Announcement of the Birth of John. 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me holy is his name. Finally, there are those who would accept the rendering of some obscure manuscripts14 and conclude that it was Elizabeth and not Mary, who was the composer of the magnificat,15 the praise hymn of verses 46-55. * [1:69] A horn for our salvation: the horn is a common Old Testament figure for strength (Ps 18:3; 75:56; 89:18; 112:9; 148:14). get to know the Bible better! Wonders of His . c. [1:52] 1Sm 2:7; 2Sm 22:28; Jb 5:11; 12:19; Ps 147:6; Sir 10:14; Jas 4:6; 1Pt 5:5. f. [1:55] Gn 13:15; 17:7; 18:18; 22:1718; Mi 7:20. k. [1:68] 7:16; Ps 41:13; 72:18; 106:48; 111:9. n. [1:7273] Gn 17:7; Lv 26:42; Ps 105:89; Mi 7:20. r. [1:76] Is 40:3; Mal 3:1; Mt 3:3; 11:10. Luke 1:39-56 Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition Mary Visits Elizabeth For less than $5/mo. Bible. Mary understood that Israels hope was rooted in the Abrahamic Covenant, not in the Mosaic. 36And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived* a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; 50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. First, our text has much to teach us on the subject of women, their spirituality, and their worship. Copyright 2019-2023 USCCB, please review our Privacy Policy. Granted, the worship of these two women is not public, but private. 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me. There is no mention in this account of how Messiah will come to earth. The bore the added social stigma of having no children. 32 He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High. He will drink neither wine nor strong drink. Mary understood that the good news of Messiahs coming would result in great social reversals. Version. 6 Both were upright in the sight of God and impeccably carried out all the commandments and observances of the Lord. (1) Mary is a model disciple in her faith in the word of God, and in her submission to the will of God. (5) Elizabeth praises God for much more than those things that Zachariah was told. To those who lived far away from the Holy Land, the name of this unknown place was unimportant. Luke 1:38 And Mary said: Behold the handmaid of the Lord: be it done to me according to thy word. Get the app {{#signedIn}} . They strained the gnats but they swallowed the camels. 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. Luke 1:39-56. You shall name him John: the name means Yahweh has shown favor, an indication of Johns role in salvation history. (6) Elizabeths praise suggests that she may have possessed a greater depth of spiritual and scriptural insight than her husband. He was gesturing to them but remained mute. Study Notes - Luke 1 39-56. 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. New International Version (NIV). 63 The father asked for a writing-tablet and wrote, 'His name is John.' 46v And Mary said:*, My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;w. 48For he has looked upon his handmaids lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed.y. In the course of performing his duty, the angel Gabriel appeared to him while he was inside the holy place. * [1:13] Do not be afraid: a stereotyped Old Testament phrase spoken to reassure the recipient of a heavenly vision (Gn 15:1; Jos 1:9; Dn 10:12, 19 and elsewhere in Lk 1:30; 2:10). For less than $5/mo. "May your word to me be fulfilled.". The Conspiracy Against Jesus. Perhaps a few women, blessed by financial prosperity and social standing, may have been able to enjoy some of the benefits of the male world. 54 He has come to the help of Israel his servant, mindful of his faithful love. Try Bible Gateway Plus free today! * [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. 38Mary said, Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. So far as Lukes account informs us, Mary was only told that her elderly relative had conceived in her old age, which testified to the fact that nothing was impossible for God (Luke 1:36-37). The women seemed only fit for fixing meals and bearing children. 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. Nevertheless, their praise was pleasing to God and it has been preserved for our edification. She looks forward to the ultimate righteousness which will be established when Messiah reigns on the throne of David. Nevertheless she assumes throughout that He has indeed been promised her. (1) Marys psalm of praise reveals a repeated use of the terminology and theology of the Old Testament. Priestly division of Abijah: a reference to the eighth of the twenty-four divisions of priests who, for a week at a time, twice a year, served in the Jerusalem temple. Since Hannahs circumstances more closely parallel those of Elizabeth, some have drawn the hasty conclusion that it was she, rather than Mary, who composed this hymn of praise. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leapt in her womb. BEST VALUE in digital Bible study. Elizabeth also readily acknowledged the superior blessing bestowed on Mary, and rejoiced in it. If there is any one concept which captures the spirit and the essence of Gods dealings with men it is the concept of grace. This is not so. The language of our praise should betray a continual soaking in the Scriptures and meditation on the terms and theology of the Bible. Elizabeth already knew, believed, and rejoiced in the truth of God, spoken through Gabriel. By every indication, Luke was a Gentile. 17 With the spirit and power of Elijah, he will go before him to reconcile fathers to their children and the disobedient to the good sense of the upright, preparing for the Lord a people fit for him. * He will be filled with the holy Spirit even from his mothers womb,g BEST VALUE in digital Bible study. . Q. 24After this time his wife Elizabeth conceived, and she went into seclusion for five months, saying, In His first coming, Messiah came to reveal God to men, and to accomplish eternal redemption for all who would believe. 64 At that instant his power of speech returned and he spoke and praised God. 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. God does the work of producing life in us, just as He brought about life in Mary. 14:26a). I believe that Elizabeth is a prototype of her son in this regard. 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. Our praise during this Christmas season should especially be patterned after that of Mary, who did not focus on the tiny baby that she would soon hold in her arms, but in the God who sent Messiah and in the goal of His coming earth. 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. (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.. (3) In verse 50 Marys praise broadens, viewing Gods grace to her as a reflection of His gracious purposes for His chosen people, Israel. Whether or not Elizabeth and Mary had any previous communication before Marys arrival. To press the matter further, I doubt that Mary understood that the redemptive purpose of Christs first coming would be accomplished by His death on a cross, death at the hands of wicked men. Catholic Online. Mary does not in any way view herself as better or holier than anyone else. Throughout the Old Testament, the miraculous ministries of Gods chosen instruments often began by a miraculous or unusual birth. 14 He will be your joy and delight and many will rejoice at his birth. Indeed, it would seem that in the case of Elizabeth, if not also Mary, her spirituality surpassed that of her husband. Catholic Online is a Project of Your Catholic Voice Foundation, a Not-for-Profit Corporation. 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. 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. The form of the proper noun is the same as that in "Bethlehem, of the land of Juda," in Matthew 2:6.The city may have been one of those assigned to the priests within the limits of the tribe of Judah, and if so, it is interesting to think of the Virgin as undertaking a journey which . get to know the Bible better! * [1:19] I am Gabriel: the angel of the Lord is identified as Gabriel, the angel who in Dn 9:2025 announces the seventy weeks of years and the coming of an anointed one, a prince. The Israelites felt that their physical link with Abraham was sufficient to save them, but they were wrong, and John would later challenge this false belief (Luke 3:8). Second, the praise of Elizabeth and Mary provide us with a model for our own worship and praise. 1Since many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the events that have been fulfilled among us,a Read the Bible, discover plans, and seek God every day. Luke 1,39-56. by Fr. 8-9). Marys response was an elegant expression of faith: Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; be it done to me according to your word (Luke 1:38). ', 34 Mary said to the angel, 'But how can this come about, since I have no knowledge of man?'. (K)50His mercy extends to those who fear him,from generation to generation. She must have been very devastated upon seeing Jesus died but she understood the truth. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.q They forget that all pious Israelites from their childhood days knew by heart songs from the Old Testament and often sang them in the home circle and at celebrations. 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. 12:46-50; Luke 8:19-21). In short, Mary is the focus, not Elizabeth. Luke . writing to tell Elizabeth that she was coming and what the angel Gabriel had told her regarding her becoming the mother of Messiah). Mary: The Expecting Momma. 22But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. 76 And you, little child, you shall be called Prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare a way for him. Lk 1:76 where John is described as "prophet of the Most High." "Most High" is a title for God commonly used by Luke (Lk 1:35 . In His rebuke of the scribes and Pharisees, Jesus constantly referred to these great themes, and to the fact that legalistic Judaism violated them (cf. 44For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. All rights reserved worldwide. Gabriel had informed Zacharias that the child would be filled with the Holy Spirit while yet in his mothers womb (Luke 1:15). The Birth of John. d. [1:7] Gn 18:11; Jgs 13:25; 1Sm 1:56. 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. 5In the days of Herod, King of Judea,* there was a priest named Zechariah of the priestly division of Abijah; his wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.c Marys age, then, is not a significant issue to Luke. All materials contained on this site, whether written, audible or visual are the exclusive property of Catholic Online and are protected under U.S. and International copyright laws, Copyright 2022 Catholic Online. Luke ends this section (vv. 65 All their neighbours were filled with awe and the whole affair was talked about throughout the hill country of Judaea. Both were humble women of no social or economic standing. She went into Zechariah's house and greeted Elizabeth. n. [1:31] Gn 16:11; Jgs 13:3; Is 7:14; Mt 1:2123. She is a woman who had a good grasp of what God was doing in history and in society. Mary saw her blessing as but an illustration, one instance of Gods grace, which leads her to praise God for His grace to all those who fear Him, from one generation to generation. While Christs coming meant more than saving men from their sins, this was the beginning, the prerequisite for all that He would accomplish. ', 18 Zechariah said to the angel, 'How can I know this? 60but his mother said in reply, No. The things which Luke does not tell us ought not to be our primary concern, to deal with them as unsolved mysteries, for which we must have an answer. It is my opinion that the town in which Elizabeth and her husband lived was merely a village, too. Yet the worship of both of these women is such that they are models for all true disciples of our Lord. 8 Now it happened that it was the turn of his section to serve, and he was exercising his priestly office before God. 4 He approached the chief priests and the . And he lived in the desert until the day he appeared openly to Israel. The very moment she entered the house and gave a customary greeting, Elizabeth blessed Mary as the mother of her Lord. Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers (56) And Mary abode with her about three months. 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. 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. gain access to 50+ premium resources to enhance your study of Scripture. Rather than having to try to explain to Elizabeth what the angel had said to her about the virgin birth of her son, Messiah, Mary learned that Elizabeth already knew. And He went down with them, and came to Nazareth; and He continued in to them; and His mother treasured all these things in her heart (Luke 2:51, emphasis mine). Now as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leapt in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Elizabeths words far surpass the revelation which we are told Gabriel gave to Zacharias. and to grant us that, 74rescued from the hand of enemies, without fear we might worship him 75in holiness and righteousness. Then the angel left her. As we conclude, let me suggest some specific applications of our text. 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. Even the church has made its concessions to the womens liberation movement. An aged priest has less faith than a young peasant girl, and thus Elizabeths blessing of Mary for her faith in Gods promise contains a mild rebuke for her doubting husband, who did not believe Gabriels words. Whether or not Mary was present when John was born. Daily Bible Readings, Podcast Audio and Videos and Prayers brought to you by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Instead, we must focus on the things which Luke has included, for these point to the thrust of his argument. 44As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 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). We are studying Luke 1:39-56 for Sunday, December 22. First, it should be noted that there are several things which Luke has not told us, which we might like to know, but will not find in this inspired account. 62 and made signs to his father to find out what he wanted him called. According to Luke, the virginal conception of Jesus takes place through the holy Spirit, the power of God, and therefore Jesus has a unique relationship to Yahweh: he is Son of God. 56Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home. Holy is his name. He stated that he had investigated "everything from the beginning" and was editing the material into . In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 2 They began their accusation by saying, 'We found this man inciting our people to revolt, opposing payment of the tribute to Caesar, and claiming to be Christ, a king.'. Making use of a formal, literary construction and vocabulary, the author writes the prologue in imitation of Hellenistic Greek writers and, in so doing, relates his story about Jesus to contemporaneous Greek and Roman literature. We know now that this includes both His first and His second comings. 56Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home. 1 Seeing that many others have undertaken to draw up accounts of the events that have reached their fulfilment among us. As I have studied Marys psalm of praise it occurred to me that her theology was like that of her Son, and likewise, that it was very different from that of the scribes and Pharisees. The Canticle of Zechariah. If verse 50 spells out the principle that God blesses His people, from generation to generation, verses 51-55 give some specific ways in which this has and will be done. In both cases, the praise of God spoken before others was done in such a way as to edify and encourage those who heard. Because there is no specific connection of the canticle to the context of Marys pregnancy and her visit to Elizabeth, the Magnificat (with the possible exception of v. 48) may have been a Jewish Christian hymn that Luke found appropriate at this point in his story. 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. When one thinks of the women of the ancient world, our first emotional response is usually pity. * [1:32] Son of the Most High: cf. [1:51] Ps 89:10; 118:15; Jer 32:17 (39:17 LXX). Overview Of The Gospels. 24 Some time later his wife Elizabeth conceived and for five months she kept to herself, saying, 25 'The Lord has done this for me, now that it has pleased him to take away the humiliation I suffered in public.'. As the writer to the Hebrews put it. (5) Mary is a model disciple in her grasp of the purposes and promises of God. 7But they had no child,* because Elizabeth was barren and both were advanced in years.d 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. In verses 46-49, Mary praises God for His mercy as expressed toward her. 77 to give his people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins. Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. 16 The term young is used with some caution, for it is only tradition that teaches us Mary was a young, girl, a teen. 1 Seeing that many others have undertaken to draw up accounts of the events that have reached their fulfilment among us, 2 as these were handed down to us by those who from the outset were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word, 3 I in my turn, after carefully going over the . 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. Gods compassion on her has revealed both His power and His holiness (Mighty One, holy is His name, v. 49). She rejoices in God, who is her Savior (v. 47). While some think that they will be a Christian by trying harder to live a good life they need to learn that becoming a Christian, being born again is illustrated by the birth of Marys child, while trying to be religious through good works is illustrated by the birth of John the Baptist. Luke - Chapter 1. 57When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. 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. Bridgeway Bible Commentary. Her whole hymn is inspired by this fact.20. Because of this, the practices of our church stand out, and are considered very offensive to many women, and some men. There is a principle at work here in the first two chapters of Luke which can be found elsewhere in the Bible. 45And blessed is she who believed that there would be[a] a fulfilment of what was spoken to her from the Lord. 46And Mary said, My soul magnifies the Lord,47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,48for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden.For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed;49for he who is mighty has done great things for me,and holy is his name.50And his mercy is on those who fear himfrom generation to generation.51He has shown strength with his arm,he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts,52he has put down the mighty from their thrones,and exalted those of low degree;53he has filled the hungry with good things,and the rich he has sent empty away.54He has helped his servant Israel,in remembrance of his mercy,55as he spoke to our fathers,to Abraham and to his posterity for ever.[b]. (2) Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and her words were a divinely inspired utterance. Copyright 2019 by Zondervan. While me cannot say that every miraculous life began with a miraculous birth, I think it is safe to say that every miraculous birth resulted in a miraculous life and ministry. And so the child will be holy and will be called Son of God. (8) Marys theology, as reflected in her Magnificat is vastly superior to that of the scribes and Pharisees, who would become the arch enemies of our Lord. 98% of our readers don't give; they simply look the other way. Luke . The two women are Elizabeth, the soon-to-be mother of John the Baptist, and Mary, the mother-to-be of Messiah, were truly great and godly women. Elizabeth is a magnificent woman of God, in Lukes opinion. I believe that Charles Talbert is correct in viewing Mary as a model disciple.21 Let us consider some of the ways in which Mary provides us with a model of discipleship. Both reach out in love and rejoice in the work of God in their live. 25So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit to take away my disgrace before others.k. You are to conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you must name him Jesus. NIV Reverse Interlinear Bible: English to Hebrew and English to Greek. 12Zechariah was troubled by what he saw, and fear came upon him. Bible Study Summary with Questions The Worship of Two Women Disciples. 63He asked for a tablet and wrote, John is his name, and all were amazed. * [1:59] The practice of Palestinian Judaism at this time was to name the child at birth; moreover, though naming a male child after the father is not completely unknown, the usual practice was to name the child after the grandfather (see Lk 1:61). Mary is not a model for disciples in being the mother of Messiah. 7 But they were childless: Elizabeth was barren and they were both advanced in years. . 43And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As the apostle Paul put it, let all things be done for edification (1 Cor. All that we see in these few phrases of praise points to the fact that Mary meditated on the word and on the works of God. 31n Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. All rights reserved. 67 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke this prophecy: 68 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has visited his people, he has set them free. The nativity and circumcision of John. 15for he will be great in the sight of [the] Lord. And the angel departed from her. * [1:14] The Gospel according to Luke is the only one of the synoptic gospels to begin with a literary prologue. 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. Chapter 23 . (6) Mary is a model disciple in her evident reflection and meditation on the things of God. Indeed, I believe that Luke is telling us that wives are not restricted to the level of spirituality of their mate. (L)51He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;(M)he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 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. 40 She went into Zechariah's house and greeted Elizabeth. 38 "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. Virtually every commentator agrees that Marys praise is dripping with Old Testament allusions and references. The question which this raises is what is meant by the use of the a past tense. When you ponder the specific results of Messiahs incarnation as outlined in Marys Magnificat they have to do with what we know of as Christs second coming, more than with His first coming. The narrative of Johns circumcision also prepares the way for the subsequent description of the circumcision of Jesus in Lk 2:21.

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