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. One can speculate as to what Mary may have been thinking along the way to Elizabeths home. Just as Marys response surpasses that of Zachariah, so the greatness of the miracle of the virgin birth of Messiah will exceed the miracle which produces a son for the elderly priest and his wife. This is a very poorly supported theory, and one which can be rather quickly set aside. These things are still future for us, as they were for Mary, for they will be accomplished at the second coming of our Lord. 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. 43But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord(D) should come to me? Wonders of His . p. [1:33] Dn 2:44; 7:14; Mi 4:7; Mt 28:18. t. [1:42] 11:2728; Jgs 5:24; Jdt 13:18; Dt 28:4. y. (2) Mary is a model disciple in the depth of her familiarity with the word of God. Luke 1:40 And she entered into the house of Zachary and saluted Elizabeth. It's easier for you to praise Jesus this Palm Sunday. Both she and Zacharias were country people, who lived in an unnamed village in the hill country of Judah. (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.. Daily Bible Readings, Podcast Audio and Videos and Prayers brought to you by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. John will go before the Lord (Lk 1:1617); Jesus will be Lord (Lk 1:43; 2:11). She knows the true mystery beyond His death so she bear it. . Luke 1:56 Catholic Bible Elizabeths words are not as reflective, but seem almost to explode from her lips unexpectedly. 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. 38 Mary said, 'You see before you the Lord's servant, let it happen to me as you have said.' 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]. Q. 56 Mary stayed with her some three months and then went home. We will explore the basis for Elizabeths blessing of Mary later, but for now let us simply observe that the arrival of Mary is the occasion for Elizabeths praise, not the soon arrival of John. Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. The marginal references in our Bibles indicate the many other allusions and parallels. (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. 39-56) by informing us that Mary returned home after three months (v. 56). There was so much that women could not do, or at least were not allowed to do. 51 He has used the power of his arm, he has routed the arrogant of heart. But the textual evidence in support of Mary is overwhelming. Leon Morris, The Gospel According To St. Luke, The Tyndale Bible Commentary Series, R. V. G. Tasker, General Editor (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1974), p. 75. Luke . Mary left almost immediately for the home of Elizabeth and Zacharias, and the journey may have taken some time. * [1:45] Blessed are you who believed: Luke portrays Mary as a believer whose faith stands in contrast to the disbelief of Zechariah (Lk 1:20). Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSVCE), Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition. 38Mary said, Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. (4) Elizabeths words served primarily as an encouragement to Mary. 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. The scribes and Pharisees of Jesus day were largely legalists, who focused on the letter of the law, but missed Gods grace in it. As the writer to the Hebrews put it. 50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. (3) In verse 50 Marys praise broadens, viewing Gods grace to her as a reflection of His gracious purposes for His chosen people, Israel. In short, Mary is the focus, not Elizabeth. In the New Testament epistles, the apostles insist that Christians not conform to the evil social practices of their day, but live according to the social standards of the gospel, to which Mary referred, and which our Lord taught. Ps 18:46; Isa 17:10; 61:10; Hab 3:18; 1Ti 1:1; 2:3; 4:10, Ge 11:8; Ex 18:11; 2Sa 22:28; Jer 13:9; 49:16, NIV, Journal the Word Bible, Double-Column, Red Letter Edition, Comfort Print: Reflect, Take Notes, or Create Art Next to Your Favorite Verses, NIV, Biblical Theology Study Bible, Comfort Print: Follow Gods Redemptive Plan as It Unfolds throughout Scripture, NIV, Beautiful Word Bible Journal, Revelation, Paperback, Comfort Print, NIV, The Story: The Bible as One Continuing Story of God and His People, NIV, The Woman's Study Bible, Full-Color, Red Letter: Receiving God's Truth for Balance, Hope, and Transformation, NIV, Story of Jesus: Experience the Life of Jesus as One Seamless Story. She rejoices in God, who is her Savior (v. 47). 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. 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). Today, we humbly ask you to defend Catholic Online's independence. 8-9). 39At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea,(A) 40where she entered Zechariahs home and greeted Elizabeth. Peter momentarily forgot that the gospel is inseparably linked with certain social obligations, and thus Paul had to rebuke him (cf. 8Once when he was serving as priest in his divisions turn before God, 70 just as he proclaimed, by the mouth of his holy prophets from ancient times. The honour that Elizabeth gave to Mary at their meeting was symbolic of the honour that John would give to Jesus ( Luke 1:39-45 ). 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. 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. She may have been rehearsing what she would say to Elizabeth when she first saw her. And so, too, will the greatness of Messiah and His ministry surpass that of John the Baptist, the forerunner of Messiah. CHAPTER 22. 49 for the Almighty has done great things for me. 29 She was deeply disturbed by these words and asked herself what this greeting could mean. Women may be limited so far as their public ministry is concerned, but not so far as their spirituality and intimacy with God is concerned. If there is any one concept which captures the spirit and the essence of Gods dealings with men it is the concept of grace. 61But they answered her, There is no one among your relatives who has this name. I believe that Elizabeth is a prototype of her son in this regard. 41When Elizabeth heard Marys greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the holy Spirit,s Some thoughts on today's scripture. (K)50His mercy extends to those who fear him,from generation to generation. 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. Several observations concerning Elizabeths response to the arrival of Mary will help us to grasp the magnificence of this woman, as I believe Luke intended us to do. 3 I in my turn, after carefully going over the whole story from the beginning, have decided to write an ordered account for you, Theophilus. Mary dwells on the character of God, particularly His grace, which is bestowed on the humble and the oppressed. 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. Mary grasped the camels and the religious leaders only grasped at the gnats.. 11the angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right of the altar of incense. This principle may be stated in this way: A MIRACULOUS PERSON BEGINS WITH A MIRACULOUS BIRTH. . Luke 1:39-45. Not only does she think biblically, she also expresses herself in biblical terms. The Lord is with you.m Thank you. (4) In verses 51-55, Marys praise focuses on the faithfulness of God to His promises and His purposes, especially His covenant with Abraham and his descendants. 43But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord(D) should come to me? Mary does not in any way view herself as better or holier than anyone else. Regardless, these are some of the most beautiful words in all the word of God. New International Version (NIV). 37for nothing will be impossible for God.r She did not have any social standing due to her parentage or class, nor even the dignity of Elizabeth and Zacharias age. Thus, Elizabeths praise served as further confirmation of Gabriels words. 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. Try Bible Gateway Plus free today! Ignatius Catholic Bible (RSV): Compact Edition - Imitation leather, Burgundy with Zipper, The Revised Standard Version Catholic Bible, Compact Ed. 13But the angel said to him, Do not be afraid,* Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. 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. 60but his mother said in reply, No. The scribes and Pharisees, however, seemed only to grasp a few of the particulars, but missed the plan. 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). The prophecy of Elisabeth and of Mary, concerning Jesus. Zacharias and his wife Elizabeth were both descendants of Aaron (v. 5), and were righteous in the sight of God (v. 6). From now on all generations will call me blessed. 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me holy is his name. 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). Luke's two-part narrative, his Gospel and his Acts of the Apostles, gives a somewhat different perspective on Jesus' final days from the narratives of Matthew, Mark, or John. Elizabeths words far surpass the revelation which we are told Gabriel gave to Zacharias. 13 But the angel said to him, 'Zechariah, do not be afraid, for your prayer has been heard. 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. Much, perhaps most, of these things will be fulfilled in the second coming of Messiah, rather than in His first coming. (N)52He has brought down rulers from their thronesbut has lifted up the humble. How shallow our prayers and praise seem when compared with that of these two godly women. In all of these cases we must remember that Luke purposefully chose, under the guidance and control of the Holy Spirit, either to include or to exclude various details. 12:46-50; Luke 8:19-21). Luke - Chapter 1. Announcement of the Birth of John. . Yet the worship of both of these women is such that they are models for all true disciples of our Lord. It is my opinion is that Mary became pregnant during the time she way staying with Elizabeth and Zachariah. John spoke as it were by leaping in the womb (1:41), while Elizabeth seems almost to speak for John. 39In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, 40and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCBs) mission is to encounter the mercy of Christ and to accompany His people with joy. He was gesturing to them but remained mute. Luke . If Mary had any such reservations, how quickly they were dispelled! * [1:17] He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah: John is to be the messenger sent before Yahweh, as described in Mal 3:12. Then the angel left her. Indeed, it would seem that in the case of Elizabeth, if not also Mary, her spirituality surpassed that of her husband. They were not, however, the themes of the scribes and Pharisees. Mary has a good sense of history and a broad grasp of Gods purposes and promises. 52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones. 3I too have decided, after investigating everything accurately anew, to write it down in an orderly sequence for you, most excellent Theophilus, In the Jewish world of Luke's days, there was much that women couldn't do or weren't allowed to do. 67. NIV Reverse Interlinear Bible: English to Hebrew and English to Greek. The very moment she entered the house and gave a customary greeting, Elizabeth blessed Mary as the mother of her Lord. 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