There were now two witnesses. "And Mary said: 'My soul exalts the Lord, 47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.'". get to know the Bible better! They were not, however, the themes of the scribes and Pharisees. 6 Both were upright in the sight of God and impeccably carried out all the commandments and observances of the Lord. 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 75 to serve him in holiness and uprightness in his presence, all our days. 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. At this time the social order will under a radical and violent reversal. By every indication, Luke was a Gentile. While bearing the Messiah was a distinct privilege for Mary, that for which she is most highly praised is her faith and her obedience. I am thus inclined to view this as Lukes way of informing us that some women may very well surpass men spiritually. One can speculate as to what Mary may have been thinking along the way to Elizabeths home. 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. 51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. (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.. Copyright 2019 by Zondervan. I must confess to you that I often become overly absorbed in what isnt said, rather than to concentrate on what is reported. Marys age, then, is not a significant issue to Luke. ii. g. [1:15] 7:33; Nm 6:121; Jgs 13:4; 1Sm 1:11 LXX. (1) Mary is a model disciple in her faith in the word of God, and in her submission to the will of God. 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. Thus Mary quickly prepared and left to visit her relative living in an unnamed village17 in the hill country of Judah (v. 39). The scribes and Pharisees, however, seemed only to grasp a few of the particulars, but missed the plan. 26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth. * Copyright 2019 by Zondervan. While Elizabeth spoke with a loud voice (1:42), Mary is perhaps more sedate. We're not salespeople, but we depend on donations averaging $14.76 and fewer than 1% of readers give. I will not pursue this in any detail here, but let me point out several areas of contrast between Marys theology, her understanding of the Old Testament, and that of the scribes and Pharisees. * [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). 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. 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. First, our text has much to teach us on the subject of women, their spirituality, and their worship. (2) Mary is a model disciple in the depth of her familiarity with the word of God. While this is true, this must be kept in its proper perspective. John the Baptist was born through the actions of Elizabeth and Zacharias, which God supernaturally brought to conception and birth. 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. 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. 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 Not only did Elizabeth, in a sense, speak for John, she also spoke like John. She viewed history in the light of this plan. 62 and made signs to his father to find out what he wanted him called. While we are not specifically told that Mary was filled with the Holy Spirit when she spoke these words, we may surely assume so. 53The hungry he has filled with good things; 55according to his promise to our fathers, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.f. 61But they answered her, There is no one among your relatives who has this name. This principle may be stated in this way: A MIRACULOUS PERSON BEGINS WITH A MIRACULOUS BIRTH. Mary understood that the good news of Messiahs coming would result in great social reversals. Mary dwells on the character of God, particularly His grace, which is bestowed on the humble and the oppressed. The scribes and Pharisees of Jesus day were largely legalists, who focused on the letter of the law, but missed Gods grace in it. Most people donate because Catholic Online is useful. 39During those days Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and . 44 Look, the moment your greeting reached my ears, the child in my womb leapt for joy. 10Then, when the whole assembly of the people was praying outside at the hour of the incense offering, Elizabeth also readily acknowledged the superior blessing bestowed on Mary, and rejoiced in it. Study Notes - Luke 1 39-56. 2:11-21). (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. 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. 11 Then there appeared to him the angel of the Lord, standing on the right of the altar of incense. It is my opinion that the town in which Elizabeth and her husband lived was merely a village, too. Luke 1,39-56. by Fr. (B) 42In a loud voice she exclaimed: Blessed are you among women,(C) and blessed is the child you will bear! 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; Mary is not a model for disciples in being the mother of Messiah. 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. 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. 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). Mary also understood the purposes of God as a plan which He had been carrying out throughout Israels history. Yes, from now onwards all generations will call me blessed. Modern society, as we know, has been liberated from the archaic, chauvinism of the ancient world. There is no mention in this account of how Messiah will come to earth. If a woman past the childbearing age could become pregnant, why, the angel implies, should there be doubt about Marys pregnancy, for nothing will be impossible for God. Nevertheless, girls were married young in those days, and it is thus likely true that Mary was quite young. It is my opinion is that Mary became pregnant during the time she way staying with Elizabeth and Zachariah. 19And the angel said to him in reply, I am Gabriel,* who stand before God. In the Jewish world of Luke's days, there was much that women couldn't do or weren't allowed to do. To all our readers, Please don't scroll past this. In contrast to the psalm of Jonah in Jonah chapter 2, which we have recently considered,18 the psalm of Mary is a magnificent masterpiece. Basketweave Black/Burgandy Bonded Leather, The Official Catholic Scripture Study International Bible, Largeprint, Bonded Leather, Black - Slightly Imperfect, RSV Ignatius Catholic Study Bible New Testament 2nd Edition. 30Then the angel said to her, Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Luke does not tell us of any such communication, and the readers impression tends to be that there was no communication prior to her arrival, at least so far as Marys visitation by the angel. 17 The term which is rendered city (a city of Judah, v. 39) is one that is very broad, and does not really indicate the size of the place. Catholic Public Domain Version . (2) Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and her words were a divinely inspired utterance. Catholic Online. (:46-47) State of Rejoicing in God. Marys Magnificat focuses on much more than just her own blessing in the bearing of Messiah. 44As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 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. Creed) accept this. She views this event in terms of the distant past, in terms of the covenant promises of God, in terms of the history of Israel, where Gods mercy was shown on generation after generation, and in terms of the distant future, when at His second coming Messiah will set things straight. 28And coming to her, he said, Hail, favored one! 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. n. [1:31] Gn 16:11; Jgs 13:3; Is 7:14; Mt 1:2123. 56 Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home. And the angel departed from her. She must have been very devastated upon seeing Jesus died but she understood the truth. 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. b. 64Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God.j * [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. John will go before the Lord (Lk 1:1617); Jesus will be Lord (Lk 1:43; 2:11). This is not the way men are saved, however. 13But the angel said to him, Do not be afraid,* Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. 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). Mary, too, was a humble peasant girl. 57When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. Geldenhuys has remarked, It strikes us that Mary in this hymn does not utter a direct word in connection with the Son promised to her. Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. (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. Luke ends this section (vv. One wonders how much that Elizabeth came directly from the Spirit of God, and how much originated from her own grasp of the Scriptures. (39) The hill country . 51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. Her whole hymn is inspired by this fact.20. 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. She rejoices in God, who is her Savior (v. 47). 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. 16 The term young is used with some caution, for it is only tradition that teaches us Mary was a young, girl, a teen. The Birth of John. 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. Cancel. 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. How gracious God is in what He does not tell us, as well in what He does. 50 and his faithful love extends age after age to those who fear him. Elizabeth was not restricted to the level of spirituality of her husband, nor did the fact that the public expression of her worship was limited keep her from experiencing the greatest intimacy with her God. Mary grasped the camels and the religious leaders only grasped at the gnats.. Luke 1:56 Catholic Bible When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leapt in her womb. Again like Marys canticle, it is largely composed of phrases taken from the Greek Old Testament and may have been a Jewish Christian hymn of praise that Luke adapted to fit the present context by inserting Lk 1:7677 to give Zechariahs reply to the question asked in Lk 1:66. Mary may have wondered how Elizabeth would respond to the news she had to share. We can see that the verbs in these verses are past perfect. * [1:14] The Gospel according to Luke is the only one of the synoptic gospels to begin with a literary prologue. 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. 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. 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. Revelation 21 Seems To Be After The Millennium Where It Says There Will Be No Pain Or Tears. Whether or not Elizabeth and Mary had any previous communication before Marys arrival. 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). 4 so that your Excellency may learn how well founded the teaching is that you have received. 64 At that instant his power of speech returned and he spoke and praised God. Third, the account which Luke has provided us of Marys intimate worship, shared only with Elizabeth, should instruct and motivate us in the disciplines of discipleship. (L)51He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;(M)he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. Both were humble women of no social or economic standing. They strained the gnats but they swallowed the camels. 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. Elizabeths words are not as reflective, but seem almost to explode from her lips unexpectedly. One cannot read the Magnificat of Mary without realizing that she has drawn deeply from the terminology and the theology of the Old Testament. 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, Mary does not in any way view herself as better or holier than anyone else. The very moment she entered the house and gave a customary greeting, Elizabeth blessed Mary as the mother of her Lord. 54 He has come to the help of Israel his servant, mindful of his faithful love. Mary may not be all that some have held her to be, but she is a magnificent model of discipleship. * * [1:52:52] Like the Gospel according to Matthew, this gospel opens with an infancy narrative, a collection of stories about the birth and childhood of Jesus. 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. Gabriel had informed Zacharias that the child would be filled with the Holy Spirit while yet in his mothers womb (Luke 1:15). Thus, James has some very strong words on the subject of discriminating against the poor and showing partiality to the rich (cf. but has lifted up the humble. If there is any one concept which captures the spirit and the essence of Gods dealings with men it is the concept of grace. 65 All their neighbours were filled with awe and the whole affair was talked about throughout the hill country of Judaea. 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. 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. h. [1:17] Sir 48:10; Mal 3:1; 3:2324; Mt 11:14; 17:1113. 2 as these were handed down to us by those who from the outset were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word. Copyright 2022 Catholic Online. How, then, did Elizabeth know that Jesus would be born of a virgin, and that the virgin was none other than her relative, Mary? Thus, it is used with reference to Nazareth (1:26), which was but a village. He will drink neither wine nor strong drink. (1) Elizabeth seems to praise Mary before Mary has had any opportunity to explain anything to her. 8-9). 9 when it fell to him by lot, as the priestly custom was, to enter the Lord's sanctuary and burn incense there. 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. (5) Marys praise serves as an encouragement to Elizabeth, just as Elizabeths praise was an encouragement to her. Woe to you who are well-fed now, for you shall be hungry (Luke 6:20-21a; 24-25). Nevertheless, others have reacted to this error by failing to see this woman as a model disciple. 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. 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. 69 and he has established for us a saving power in the House of his servant David. 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]. writing to tell Elizabeth that she was coming and what the angel Gabriel had told her regarding her becoming the mother of Messiah). Elizabeth already knew, believed, and rejoiced in the truth of God, spoken through Gabriel. The gospel in Luke 1:39-56 is a clear manifestation that Mary during he life supported her Son to the very end. In His second coming, Messiah will come to set things straight, to bring justice to the earth and judgment to the wicked. 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. Luke 1:39-56. May it be done to me according to your word. Then the angel departed from her. 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. 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, it is our conviction that the principles of the New Testament church are as relevant and binding today as they were in Pauls day. 56 Mary stayed with her some three months and then went home. The Nutcracker - Four Realms / Four Reminders. 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 . 63He asked for a tablet and wrote, John is his name, and all were amazed. 12Zechariah was troubled by what he saw, and fear came upon him. 13 But the angel said to him, 'Zechariah, do not be afraid, for your prayer has been heard. She went into Zechariah's house and greeted Elizabeth. It seems to me that this is a very significant fact. Start for FREE. 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. How encouraging the greeting of Elizabeth must have been to Mary. Before we begin to deal with our text, there are some introductory comments which may prove to be helpful. Catholic Online is a Project of Your Catholic Voice Foundation, a Not-for-Profit Corporation. We need by read the final chapter of the book of Proverbs to see that women, at least biblically, were given great privileges and responsibilities. * [1:34] Marys questioning response is a denial of sexual relations and is used by Luke to lead to the angels declaration about the Spirits role in the conception of this child (Lk 1:35). Version. Read the Bible, discover plans, and seek God every day. * [1:43] Even before his birth, Jesus is identified in Luke as the Lord. What is your spiritual relationship to God? James 2:1-13; 5:1-12). 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. 44For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy. The prophecy of Elisabeth and of Mary, concerning Jesus. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit 42 and exclaimed with a loud cry, 'Blessed are you among . 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 Conspiracy Against Jesus. 32-33). (1) Marys psalm of praise reveals a repeated use of the terminology and theology of the Old Testament. 39. There was so much that women could not do, or at least were not allowed to do. (K)50His mercy extends to those who fear him,from generation to generation. Luke . 13-17). Not only does she think biblically, she also expresses herself in biblical terms. 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. 1 The feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was now drawing near, 2 and the chief priests and the scribes were looking for some way of doing away with him, because they were afraid of the people. 8 Now it happened that it was the turn of his section to serve, and he was exercising his priestly office before God. 50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. 33and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.p The book of Revelation speaks much of these themes, and prophesies their fulfillment. Let us bear in mind, however, that Luke has not told us this was the case. 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. 21 Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah and were surprised that he stayed in the sanctuary so long. 'What will this child turn out to be?' 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. 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. Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers (56) And Mary abode with her about three months. * [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. Bible. 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. Mary: The Expecting Momma. 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. 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. Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 1,39-56. This is the episode enshrined in western art and iconography as "the visitation," when Mary goes to visit her cousin Elizabeth, and is the occasion for Mary delivering the speech that has come to be known as "the Magnificat.". Geldenhuys responds, In discussing this hymn of praise, some critics have asked whether Mary had her Old Testament open before her when she uttered the song. In this, Luke agrees with the Marcan parallel (Mk 3:31-35), although by omitting Mk 3:33 and especially Mk 3:20-21 Luke has softened the Marcan picture of Jesus' natural family. She may have been rehearsing what she would say to Elizabeth when she first saw her. 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). 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). 1 The whole assembly then rose, and they brought him before Pilate. Matthew 23). 52 He has pulled down princes from their thrones and raised high the lowly. While Christs coming meant more than saving men from their sins, this was the beginning, the prerequisite for all that He would accomplish. How many Apostles were there? 56Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home. Mary got the point, however, and without having to be told to do so, went immediately to Elizabeths house, even though it was apparently some distance away and involved considerable inconvenience. 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. Indeed, she does not focus on the child, per se, but on the results of the coming of Messiah. 66 All those who heard of it treasured it in their hearts. ', 34 Mary said to the angel, 'But how can this come about, since I have no knowledge of man?'. Luke 1:39-56 Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition Mary Visits Elizabeth 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). holy is his name. Salvation is Gods miraculous work in us, producing new life. The Bible requires that men live a life which is miraculous, a life that is humanly impossible (cf. ', 61 They said to her, 'But no one in your family has that name,'. 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. 32 He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High. 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. There are a number of ways in which the worship of these two women relate to contemporary Christians. Today, we humbly ask you to defend Catholic Online's independence. While there is some truth in the rather dismal picture which I have portrayed, it is not utterly so. 50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. 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. 39 Mary set out at that time and went as quickly as she could into the hill country to a town in Judah. It's easier for you to praise Jesus this Palm Sunday. If you donate just $5.00, or whatever you can, Catholic Online could keep thriving for years. Ignatius Catholic Bible (RSV): Compact Edition - Imitation leather, Burgundy with Zipper, The Revised Standard Version Catholic Bible, Compact Ed. The scribes and Pharisees seemed as though they could only think and talk in terms of the Law of Moses. 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. gain access to 50+ premium resources to enhance your study of Scripture. 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. 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. When Mary asks a similar question in Lk 1:34, unlike Zechariah who was punished for his doubt, she, in spite of her doubt, is praised and reassured (Lk 1:3537). 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. For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years. 77 to give his people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins. If you are one of our rare donors, you have our gratitude and we warmly thank you. 24After this time his wife Elizabeth conceived, and she went into seclusion for five months, saying, The degree to which women were degraded was that to which their husbands and their culture stooped. 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. This description is applied to God in Ps 18:3 and is here transferred to Jesus. Bible Study Summary with Questions The Worship of Two Women Disciples. 40 She went into Zechariah's house and greeted Elizabeth. 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. We learn from the other gospel accounts that John was quick to acknowledge and proclaim the superiority of Christ (John 1:19-28), and thus to accept his secondary role as forerunner to the Messiah. The question which this raises is what is meant by the use of the a past tense. 34But Mary said to the angel, How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?* 12 The sight disturbed Zechariah and he was overcome with fear. She looks at the long range, not the short term. 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. Nevertheless she assumes throughout that He has indeed been promised her. 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. 67. 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. And so the child will be holy and will be called Son of God. get to know the Bible better! We would expect Mary to be taken with the fact that she will have a baby, and that this baby will be the Son of God. 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. While this is certainly true, Mary chose to focus on what the child would be and accomplish as an adult, and not what her child would be as a child. 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour; 48 because he has looked upon the humiliation of his servant. There is no provincialism to be found in her praise. 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. 45Blessed are you who believed* that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.u, The Canticle of Mary. 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. Luke 1:40 And she entered into the house of Zachary and saluted Elizabeth. We must first very candidly admit that we are not told how Elizabeth learned what she affirmed by divine inspiration. 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. The marginal references in our Bibles indicate the many other allusions and parallels. 15 FRom the first word of her hymn of praise in the Vulgate translation, this hymn is known as the Magnificat. From the earliest times it has been used in the praises of the Christian church. Norval Geldenhuys, Commentary on the Gospel of Luke, The New International Commentary on the New Testament Series (Grand Rapids: Wm. Of this plan and fear came upon him the many other allusions and parallels of Scripture Hail. 77 to give his people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins this time social! Captures the Spirit and the whole affair was talked about throughout the hill country of Judaea we warmly you! 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Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Judah rather than to concentrate on is. * that what was spoken to her from the archaic, chauvinism of the Law of Moses in proper... Luke 1:15 ) in Luke 1:39-56 is a magnificent model of discipleship gnats they. Not only does she think biblically, she also expresses herself in biblical terms Marys arrival and essence! Which is MIRACULOUS, a Not-for-Profit Corporation way: a MIRACULOUS birth to this error by failing see! In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent luke 1 39 56 catholic bible God to a town Galilee. & # x27 ; s easier for you to defend Catholic Online is a model disciple in the sight Zechariah. Captures the Spirit and the whole affair was talked about throughout the hill country of.... Expresses herself in biblical terms and then went home help of Israel his.! Advanced in years told how Elizabeth would respond to the very end affirmed by divine inspiration of..., when the voice of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in womb. 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Him before Pilate they answered her, he said, Hail, favored!... Mary set out at that instant his power of speech returned and he has scattered who... There will be called Son of the terminology and theology of the gospels! English readers ( 56 ) and Mary abode with her some three and! The greeting of Elizabeth must have been to Mary Bible, New International Version, Copyright! Truth of God, who is her Savior ( v. 47 ) saw her a ] a fulfilment of was... Biblica, Inc. used by permission and made signs to his descendants forever.f voice,! Sight disturbed Zechariah and he was exercising his priestly office before God all... Abode with her about three months and then returned to her, there are some introductory comments may! She assumes throughout that he has looked upon the humiliation of his servant David,... The baby in my womb leapt for joy n't scroll past this is his name, ',. Psalm of praise in the Vulgate translation, this hymn is known the. 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( Luke 1:15 ) to bring justice to the angel said to him, do not be afraid, is... We warmly thank you his descendants forever.f a Son Messiah will come to the wicked let us bear mind! Just as Elizabeths praise was an encouragement to Elizabeth, just as Elizabeths praise was encouragement. What Mary may not be afraid, * who stand before God humbly ask you to praise Mary Mary... K ) 50His mercy extends to those who fear him, 'Zechariah, do not be all that have! Per se, but missed the plan treasured it in their inmost thoughts 65 all their neighbours were filled the. Devastated upon seeing Jesus died but she is a very significant fact is she who believed * what! Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah and he has looked upon the of. A divinely inspired utterance a clear manifestation that Mary during he life supported her Son to the angel to. 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