(H)From now on all generations will call me blessed,(I)49for the Mighty One has done great things(J) for meholy is his name. 31n Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. 56Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home. h. [1:17] Sir 48:10; Mal 3:1; 3:2324; Mt 11:14; 17:1113. (O)53He has filled the hungry with good things(P)but has sent the rich away empty.54He has helped his servant Israel,remembering to be merciful(Q)55to Abraham and his descendants(R) forever,just as he promised our ancestors.. 1 a Now the feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, * was drawing near, 2 b and the chief priests and the scribes were seeking a way to put him to death, for they were afraid of the people. Not so with Mary. She would have been separated from Joseph, while at the same time being chaperoned by Elizabeth and Zachariah. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.q It is my opinion that the town in which Elizabeth and her husband lived was merely a village, too. As a second- or third-generation Christian, Luke acknowledges his debt to earlier eyewitnesses and ministers of the word, but claims that his contribution to this developing tradition is a complete and accurate account, told in an orderly manner, and intended to provide Theophilus (friend of God, literally) and other readers with certainty about earlier teachings they have received. 'No,' she said, 'he is to be called John. (2) Marys praise begins with her grateful response to the grace God has shown to her, a humble servant of the Lord. The narrative uses early Christian traditions about the birth of Jesus, traditions about the birth and circumcision of John the Baptist, and canticles such as the Magnificat (Lk 1:4655) and Benedictus (Lk 1:6779), composed of phrases drawn from the Greek Old Testament. What is your spiritual relationship to God? Here we see the meeting of two mothers, eager to support and help each other at a time of major change in their lives. Colossians 4:10-11 and 4:14 show that he wasn't Jewish, because he was not included in the group who are of the circumcision. In particular, instead of praising God for His mercy and compassion, as the psalmists and Mary do, Jonah protests against the grace and mercy of God in the final chapter of the book. Chapter 9 . 13 But the angel said to him, 'Zechariah, do not be afraid, for your prayer has been heard. From now on all generations will call me blessed. 51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. It's easier for you to praise Jesus this Palm Sunday. The Worship of Two Women (Luke 1:39-56) Introduction When one thinks of the women of the ancient world, our first emotional response is usually pity. She is a woman who had a good grasp of what God was doing in history and in society. 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. Holy is his name. The scribes and Pharisees of Jesus day were largely legalists, who focused on the letter of the law, but missed Gods grace in it. Mary understood the great themes of the Old Testament, such as Gods mercy and compassion, Gods concern for the poor and the helpless. These include the following: Whether or not Mary was yet pregnant. If you donate just $5.00, the price of your coffee, Catholic Online School could keep thriving. Neither, Elizabeth, Mary, nor Luke refer to the fetus in Marys womb, while we are specifically told that John leaped in his mothers womb when Elizabeth heard Marys greeting (Luke 1:41). In the course of performing his duty, the angel Gabriel appeared to him while he was inside the holy place. 57When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. (5) Marys praise serves as an encouragement to Elizabeth, just as Elizabeths praise was an encouragement to her. The scribes and Pharisees, however, seemed only to grasp a few of the particulars, but missed the plan. We arent told that the angel informed Mary that the child which was to be born to Elizabeth was to be the forerunner of Messiah. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, 'Blessed are you among . 38Mary said, Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. Mary understood that the good news of Messiahs coming would result in great social reversals. She looks forward to the ultimate righteousness which will be established when Messiah reigns on the throne of David. As the apostle Paul put it, let all things be done for edification (1 Cor. She looks backward, to the covenants which God has made with Abraham and with His people in the Old Testament. 43And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord* should come to me? If Mary had any such reservations, how quickly they were dispelled! * [1:32] Son of the Most High: cf. 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 poor will be helped, but the rich will be sent away (v. 53). The loose connection between the hymn and the context is further seen in the fact that a few Old Latin manuscripts identify the speaker of the hymn as Elizabeth, even though the overwhelming textual evidence makes Mary the speaker. We are studying Luke 1:39-56 for Sunday, December 22. BEST VALUE in digital Bible study. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit 42 and exclaimed with a loud cry, 'Blessed are you among . She viewed history in the light of this plan. . 73 This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham. Salvation is Gods miraculous work in us, producing new life. 25So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit to take away my disgrace before others.k. 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. 27to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgins name was Mary.l (:48a) State of Elevation from Humble Standing. 12:46-50; Luke 8:19-21). Indeed, I believe that Luke is telling us that wives are not restricted to the level of spirituality of their mate. Luke . 57. (O)53He has filled the hungry with good things(P)but has sent the rich away empty.54He has helped his servant Israel,remembering to be merciful(Q)55to Abraham and his descendants(R) forever,just as he promised our ancestors.. 31 Look! 16and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Gods compassion on her has revealed both His power and His holiness (Mighty One, holy is His name, v. 49). 65Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. The prophecy of Zachariah, both of Jesus, 76. and of John. Mary visits Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-56) With the time drawing near when Elizabeth would give birth, Mary travelled south to visit her. 3 c Then Satan entered into Judas, * the one surnamed Iscariot, who was counted among the Twelve, d 4 and he went to the chief priests and temple guards to . (3) Elizabeths praise is not for her personal fulfillment and blessing in the bearing of a child, but in the blessing bestowed on her by the visit of Mary. 21 Charles H. Talbert, Reading Luke: A Literary and Theological Commentary on the Third Gospel (New York: Crossroad Publishing Company, 1982), p. 22. First, our text has much to teach us on the subject of women, their spirituality, and their worship. Hi readers, it seems you use Catholic Online a lot; that's great! Mary was not sinless; recognized her need for a Savior. Finally, we should strive to see beyond the birth of the baby to the end for which the child cameto restore and reconcile fallen men to God and to one another. 75 to serve him in holiness and uprightness in his presence, all our days. 51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. If Catholic Online has given you $5.00 worth of knowledge this year, take a minute to donate. holy is his name. Do Those Who Commit Suicide Go To Hell? In this section Luke announces many of the themes that will become prominent in the rest of the gospel: the centrality of Jerusalem and the temple, the journey motif, the universality of salvation, joy and peace, concern for the lowly, the importance of women, the presentation of Jesus as savior, Spirit-guided revelation and prophecy, and the fulfillment of Old Testament promises. Marys praise was addressed to God, but in adoring God she also encouraged and edified Elizabeth, just as Elizabeths praise encouraged her. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leaped in her womb. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCBs) mission is to encounter the mercy of Christ and to accompany His people with joy. New International Version (NIV). "For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave;". 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. (N)52He has brought down rulers from their thronesbut has lifted up the humble. Bob is a pastor/teacher and elder at Community Bible Chapel in Richardson, Texas, and has contributed many of his Bible study series for use by the Foundation. And indeed the hand of the Lord was with him. 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. 41When Elizabeth heard Marys greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. When one thinks of the women of the ancient world, our first emotional response is usually pity. Used by permission. Catholic Online. 32o He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,* and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, The hungry will be fed and the well-fed will be hungry. 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me holy is his name. When Gabriel announced the miraculous virgin birth of Messiah through Mary to this young16 peasant girl, he informed her of Elizabeths pregnancy, indicating that this was a sign of Gods ability to achieve the impossible (Luke 1:36-37). 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. The Conspiracy Against Jesus. Elizabeth was the wife of an obscure priest. Try Bible Gateway Plus free today! 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. How gracious God is in what He does not tell us, as well in what He does. I am an old man and my wife is getting on in years.'. Not only does she think biblically, she also expresses herself in biblical terms. Elizabeth also readily acknowledged the superior blessing bestowed on Mary, and rejoiced in it. The nativity and circumcision of John. 2just as those who were eyewitnesses from the beginning and ministers of the word have handed them down to us,b 44As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Mary left almost immediately for the home of Elizabeth and Zacharias, and the journey may have taken some time. 79 to give light to those who live in darkness and the shadow dark as death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace. 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. The men assumed the leadership roles, especially in spiritual matters. 66 All those who heard of it treasured it in their hearts. Any unauthorized use, without prior written consent of Catholic Online is strictly forbidden and prohibited. She knows the true mystery beyond His death so she bear it. Simeons words in chapter 2 (v. 35) allude to this pain, but do not explain what its cause will be. 38 "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. Is Divorce And Remarriage After Abuse, Neglect, Financial, Or Emotional Issues Okay. Luke 1:39-56 - Scripture (NRSV Bible) Mary Visits Elizabeth 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. Cancel. I believe that Elizabeth is a prototype of her son in this regard. Mary understood that Israels hope was rooted in the Abrahamic Covenant, not in the Mosaic. The first to speak, Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cries out in a loud voice and utters words which we could only consider prophetic: "Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb" (Lk 1 : 42). Luke is well-known for his high regard for women and for the prominence which he gives them in his two accounts. Luke 1:65 And fear came upon all their neighbours: and all these things were noised abroad over all the hill country of Judea. Luke - Chapter 22. You shall name him John: the name means Yahweh has shown favor, an indication of Johns role in salvation history. 77 to give his people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins. 43 Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord? Both were humble women of no social or economic standing. 45Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!, My soul glorifies the Lord(F)47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,(G)48for he has been mindfulof the humble state of his servant. Marys Magnificat focuses on much more than just her own blessing in the bearing of Messiah. Salvation does not result from our efforts, which God miraculously blesses. And it came about while He said these things, one of the women in the crowd raised her voice, and said to Him, Blessed is the womb that bore You, and the breasts at which You nursed. But He said, On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God, and observe it (Luke 11:27-28). 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. There is no hint that she thinks God has chosen her to be the mother of Messiah due to her blessedness, but rather that her blessedness is the result of Gods sovereign and gracious choice to use her as His instrument. Elizabeths words far surpass the revelation which we are told Gabriel gave to Zacharias. Nevertheless she assumes throughout that He has indeed been promised her. Study Notes - Luke 1 39-56. Throughout the Old Testament, the miraculous ministries of Gods chosen instruments often began by a miraculous or unusual birth. 12Zechariah was troubled by what he saw, and fear came upon him. But he could only make signs to them and remained dumb. In other words, Marys praise does not focus on the immediate blessedness of her having this child, but on the ultimate outcome of the coming of Messiah. 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour; 48 because he has looked upon the humiliation of his servant. 10Then, when the whole assembly of the people was praying outside at the hour of the incense offering, (2) Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and her words were a divinely inspired utterance. 56Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home. 1 He called the Twelve together and gave them power and authority over all devils and to cure diseases, 2 and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. 5 In the days of King Herod of Judaea there lived a priest called Zechariah who belonged to the Abijah section of the priesthood, and he had a wife, Elizabeth by name, who was a descendant of Aaron. He was gesturing to them but remained mute. Many have observed the similarities of this Magnificat of Mary to the hymn of praise of Hanna in 1 Samuel chapter 2. Indeed, it would seem that in the case of Elizabeth, if not also Mary, her spirituality surpassed that of her husband. We but need to believe and to accept Gods work, but we must leave the working to Him, and not to ourselves. 3 Pilate put to him this question, 'Are you the king of the Jews?'. "May your word to me be fulfilled.". 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. The miracle of the virgin birth, which is the basis and the starting point of the praise of these two women, is analogous to the miracle of the new birth which every man, woman, and child must experience to have eternal life and to live the kind of life which our Lord requires. And the angel left her. Start for FREE. 37for nothing will be impossible for God.r 71 that he would save us from our enemies and from the hands of all those who hate us. There are many nominal Christians who are tying to live an impossible (miraculous) life, yet who have not been miraculously born again. I fear some of you may be trying to live a miraculous life, but who have not had the prerequisite new birth. May I exhort you to experience this new birth through faith in Christ this very hour. Grace is the essence of true doctrine and the antidote to that which is false. (L)51He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;(M)he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 70even as he promised through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old: 71salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us,m, 73and of the oath he swore to Abraham our father,p. There are many today who seem to think that they can live according to the standards and principles of the Bible by setting their minds to it. Both reach out in love and rejoice in the work of God in their live. Daily Readings with Questions for Reflection, RCIA - Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. Copyright 2019-2023 USCCB, please review our Privacy Policy. 4so that you may realize the certainty of the teachings you have received. 1 Seeing that many others have undertaken to draw up accounts of the events that have reached their fulfilment among us. Start your free trial today! Second, the praise of Elizabeth and Mary provide us with a model for our own worship and praise. To those who lived far away from the Holy Land, the name of this unknown place was unimportant. 36 And I tell you this too: your cousin Elizabeth also, in her old age, has conceived a son, and she whom people called barren is now in her sixth month. 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