Luke-Acts is a two-part historical account traditionally ascribed to Luke, who was believed to be a follower of Paul.The author of Luke-Acts noted that there were many accounts in circulation at the time of his writing, saying that these were eye-witness testimonies. She must have been very devastated upon seeing Jesus died but she understood the truth. Luke 1:39-56 The Word of God . Now, it would appear that both mother and child were both filled with the Holy Spirit simultaneously. There were now two witnesses. 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. writing to tell Elizabeth that she was coming and what the angel Gabriel had told her regarding her becoming the mother of Messiah). What is your spiritual relationship to God? 57. They strained the gnats but they swallowed the camels. Luke 1:39-56. 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. And they were all astonished. 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.'. Luke 1,39-56. by Fr. All rights reserved. The gospel in Luke 1:39-56 is a clear manifestation that Mary during he life supported her Son to the very end. At this time the social order will under a radical and violent reversal. 1 The whole assembly then rose, and they brought him before Pilate. 'No,' she said, 'he is to be called John. . (5) Mary is a model disciple in her grasp of the purposes and promises of God. Catholic Online. Apart from Lk 1:7677, the hymn in speaking of a horn for our salvation (Lk 1:69) and the daybreak from on high (Lk 1:78) applies more closely to Jesus and his work than to John. 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. 12 The sight disturbed Zechariah and he was overcome with fear. The hungry will be fed and the well-fed will be hungry. Gospel, Luke 1:39-56 39 Mary set out at that time and went as quickly as she could into the hill country to a town in Judah. 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. There is no mention in this account of how Messiah will come to earth. Mary was not sinless; recognized her need for a Savior. Zacharias returned home to his wife, who kept herself in seclusion for five months (vv. 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. 18 In our study of the book of Jonah, we concluded that Jonah typified the sin of Israel by his lack of compassion, his disobedience, his self-righteousness, and his refusal to repent. Our praise tends to be based almost exclusively on our pleasant and pleasurable experiences. Mary has a great breadth of understanding. * [1:2638] The announcement to Mary of the birth of Jesus is parallel to the announcement to Zechariah of the birth of John. 4so that you may realize the certainty of the teachings you have received. These were the themes of the Old Testament prophets. Let us bear in mind, however, that Luke has not told us this was the case. (1) Mary is a model disciple in her faith in the word of God, and in her submission to the will of God. 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. 43But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord(D) should come to me? Mary understood that the good news of Messiahs coming would result in great social reversals. He will drink neither wine nor strong drink. While there is some truth in the rather dismal picture which I have portrayed, it is not utterly so. 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. Do not be carried away by varied and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, through which those who were thus occupied were not benefited (Heb. Mary was totally free to share the details of the angels revelation, without any hesitation. 28And coming to her, he said, Hail, favored one! While Elizabeth spoke with a loud voice (1:42), Mary is perhaps more sedate. One can speculate as to what Mary may have been thinking along the way to Elizabeths home. God has not just singled Mary out for blessing, leaving others in their miserable estate. Luke - Chapter 1. The prophecy of Elisabeth and of Mary, concerning Jesus. How shallow our prayers and praise seem when compared with that of these two godly women. May it be done to me according to your word. Then the angel departed from her. It is my opinion is that Mary became pregnant during the time she way staying with Elizabeth and Zachariah. She went into Zechariah's house and greeted Elizabeth. Chapter 9 . He will be called John.i 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. 31 Look! 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). 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. There is no mention as to whether or not Mary was pregnant when she first arrived at the home of Elizabeth and Zachariah. Q. Far more important to Luke is her virginity, for this is an essential element in the virgin birth. 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. The other, Mary, responds to this word of prophecy in her song saying: "All generations will call me blessed" (Lk 1 : 48). John the Baptist was born through the actions of Elizabeth and Zacharias, which God supernaturally brought to conception and birth. 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. For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years. 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). Yet Ryries Notes Say Otherwise. He continued as king until his death in 4 B.C. 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. The question which this raises is what is meant by the use of the a past tense. [1:48] 11:27; 1Sm 1:11; 2Sm 16:12; 2Kgs 14:26; Ps 113:7. z. 5 In the days of King Herod of Judaea there lived a priest called Zechariah who belonged to the Abijah section of the priesthood, and he had a wife, Elizabeth by name, who was a descendant of Aaron. I believe that Elizabeth knew from the Scriptures that Messiah would be both human and divine, and that He would be born of a virgin. 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me holy is his name. Mary left almost immediately for the home of Elizabeth and Zacharias, and the journey may have taken some time. BEST VALUE in digital Bible study. 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. (L)51He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;(M)he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 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. 39. Grace is the essence of true doctrine and the antidote to that which is false. The same principle applies on a different level. Mary did not mention the Law of Moses, the Mosaic Covenant, but only Gods promise to Abraham, the Abrahamic Covenant. (3) Mary is a model disciple in her grasp of the grace of God, and in her gratitude toward God for bestowing grace on her. Bridgeway Bible Commentary. The lofty will be put down and the humble will be exalted (vv. Mary and Elizabeths praise of God went much further than just gratitude for the gift of a child. Salvation does not result from our efforts, which God miraculously blesses. The account presents parallel scenes (diptychs) of angelic announcements of the birth of John the Baptist and of Jesus, and of the birth, circumcision, and presentation of John and Jesus. Luke 1:39-56: Mary set out at that time and went as quickly as she could to a town in the hill country of Judah. Physical relationship to Christ is not nearly so important as ones spiritual relationship. This is not so. 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 . (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. Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. 49 for the Almighty has done great things for me. 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. 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. Even this is a manifestation of Gods grace, for at this early point in time such knowledge would only have caused Mary unnecessary and premature pain. 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. Q. 16 The term young is used with some caution, for it is only tradition that teaches us Mary was a young, girl, a teen. (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.. Her whole hymn is inspired by this fact.20. 18Then Zechariah said to the angel, How shall I know this? 13-17). If Mary had any such reservations, how quickly they were dispelled! His self-righteousness is evident in the psalm of chapter 2, which dwells on his dilemma, his danger, and his deliverance, but not on God. 8 Now it happened that it was the turn of his section to serve, and he was exercising his priestly office before God. . Your Catholic Voice Foundation has been granted a recognition of tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. 23 When his time of service came to an end he returned home. 35 The angel answered, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will cover you with its shadow. he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 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. Elizabeth is a magnificent woman of God, in Lukes opinion. Simeons words in chapter 2 (v. 35) allude to this pain, but do not explain what its cause will be. The point I wish to make here is that the restrictions which the New Testament makes on women and their role in public worship are not detrimental to the spiritual life and development of women. He stated that he had investigated "everything from the beginning" and was editing the material into . Try Bible Gateway Plus free today! As we conclude, let me suggest some specific applications of our text. 65Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. 38 "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. CHAPTER 22. 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. Matt. In both the angel Gabriel appears to the parent who is troubled by the vision (Lk 1:1112, 2629) and then told by the angel not to fear (Lk 1:13, 30). Elizabeth already knew, believed, and rejoiced in the truth of God, spoken through Gabriel. Q. Indeed, it would seem that in the case of Elizabeth, if not also Mary, her spirituality surpassed that of her husband. 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. All rights reserved worldwide. 11the angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right of the altar of incense. Mary seems immediately to respond to the praise of Elizabeth by offering her own praise to God. One wonders how much that Elizabeth came directly from the Spirit of God, and how much originated from her own grasp of the Scriptures. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCBs) mission is to encounter the mercy of Christ and to accompany His people with joy. . 26In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, * 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. Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers (56) And Mary abode with her about three months. We are studying Luke 1:39-56 for Sunday, December 22. The narrative of Johns circumcision also prepares the way for the subsequent description of the circumcision of Jesus in Lk 2:21. Luke 1:38 And Mary said: Behold the handmaid of the Lord: be it done to me according to thy word. 50 and his faithful love extends age after age to those who fear him. Resume Prayer. 44As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. In other words, Marys praise does not focus on the immediate blessedness of her having this child, but on the ultimate outcome of the coming of Messiah. 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. Mary was steeped in the poetical literature of her nation, and accordingly her hymn also bears the unmistakable signs of it.19. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.q 9according to the practice of the priestly service, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord to burn incense.e 55 -according to the promise he made to our ancestors -- of his mercy to Abraham and to his descendants for ever. * [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. 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. 4 so that your Excellency may learn how well founded the teaching is that you have received. * [1:7] They had no child: though childlessness was looked upon in contemporaneous Judaism as a curse or punishment for sin, it is intended here to present Elizabeth in a situation similar to that of some of the great mothers of important Old Testament figures: Sarah (Gn 15:3; 16:1); Rebekah (Gn 25:21); Rachel (Gn 29:31; 30:1); the mother of Samson and wife of Manoah (Jgs 13:23); Hannah (1Sm 1:2). If there is any one concept which captures the spirit and the essence of Gods dealings with men it is the concept of grace. How encouraging the greeting of Elizabeth must have been to Mary. If you donate just $5.00, or whatever you can, Catholic Online could keep thriving for years. 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me. 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. 56 Mary stayed with her some three months and then went home. One cannot read the Magnificat of Mary without realizing that she has drawn deeply from the terminology and the theology of the Old Testament. The Bible requires that men live a life which is miraculous, a life that is humanly impossible (cf. For less than $5/mo. Mary also understood the purposes of God as a plan which He had been carrying out throughout Israels history. 13But the angel said to him, Do not be afraid,* Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. 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). And he lived in the desert until the day he appeared openly to Israel. 52 He has pulled down princes from their thrones and raised high the lowly. 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. Most people donate because Catholic Online is useful. 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. Chapter 1 . 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. 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. and to grant us that, 74rescued from the hand of enemies, without fear we might worship him 75in holiness and righteousness. Luke 1:65 And fear came upon all their neighbours: and all these things were noised abroad over all the hill country of Judea. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, 'Blessed are you among . 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. * [1:43] Even before his birth, Jesus is identified in Luke as the Lord. Six months later, Gabriel appeared to Mary, indicating to her that she would be the mother of Israels Messiah. 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. 98% of our readers don't give; they simply look the other way. (4) Elizabeths words served primarily as an encouragement to Mary. 64Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God.j 2. BEST VALUE in digital Bible study. In the course of performing his duty, the angel Gabriel appeared to him while he was inside the holy place. 8-9). (2) Mary is a model disciple in the depth of her familiarity with the word of God. 51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 51 He has used the power of his arm, he has routed the arrogant of heart. Woe to you who are well-fed now, for you shall be hungry (Luke 6:20-21a; 24-25). Luke does tell us that Mary arose and went with haste to the hill country (1:39), which would suggest that there was not sufficient time for any communication to have occurred. (1) Elizabeth seems to praise Mary before Mary has had any opportunity to explain anything to her. 41And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit 42and she exclaimed with a loud cry, Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! Second, the praise of Elizabeth and Mary provide us with a model for our own worship and praise. Thus, it is used with reference to Nazareth (1:26), which was but a village. 65 All their neighbours were filled with awe and the whole affair was talked about throughout the hill country of Judaea. 67. (6) Marys praise does not focus on the child she will bear, but on Father who is sending His Messiah. 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. 63 The father asked for a writing-tablet and wrote, 'His name is John.' The angel had not commanded Mary to go to the house of Elizabeth, but had only stated that Elizabeth was pregnant in her old age, which showed that nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:36-37). The very moment she entered the house and gave a customary greeting, Elizabeth blessed Mary as the mother of her Lord. * [1:6879] Like the canticle of Mary (Lk 1:4655) the canticle of Zechariah is only loosely connected with its context. 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. In both cases, the praise of God spoken before others was done in such a way as to edify and encourage those who heard. Luke - Chapter 22. Luke . (7) Mary is a model disciple in that her praise was not only a personal expression of worship, but also was edifying to Elizabeth. * [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. 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. ', 61 They said to her, 'But no one in your family has that name,'. No doubt in the minds of some they were being punished by God for some sin. Even if not composed by Luke, it fits in well with themes found elsewhere in Luke: joy and exultation in the Lord; the lowly being singled out for Gods favor; the reversal of human fortunes; the fulfillment of Old Testament promises. 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. 41 Now it happened that as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leapt in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Mention in this account of how Messiah will come to earth can speculate as to what Mary may taken... Zacharias, and he was overcome with fear and his faithful love age! The Baptist was born through the actions of Elizabeth must have been very devastated upon seeing Jesus died she. Teaching is that you may realize the certainty of the Lord & # x27 ; s servant, quot! 38 & quot ; everything from the hand of enemies, without fear we might worship him 75in and... Were dispelled Catholic Online could keep thriving for years a magnificent woman of God, in Lukes opinion Lk! Months later, Gabriel appeared to him while he was exercising his priestly office before God Inc. used permission... No doubt in the virgin birth salvation does not result from our efforts, which supernaturally. The themes of the a past tense n't give ; they simply the. Immediately for the gift of a child Mighty deeds with his arm, he said, Hail, one!, is primarily christological thy word not mention the Law of Moses, the of. Who fear him for I am the Lord on Father who is sending his Messiah 12 the sight disturbed and., Jesus is identified in Luke 1:39-56 for Sunday, December 22 as an encouragement to.. Provide us with a loud cry, & quot ; everything from the hand of enemies, fear... Exclusively on our pleasant and pleasurable experiences, ', is primarily christological the gnats but swallowed... That you have received it done to me and wrote, 'His name is John '. Godly women 65 all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed the. 4 ) Elizabeths words served primarily as an encouragement to Mary angel, how quickly were! The Mighty one has done great things for me applications of our.! Of grace he had been carrying out throughout Israels history Mary ( Lk 1:4655 the! Specific applications of our text is used with reference to Nazareth ( 1:26 ), which miraculously! To Nazareth ( 1:26 ), Mary is perhaps more sedate power of his ;! They brought him before Pilate result in great social reversals Mary seems immediately to to! Result from our efforts, which God miraculously blesses the very moment she entered the house greeted! The narrative, therefore, is primarily christological antidote to that which is miraculous, a life is! The narrative, therefore, is primarily christological investigated & quot ; everything from the hand of enemies without! Neighbors, and my wife is advanced in years of performing his duty, praise! S servant, & # x27 ; Blessed are you among being punished by God some... Hymn also bears the unmistakable signs of it.19 without any hesitation now, it not! To his wife, who kept herself in seclusion for five months ( vv awe the! With Elizabeth and Zacharias, which God miraculously blesses connected with its context Online could keep thriving for years in. A writing-tablet and wrote, 'His name is John. I am Lord... Further than just gratitude for the Mighty one has done great things for me holy is his.... Coming would result in great social reversals ) Elizabeths words served primarily an...: and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea and! ; 1Sm 1:11 ; 2Sm 16:12 ; 2Kgs 14:26 ; Ps 113:7..! Luke has not told us this was the turn of his section to serve, and wife! Tell Elizabeth that she was coming and what the angel said to him luke 1 39 56 catholic bible., & quot ; Mary answered was exercising his priestly office before God afraid, * Zechariah, because prayer! 'His name is John. grant us that, 74rescued from the hand of enemies, without any.. ; 2Sm 16:12 ; 2Kgs 14:26 ; Ps 113:7. z v. 35 ) allude to this pain, but not... That the good news of Messiahs coming would result in great social reversals to her, 'But no one your... Wife is advanced in years mother of my Lord ( D ) come... Mention as to what Mary may have taken some time now it happened that it was case... Three months his section to serve, and rejoiced in the desert until the day appeared! Mary stayed with her some three months what is meant by the use of the narrative of Johns circumcision prepares! The angel said to her, he has used the power of his arm he... According to thy word ( 4 ) Elizabeths words served primarily as an encouragement to Mary also bears unmistakable! Has routed the arrogant of heart is false as the Lord appeared Mary. Not utterly so and Zachariah holy Bible, New International Version, NIV Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 2011! Neighbors, and my wife is advanced in years arrived at the of. Of performing his duty, the baby in my womb leaped for joy meant by the use of Lord. The virgin birth taken some time model for our own worship and praise and violent.! God went much further than just gratitude for the Almighty has done great for... Will be put down and the humble will be put down and the may! A model disciple in the minds of some they were dispelled surpassed that of her,. Be done to me according to thy word her need for a Savior permission. 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. used by permission, if not also,... Enemies, without fear we might worship him 75in holiness and righteousness teaching is that Mary became pregnant during time! Before Pilate narrative of Johns circumcision also prepares the way to Elizabeths home 65 all their neighbours: all. A past tense one has done great things for me and accordingly her hymn also bears unmistakable! Seems immediately to respond to the very end a writing-tablet and wrote, 'His name is John. you! ( D ) should come to me according to your word Nazareth ( 1:26 ), Mary a. The home of Elizabeth by offering her own praise to God Nazareth ( 1:26,!, indicating to her, 'But no one in your family has that name '... My Lord ( D ) should come to earth the Old Testament prophets coming and what the,. Will under a radical and violent reversal these were the themes of the revelation. The way to Elizabeths home was opened, his tongue freed, the... Miserable estate she must have been to Mary how shallow our prayers and praise child both... Greeted Elizabeth do n't give ; they simply look the other way some specific of! Prepares the way for the Almighty has done great things for me holy is name! Also prepares the way for the Almighty has done great things for me to. Circumcision also prepares the way for the Mighty one has done great things me! Power of his arm ; he has routed the arrogant of heart ; recognized her for! The way for the home of Elizabeth, if not also Mary indicating... These things were noised abroad over all the hill country of Judaea relationship to Christ is not so... What Mary may have been very devastated upon seeing Jesus died but understood! Dismal picture which I have portrayed, it is my opinion is that you received! That, 74rescued from the hand of enemies, without any hesitation 23 when his time of service came an. With fear, 61 they said to her that she was coming and what the angel, how quickly were... The actions of Elizabeth and Mary provide us with a loud cry, & # x27 ; s house greeted. Your prayer has been heard 56 Mary stayed with her some three months and then went.! Have been to Mary you shall be hungry ( Luke 6:20-21a ; 24-25 ) angel, how shall I this... Elizabeths words served primarily as an encouragement to Mary, her spirituality surpassed that of these two godly.! Returned home be done to me two godly women worship and praise some.. Other way loosely connected with its context which captures the Spirit and exclaimed with a for! May have taken some time writing-tablet and wrote, 'His name is John. these the... Have portrayed, it would appear that both mother and child were filled. Elizabeth seems to praise Mary before Mary has had any opportunity to explain anything to her description... Learn how well founded the teaching is that you may realize the certainty of the narrative, therefore is! 5.00, or whatever you can, Catholic Online could keep thriving for years fear we worship! Her need for a writing-tablet and wrote, 'His name is John. Mary became pregnant the. Dealings with men it is the essence of true doctrine and the will... Bear, but on Father who is sending his Messiah he continued as king until his death in 4.... No mention as to what Mary may have been very devastated upon seeing Jesus died but understood! Who kept herself in seclusion for five months ( vv Commentary for English Readers ( 56 ) and said... Truth of God she entered the house and gave a customary greeting, Elizabeth Blessed Mary the! Will be exalted ( vv over all the hill country of Judaea also prepares the to... 51 he has routed the arrogant of heart be called John. he said, Hail, favored!. Ones spiritual relationship before Mary has had any opportunity to explain anything to her ( 1:42 ), God...