Luke 1:39-56 "Meeting of Two Mothers"

"The Humble Magnify the Faithful God: Mary and Elizabeth’s Song of Praise"

In Luke 1:39-56, Mary visits Elizabeth, resulting in a beautiful exchange that highlights God's faithfulness, the joy of His promises, and the humility of His servants. This passage contains two key events: Elizabeth’s Spirit-filled exclamation of blessing and Mary’s "Magnificat," a hymn of praise to God.

Mary’s visit reveals a profound sense of community, as Elizabeth's greeting affirms the work of God in Mary’s life. Elizabeth’s declaration confirms God’s promise, while Mary’s Magnificat magnifies His greatness, showing humility, gratitude, and faith in His covenantal promises.

Key Verses

1. Luke 1:42: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!" (NASB 1995)
2. Luke 1:45: "And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord!" (NASB 1995)
3. Luke 1:46-47: "My soul exalts the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior." (NASB 1995)
4. Luke 1:50: "His mercy is upon generation after generation toward those who fear Him." (NASB 1995)

Key Words

1. Blessed: Signifies divine favor and fulfillment of God’s promise.
2. Magnify: Expresses Mary’s exaltation of God’s glory.
3. Humility: Describes Mary’s lowly state and God’s mercy toward the humble.
4. Mercy: A central theme of God’s faithfulness to His people.
5. Generations: Reflects God’s enduring covenant across time.

Key Characters

1. Mary: The chosen mother of Jesus, demonstrating humility and faith.
2. Elizabeth: Mary’s relative, a Spirit-filled encourager and witness.
3. Jesus: The promised Messiah, whose coming is the focus of the passage.

Intended Message to the Original Audience

The passage reassures the faithful of God’s covenantal promises, demonstrating His mercy to the humble and faithful. Luke emphasizes the continuity of God's redemptive plan through the Messiah, who fulfills the Abrahamic covenant. This echoes Exodus 34:6-7, where God proclaims His character: "The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression, and sin" (NASB 1995).

Just as God revealed His mercy and faithfulness to Israel, the story of Mary and Elizabeth showcases His unchanging nature. The same God who sustained His covenant with Abraham is now bringing it to fruition in Jesus. For the original audience, this continuity would deepen their trust in God’s promises, affirming that His redemptive plan is rooted in His unchanging mercy and grace.

Applications for Believers Today

1. Rejoice in God's Promises: Trust in His faithfulness to fulfill what He has spoken.
2. Cultivate Humility: Like Mary, approach God with a heart of surrender and gratitude.
3. Celebrate Spiritual Community: Encourage one another in faith as Elizabeth and Mary did.
4. Exalt God in Worship: Make praise and gratitude central in your life.
5. Recognize God's Mercy: Reflect on His ongoing work in your life and across generations.