30Then the angel said to her, Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 18Then Zechariah said to the angel, How shall I know this? Regardless, these are some of the most beautiful words in all the word of God. Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers (56) And Mary abode with her about three months. 21 Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah and were surprised that he stayed in the sanctuary so long. 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). 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. (2) Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and her words were a divinely inspired utterance. Elizabeth already knew, believed, and rejoiced in the truth of God, spoken through Gabriel. 'No,' she said, 'he is to be called John. The scribes and Pharisees of Jesus day were largely legalists, who focused on the letter of the law, but missed Gods grace in it. At the end of the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 21:20; 22:3; 23:69; 24:1416; 26:28, 2223) he will argue that Christianity is the direct descendant of Pharisaic Judaism. Throughout the Old Testament, the miraculous ministries of Gods chosen instruments often began by a miraculous or unusual birth. This is clearly seen to be in blatant disregard for the teaching of our text. 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). 38 "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. ', 34 Mary said to the angel, 'But how can this come about, since I have no knowledge of man?'. (4) Elizabeths words served primarily as an encouragement to Mary. 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord; he must drink no wine, no strong drink; even from his mother's womb he will be filled with the Holy Spirit. In His first coming, Messiah came to reveal God to men, and to accomplish eternal redemption for all who would believe. The question which this raises is what is meant by the use of the a past tense. 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. 2just as those who were eyewitnesses from the beginning and ministers of the word have handed them down to us,b 2:11-21). Try Bible Gateway Plus free today! 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, 76; 6:35; 8:28; Acts 7:48; 16:17). One wonders how much that Elizabeth came directly from the Spirit of God, and how much originated from her own grasp of the Scriptures. Nevertheless, it is our conviction that the principles of the New Testament church are as relevant and binding today as they were in Pauls day. For less than $5/mo. The fact that the worship of these women was more restricted than that of men is no hindrance to their spiritual growth and development. 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). ', 18 Zechariah said to the angel, 'How can I know this? Our praise tends to be based almost exclusively on our pleasant and pleasurable experiences. As our Lord Himself said later, those who obey His word are His sisters, brothers, and mother. 44For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. b. This would put her departure very close to the time of Johns birth, and reasons have been suggested for identifying the time of her departure either just before or just after the birth of John. * [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. 55 -according to the promise he made to our ancestors -- of his mercy to Abraham and to his descendants for ever. 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. Like mother, like son. Indeed, I believe that Luke is telling us that wives are not restricted to the level of spirituality of their mate. Our salvation comes about in the same way that Marys baby was conceivedtotally by the sovereign work of God, apart from any effort which Mary might make. Mary thus presses from the specific to the general, from her personal benefits to the blessings which all of Gods people (those who fear Him) experience. Marys Magnificat focuses on much more than just her own blessing in the bearing of Messiah. She may even have wondered whether or not to tell of her visit by the angel Gabriel. Marys role as believer in the infancy narrative should be seen in connection with the explicit mention of her presence among those who believed after the resurrection at the beginning of the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 1:14). (:46-47) State of Rejoicing in God. This would serve as further testimony to the divine origin of the Christ-child. 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. 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. 22 When he came out he could not speak to them, and they realised that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. Luke 1:39-56. 41When Elizabeth heard Marys greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 21 Charles H. Talbert, Reading Luke: A Literary and Theological Commentary on the Third Gospel (New York: Crossroad Publishing Company, 1982), p. 22. At the beginning of his two-volume work Luke shows those who play crucial roles in the inauguration of Christianity to be wholly a part of the people of Israel. * [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. Luke 1:56 Catholic Bible There was so much that women could not do, or at least were not allowed to do. ', 46 And Mary said: My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord. 24After this time his wife Elizabeth conceived, and she went into seclusion for five months, saying, There were now two witnesses. 29 She was deeply disturbed by these words and asked herself what this greeting could mean. Elizabeths words far surpass the revelation which we are told Gabriel gave to Zacharias. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCBs) mission is to encounter the mercy of Christ and to accompany His people with joy. . Elizabeth also readily acknowledged the superior blessing bestowed on Mary, and rejoiced in it. 56Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home. But he could only make signs to them and remained dumb. She must have been very devastated upon seeing Jesus died but she understood the truth. 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. For less than $5/mo. This brought a rebuke, and a temporary loss of speech, which nevertheless served as a sign to the people assembled at the temple that something very significant was about to happen. 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. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.q 52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones. 53The hungry he has filled with good things; 55according to his promise to our fathers, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.f. The bore the added social stigma of having no children. Much, perhaps most, of these things will be fulfilled in the second coming of Messiah, rather than in His first coming. 40where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 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. Elizabeths praise surpasses Zachariahs petition for a sign. (K)50His mercy extends to those who fear him,from generation to generation. 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. Nevertheless, girls were married young in those days, and it is thus likely true that Mary was quite young. 78 because of the faithful love of our God in which the rising Sun has come from on high to visit us. I was sent to speak to you and to announce to you this good news.i (7) Mary focused more on the results of Christs second coming than she did the first. Mary seems immediately to respond to the praise of Elizabeth by offering her own praise to God. 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 he lived in the desert until the day he appeared openly to Israel. Q. 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. 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. Luke 1:39-56 Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition Mary Visits Elizabeth Not so with Mary. ii. In the course of performing his duty, the angel Gabriel appeared to him while he was inside the holy place. Mary did not mention the Law of Moses, the Mosaic Covenant, but only Gods promise to Abraham, the Abrahamic Covenant. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leapt in her womb. Zacharias returned home to his wife, who kept herself in seclusion for five months (vv. 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. It's a little awkward to ask, but we need your help. 43But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord(D) should come to me? . holy is his name. 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 . 72 and show faithful love to our ancestors, and so keep in mind his holy covenant. Mary viewed all of Gods dealings in the light of His grace; the religious leaders only thought in terms of human works. Study Notes - Luke 1 39-56. Mary understood that Israels hope was rooted in the Abrahamic Covenant, not in the Mosaic. 34But Mary said to the angel, How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?* The language of our praise should betray a continual soaking in the Scriptures and meditation on the terms and theology of the Bible. Romans chapter 7). [1:48] 11:27; 1Sm 1:11; 2Sm 16:12; 2Kgs 14:26; Ps 113:7. z. Zachariah was told that his prayer (a prayer, I assume, for the coming of Messiah) had been answered, and that he and his wife would have the privilege and pleasure of bearing the son who would prepare the way for Messiahs appearance (vv. She looks at the long range, not the short term. 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. 11the angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right of the altar of incense. Women seemed only fit for fixing meals and bearing children. Cancel. 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. How shallow our prayers and praise seem when compared with that of these two godly women. If you have already donated, we sincerely thank you. When one thinks of the women of the ancient world, our first emotional response is usually pity. Announcement of the Birth of Jesus. You are to conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you must name him Jesus. Luke 1:39-45. (6) Marys praise does not focus on the child she will bear, but on Father who is sending His Messiah. It is not at all surprising to find that the births of both John and Jesus are miraculous, for the lives of both are miraculous. 37for nothing will be impossible for God.r Luke is not only interested in the words and deeds of Jesus, but also in the larger context of the birth, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus as the fulfillment of the promises of God in the Old Testament. Thus, it is used with reference to Nazareth (1:26), which was but a village. 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. 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. h. [1:17] Sir 48:10; Mal 3:1; 3:2324; Mt 11:14; 17:1113. (K)50His mercy extends to those who fear him,from generation to generation. Nevertheless, their praise was pleasing to God and it has been preserved for our edification. It's easier for you to praise Jesus this Palm Sunday. We but need to believe and to accept Gods work, but we must leave the working to Him, and not to ourselves. Mary understood the great themes of the Old Testament, such as Gods mercy and compassion, Gods concern for the poor and the helpless. The gospel in Luke 1:39-56 is a clear manifestation that Mary during he life supported her Son to the very end. She views herself as a sinner who needs Gods salvation, and as a the Lords servant, whose humble estate is the occasion for His mercy and grace. Marys praise was addressed to God, but in adoring God she also encouraged and edified Elizabeth, just as Elizabeths praise encouraged her. (1) Mary is a model disciple in her faith in the word of God, and in her submission to the will of God. Thus, James has some very strong words on the subject of discriminating against the poor and showing partiality to the rich (cf. * [1:43] Even before his birth, Jesus is identified in Luke as the Lord. She may have been rehearsing what she would say to Elizabeth when she first saw her. 62 and made signs to his father to find out what he wanted him called. He stated that he had investigated "everything from the beginning" and was editing the material into . 13 But the angel said to him, 'Zechariah, do not be afraid, for your prayer has been heard. There is no provincialism to be found in her praise. It seems to me that this is a very significant fact. All rights reserved. 14:26a). NIV Reverse Interlinear Bible: English to Hebrew and English to Greek. 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. We're not salespeople, but we depend on donations averaging $14.76 and fewer than 1% of readers give. Mary has a good sense of history and a broad grasp of Gods purposes and promises. As the writer to the Hebrews put it. 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. She did not have any social standing due to her parentage or class, nor even the dignity of Elizabeth and Zacharias age. Related Topics: Christology, Worship (Personal), Robert L. (Bob)Deffinbaugh graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary with his Th.M. 27to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgins name was Mary.l 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). 12 The sight disturbed Zechariah and he was overcome with fear. The hungry will be fed and the well-fed will be hungry. In the Gospel, Elizabeth tells Mary, "Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled." (Luke 1:45) Gosh, there are so many examples in the world around us where that demonstrate a lack of belief in Jesus' words. Luke 1:39-56 The Word of God . 64 At that instant his power of speech returned and he spoke and praised God. I am still supposed to be . There are a number of ways in which the worship of these two women relate to contemporary Christians. 33and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.p 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. * [1:14] The Gospel according to Luke is the only one of the synoptic gospels to begin with a literary prologue. 1 Seeing that many others have undertaken to draw up accounts of the events that have reached their fulfilment among us. 8Once when he was serving as priest in his divisions turn before God, Physical relationship to Christ is not nearly so important as ones spiritual relationship. 4 so that your Excellency may learn how well founded the teaching is that you have received. May it be done to me according to your word. Then the angel departed from her. Grace is the essence of true doctrine and the antidote to that which is false. Men assumed the leadership roles, especially in spiritual matters. 35And the angel said to her in reply, The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. 69 and he has established for us a saving power in the House of his servant David. 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, God has not just singled Mary out for blessing, leaving others in their miserable estate. Now, it would appear that both mother and child were both filled with the Holy Spirit simultaneously. 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. 54 He has come to the help of Israel his servant, mindful of his faithful love. Zacharias faith wavered, and he consequently asked for some sign, some proof that the promise of the angel would be fulfilled. We are studying Luke 1:39-56 for Sunday, December 22. (N)52He has brought down rulers from their thronesbut has lifted up the humble. Catholic Online. The Canticle of Zechariah. d. [1:7] Gn 18:11; Jgs 13:25; 1Sm 1:56. (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. Mary left almost immediately for the home of Elizabeth and Zacharias, and the journey may have taken some time. 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. Federal Tax Identification Number: 81-0596847. 11 Then there appeared to him the angel of the Lord, standing on the right of the altar of incense. 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour; 48 because he has looked upon the humiliation of his servant. While this is true, this must be kept in its proper perspective. 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. 8-9). Your Catholic Voice Foundation has been granted a recognition of tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. While this may not refer only to the saving work which Messiah will come to accomplish, surely it includes it. 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). (3) In verse 50 Marys praise broadens, viewing Gods grace to her as a reflection of His gracious purposes for His chosen people, Israel. He will be called John.i 25So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit to take away my disgrace before others.k. 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. 62So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. 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. The book of Revelation speaks much of these themes, and prophesies their fulfillment. Mary also understood the purposes of God as a plan which He had been carrying out throughout Israels history. I must confess to you that I often become overly absorbed in what isnt said, rather than to concentrate on what is reported. This is why the Lord Jesus told Nicodemus that he must be born again, even though he was a prominent teacher in Israel (cf. 76And you, child, will be called prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord* to prepare his ways,r, 77to give his people knowledge of salvation, 78because of the tender mercy of our Gods, by which the daybreak from on high* will visit ust. 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. There is only one way that this can ever happen, and that is by our experiencing a miraculous new birth. And so the child will be holy and will be called Son of God. This is a very poorly supported theory, and one which can be rather quickly set aside. Not only did Elizabeth, in a sense, speak for John, she also spoke like John. 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. 57 The time came for Elizabeth to have her child, and she gave birth to a son; 58 and when her neighbours and relations heard that the Lord had lavished on her his faithful love, they shared her joy. 15for he will be great in the sight of [the] Lord. 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.. 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. John chapter 3). The nativity and circumcision of John. * [1:78] The daybreak from on high: three times in the LXX (Jer 23:5; Zec 3:8; 6:12), the Greek word used here for daybreak translates the Hebrew word for scion, branch, an Old Testament messianic title. Daily Readings with Questions for Reflection, RCIA - Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. (5) Mary is a model disciple in her grasp of the purposes and promises of God. 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. get to know the Bible better! Then the angel left her. 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. There is a also distinct parallel with the praise of Hannah in 1 Samuel chapter 2. Now as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leapt in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In the course of Zacharias priestly duties, it fell his lot to have the high privilege of offering the incense at the temple of the Lord (vv.
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