December 12, 2019
What Song Do You Sing?
Luke 1:39-56
Sammie Johnston
Central Truth
Mary's song of praise is an awesome example of how to respond to God's direction and plan for our own lives.
Key Verse | Luke 1:46-50
And Mary said,
"My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation."
Luke 1:39-56
Mary Visits Elizabeth
39 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, 40 and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be 1 1:45 Or believed, for there will be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”
Mary's Song of Praise: The Magnificat
46 And Mary said,
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
47
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48
for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49
for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
50
And his mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
51
He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
52
he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of humble estate;
53
he has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
54
He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
55
as he spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”
56 And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home.
Dive Deeper | Luke 1:39-56
What would be the first thing you would do if an angel visited you and told you incredible news? After I picked myself up off the floor, I think I would try to confirm that it was real and not a surreal dream! If that news had included info about a family member, I'd get to them as quickly as possible to check it out and share my news received from the heavenly visitor.
That's what we find Mary doing in Luke 1:39-40. She visited her relative Elizabeth to verify what Gabriel told her about Elizabeth—it was true! Elizabeth then confirms in Luke 1:42-44 what the angel revealed to Mary about Mary's chosen role in God's plan. Wow! What a rush! Scream it from the rooftop!
No, wait. That's not what Mary does. Mary reveals her heart for God with what happens immediately after her initial encounter with her relative. She calmly and thoughtfully sings a song of praise to God. It's a magnificent song, one we may model in our response to God when contemplating that He, the Mighty One, chooses to use us in His plan. Let's look at what she says.
Mary first focuses on God, praises Him, and rejoices in Him because He has saved her. As an Old Testament believer, Mary's hope of salvation rests in God alone and His promises. Her hope is not in her own ability to make herself acceptable to God. She knows God has chosen her and will take her beyond her own social limitations as a young betrothed bride in a small village, because nothing is impossible with God. She praises God for including her in His salvation plan for man.
She praises God for His power, holiness, and mercy through compassion. She sings confidently that God isn't bound by man's social order; He has the power to turn it upside down. She stresses that God is merciful to Israel and consistently faithful to His covenant promises, tempering His judgment with mercy. God's past faithfulness gives hope for the future for all who revere Him.
Discussion Questions
1. Mary is blessed because she believes the promises of God and trusts Him to fulfill His Word. Do you place your trust in God alone, or do you trust in your own power, position, or popularity?
2. Mary trusted God to be faithful to who He is by pouring out His mercy on those who fear Him. Do you see yourself as self-sufficient or as someone in need of God's mercy and grace?
3. Mary responded submissively to God's will for her life. Is your song a thankful praise to God for your salvation? If not, what changes in your attitude or lifestyle do you need to make?
4. Christmas carols are expressions of joy and follow Mary's song of thanksgiving, praise, and eager anticipation of the birth of Christ. What song do you sing during this Advent season?