39 Mary set out at that time and went as quickly as she could into the hill country to a town in Judah. Bob was born and raised in a Christian home i More, Getting Spiritually Fit 1 ( Corinthians 9:24-27), Steps to Biblical Reconciliation (Luke 17:1-4; 2 Corinthians 5:15-21). 2:11-21). 19 The angel replied, 'I am Gabriel, who stand in God's presence, and I have been sent to speak to you and bring you this good news. His self-righteousness is evident in the psalm of chapter 2, which dwells on his dilemma, his danger, and his deliverance, but not on God. If you donate just $5.00, or whatever you can, Catholic Online could keep thriving for years. Luke 1:65 And fear came upon all their neighbours: and all these things were noised abroad over all the hill country of Judea. The term "visitation" in the Bible typically refers to the visit of the Virgin Mary to her relative Elizabeth, as described in Luke 1:39-56.It can also refer to God's judgment or punishment, as seen in Isaiah 10:3, or a call for Christians to abstain from worldly passions, as seen in 1 Peter 2:11.In some cases, it is used to refer to Mary's pregnancy and Elizabeth's reaction when she greeted Mary. This is clearly seen to be in blatant disregard for the teaching of our text. The women seemed only fit for fixing meals and bearing children. He is cast, moreover, in the role of the Old Testament fiery reformer, the prophet Elijah, who according to Mal 3:23 (Mal 4:5) is sent before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes.. Free Reading Plans and Devotionals related to Luke 1:39-56. Like mother, like son. She looks at the long range, not the short term. (7) Mary is a model disciple in that her praise was not only a personal expression of worship, but also was edifying to Elizabeth. . * [1:5] In the days of Herod, King of Judea: Luke relates the story of salvation history to events in contemporary world history. With these things already known (albeit by the Holy Spirits illumination of the Scriptures), the Spirit of God informed Elizabeth, perhaps at that very moment, that Mary was the one through whom Messiah would be born. Nevertheless she assumes throughout that He has indeed been promised her. How, then, did Elizabeth know that Jesus would be born of a virgin, and that the virgin was none other than her relative, Mary? 64Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God.j 40 She went into Zechariah's house and greeted Elizabeth. 67Then Zechariah his father, filled with the holy Spirit, prophesied, saying: 68* Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has visited and brought redemption to his people.k, 69* He has raised up a horn for our salvation. 56Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home. Nevertheless, their praise was pleasing to God and it has been preserved for our edification. As we compare Lukes account which introduces Zacharias, this elderly (and godly) priest is not put in nearly as favorable light as is his wife, Elizabeth. Simeons words in chapter 2 (v. 35) allude to this pain, but do not explain what its cause will be. Thus, it is used with reference to Nazareth (1:26), which was but a village. Read the Bible, discover plans, and seek God every day. And the angel departed from her. Federal Tax Identification Number: 81-0596847. In His ministry the Lord Jesus would expand on he social themes of Marys Magnificat: And turning His gaze on His disciples, He began to say, Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. John chapter 3). The account presents parallel scenes (diptychs) of angelic announcements of the birth of John the Baptist and of Jesus, and of the birth, circumcision, and presentation of John and Jesus. The prophecy of Zachariah, both of Jesus, 76. and of John. 51 He has used the power of his arm, he has routed the arrogant of heart. God looked upon her humble estate with compassion; consequently she will be esteemed blessed by all future generations (v. 48). Mary was totally free to share the details of the angels revelation, without any hesitation. (:48a) State of Elevation from Humble Standing. 8Once when he was serving as priest in his divisions turn before God, Thus there is a kind of criss-crossing effect in the praise of both women, for each expresses ones personal praise, but edifies the other. Both were humble women of no social or economic standing. ii. After the announcement is made (Lk 1:1417, 3133) the parent objects (Lk 1:18, 34) and a sign is given to confirm the announcement (Lk 1:20, 36). Thank you. We are led to the conclusion that Marys praise was spoken in the hearing of Elizabeth, just as Elizabeths praise was spoken to God, but for Marys benefit. Modern society, as we know, has been liberated from the archaic, chauvinism of the ancient world. Marys Magnificat reveals the depth of her grasp of Gods grace, which is not only shown to her, but to all the people of God, and from generation to generation. 25So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit to take away my disgrace before others.k. In the course of performing his duty, the angel Gabriel appeared to him while he was inside the holy place. 79to shine on those who sit in darkness and deaths shadow, to guide our feet into the path of peace., 80The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the desert until the day of his manifestation to Israel.u. Marys age, then, is not a significant issue to Luke. 2just as those who were eyewitnesses from the beginning and ministers of the word have handed them down to us,b 59* When they came on the eighth day to circumciseh the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, While Christs coming meant more than saving men from their sins, this was the beginning, the prerequisite for all that He would accomplish. 51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. Try Bible Gateway Plus free today! Start for FREE. We must seek to dwell much more on the character of God, of His covenant promises, and of His working in history, as well as in the future. Bible . In both the angel Gabriel appears to the parent who is troubled by the vision (Lk 1:1112, 2629) and then told by the angel not to fear (Lk 1:13, 30). 12:46-50; Luke 8:19-21). This is evident in the blessing pronounced by Elizabeth, which subtly contrasts the belief of Mary with the unbelief of Zacharias: And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord (Luke 1:45). Both reach out in love and rejoice in the work of God in their live. Too often, I fear, we find ourselves performing before others, using our praise to speak to men, to convey some message to them, rather than to God. It's a little awkward to ask, but we need your help. 1. "And Mary said: 'My soul exalts the Lord, 47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.'". Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be satisfied But woe to you who are rich, for you are receiving your comfort in full. 57When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. 4. Matthew 23). Chapter 1 . There are those who have distorted the truth of Gods word about Mary, and rather than regarding her blessed above all women, have honored her as above mankind, worshipping her and praying to her as though she were on the level of deity, or even above Messiah. Throughout the Old Testament, the miraculous ministries of Gods chosen instruments often began by a miraculous or unusual birth. 50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. She would have been separated from Joseph, while at the same time being chaperoned by Elizabeth and Zachariah. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leapt in her womb. (2) Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and her words were a divinely inspired utterance. She would, by the miraculous action of the Holy Spirit, become pregnant, and her holy child would be called the Son of God (v. 35). 80 Meanwhile the child grew up and his spirit grew strong. I believe that the similarity of the Magnificat to Hannas praise has the effect of encouraging Elizabeth, whose personal praise focuses on Mary, and not on her own joy in having a son in her old age. Marys praise was addressed to God, but in adoring God she also encouraged and edified Elizabeth, just as Elizabeths praise encouraged her. While no instruction was given here, the inference was clear: Elizabeth would be an encouragement to Mary, and a woman who would understand what God was doing in the virgins life. The scribes and Pharisees, however, seemed only to grasp a few of the particulars, but missed the plan. He would be the Son of the Most High, who would be given the throne of His father David, from which He would rule (vv. This would even be true in the Jewish world of those days when our Lord added humanity to His deity and manifested Himself to men. 30Then the angel said to her, Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. There is a also distinct parallel with the praise of Hannah in 1 Samuel chapter 2. Even this is a manifestation of Gods grace, for at this early point in time such knowledge would only have caused Mary unnecessary and premature pain. Perhaps there is a hint here that the words of Marys hymn are divinely inspired, but that the work is her composition, her work of praise and devotion, in response to the revelation of the angel. 51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. and to grant us that, 74rescued from the hand of enemies, without fear we might worship him 75in holiness and righteousness. We cannot say for certain, but we can affirm at this moment that all that she said was divinely inspired. Mary Visits Elizabeth. 71 that he would save us from our enemies and from the hands of all those who hate us. 2023 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, He will drink neither wine nor strong drink, He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, You will be speechless and unable to talk, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. 30 but the angel said to her, 'Mary, do not be afraid; you have won God's favour. We are studying Luke 1:39-56 for Sunday, December 22. (5) Mary is a model disciple in her grasp of the purposes and promises of God. Today, we humbly ask you to defend Catholic Online's independence. In His second coming, Messiah will come to set things straight, to bring justice to the earth and judgment to the wicked. * [1:76] You will go before the Lord: here the Lord is most likely a reference to Jesus (contrast Lk 1:1517 where Yahweh is meant) and John is presented as the precursor of Jesus. After indicating his purpose for writing this gospel in verses 1-4, Luke immediately commenced his account by introducing Zacharias, the father-to-be of John the Baptist. (2) Mary is a model disciple in the depth of her familiarity with the word of God. 2. As the writer to the Hebrews put it. Marys praise began with her own experience, but quickly linked this with Gods character and actions in the past (His ways) and then with His covenant and promises regarding the future. Study Notes - Luke 1 39-56. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David; 33 he will rule over the House of Jacob for ever and his reign will have no end. 59 Now it happened that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, 60 but his mother spoke up. ', 46 And Mary said: My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord. I doubt that Mary way aware of the fact that Christ would come to earth twice, to achieve two distinct purposes. Luke 1:39-56: Mary set out at that time and went as quickly as she could to a town in the hill country of Judah. . * [1:32] Son of the Most High: cf. 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me. 53The hungry he has filled with good things; 55according to his promise to our fathers, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.f. Gospel, Luke 1:39-56 39 Mary set out at that time and went as quickly as she could into the hill country to a town in Judah. 55 -according to the promise he made to our ancestors -- of his mercy to Abraham and to his descendants for ever. 43But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord(D) should come to me? My opinion is that deliverances which are described have already been demonstrated in Israels history, to some degree, but that they will finally and fully be realized in the future, as a result of Messiahs coming. John is great in the sight of the Lord (Lk 1:15); Jesus will be Great (a LXX attribute, used absolutely, of God) (Lk 1:32). And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, 'Blessed are you among . As our Lord Himself said later, those who obey His word are His sisters, brothers, and mother. (K)50His mercy extends to those who fear him,from generation to generation. But he could only make signs to them and remained dumb. Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSVCE), Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leapt in her womb. 74 that he would grant us, free from fear, to be delivered from the hands of our enemies. The scribes and Pharisees seemed as though they could only think and talk in terms of the Law of Moses. Luke 1,39-56. by Fr. 13-17). 52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones. 16 The term young is used with some caution, for it is only tradition that teaches us Mary was a young, girl, a teen. . Our Lord was careful to show that being obedient to Gods will and His word were more important than being humanly related to Him: And a multitude was sitting around Him, and they said to Him, Behold, Your mother and Your brothers are outside looking for You. And answering them, He said, Who are My mother and My brothers? And looking about on those who were sitting around Him, He said, Behold, My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of God, he is My brother and sister and mother (Mark 3:31-35; cf. The men assumed the leadership roles, especially in spiritual matters. The particular focus of the announcement of the birth of Jesus is on his identity as Son of David (Lk 1:3233) and Son of God (Lk 1:32, 35). Nevertheless, others have reacted to this error by failing to see this woman as a model disciple. We should strive to be students of Gods Word, meditating on its terms and theology, seeking to be obedient to its imperatives and its implications. While Elizabeth spoke with a loud voice (1:42), Mary is perhaps more sedate. 17He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah* to turn the hearts of fathers toward children and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to prepare a people fit for the Lord.h Try Bible Gateway Plus free today! By alluding to Old Testament themes in Lk 1:17, 19 such as the coming of the day of the Lord and the dawning of the messianic era, Luke is presenting his interpretation of the significance of the births of John and Jesus. First, our text has much to teach us on the subject of women, their spirituality, and their worship. 39 In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, 40 where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. What its cause will be put down and the humble will be put down and the humble will exalted. ) Mary is a model disciple in the work of God though they could make... 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