He even encouraged his disciples to leave him and to follow Christ (John 1:35-37). Mary visits Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-56) With the time drawing near when Elizabeth would give birth, Mary travelled south to visit her. For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years. 10 And at the hour of incense all the people were outside, praying. 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. She knows the true mystery beyond His death so she bear it. Catholic Public Domain Version . He stated that he had investigated "everything from the beginning" and was editing the material into . 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. NIV Reverse Interlinear Bible: English to Hebrew and English to Greek. 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). The prophecy of Zachariah, both of Jesus, 76. and of John. The naming of the child John and Zechariahs recovery from his loss of speech should be understood as fulfilling the angels announcement to Zechariah in Lk 1:13, 20. Far more important to Luke is her virginity, for this is an essential element in the virgin birth. In the course of performing his duty, the angel Gabriel appeared to him while he was inside the holy place. Thank you. There is a also distinct parallel with the praise of Hannah in 1 Samuel chapter 2. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leaped in her womb. The question which this raises is what is meant by the use of the a past tense. 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. 14:26a). For less than $5/mo. When one thinks of the women of the ancient world, our first emotional response is usually pity. 20But now you will be speechless and unable to talk* until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.j, 21Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah and were amazed that he stayed so long in the sanctuary. . 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 . 59 Now it happened that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, 60 but his mother spoke up. Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. 14 He will be your joy and delight and many will rejoice at his birth. 58Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her.g Chapter 9 . 45Blessed are you who believed* that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.u, The Canticle of Mary. 30 but the angel said to her, 'Mary, do not be afraid; you have won God's favour. 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me. While Elizabeth spoke with a loud voice (1:42), Mary is perhaps more sedate. Luke 1:65 And fear came upon all their neighbours: and all these things were noised abroad over all the hill country of Judea. 57When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. 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). Announcement of the Birth of John. I am an old man and my wife is getting on in years.'. 27to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgins name was Mary.l To those who lived far away from the Holy Land, the name of this unknown place was unimportant. * [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. 44 Look, the moment your greeting reached my ears, the child in my womb leapt for joy. 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. Saint of the Day for Wednesday, Jan 18th, 2023. While bearing the Messiah was a distinct privilege for Mary, that for which she is most highly praised is her faith and her obedience. 62So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. [1:48] 11:27; 1Sm 1:11; 2Sm 16:12; 2Kgs 14:26; Ps 113:7. z. Copyright 2019 by Zondervan. She went into Zechariah's house and greeted Elizabeth. 6 Both were upright in the sight of God and impeccably carried out all the commandments and observances of the Lord. 30Then the angel said to her, Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 66 All those who heard of it treasured it in their hearts. Show the volunteers who bring you reliable, Catholic information that their work matters. Mary has a great breadth of understanding. Like mother, like son. Mary is not a model for disciples in being the mother of Messiah. * [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). 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. 13 But the angel said to him, 'Zechariah, do not be afraid, for your prayer has been heard. 7 But they were childless: Elizabeth was barren and they were both advanced in years. All rights reserved. 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. 35 The angel answered, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will cover you with its shadow. 31n Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. Thus, Elizabeths praise served as further confirmation of Gabriels words. Women may be limited so far as their public ministry is concerned, but not so far as their spirituality and intimacy with God is concerned. 24After this time his wife Elizabeth conceived, and she went into seclusion for five months, saying, Wonders of His . The Canticle of Zechariah. Bible. Marys age, then, is not a significant issue to Luke. 8Once when he was serving as priest in his divisions turn before God, She rejoices in God, who is her Savior (v. 47). The Conspiracy Against Jesus. Bridgeway Bible Commentary. * [1:69] A horn for our salvation: the horn is a common Old Testament figure for strength (Ps 18:3; 75:56; 89:18; 112:9; 148:14). New International Version (NIV). And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit 42 and exclaimed with a loud cry, 'Blessed are you among . 56Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home. * [1:20] You will be speechless and unable to talk: Zechariahs becoming mute is the sign given in response to his question in v. 18. 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. 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. (2) Marys praise begins with her grateful response to the grace God has shown to her, a humble servant of the Lord. Used by permission. ', 46 And Mary said: My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord. 13:9). Marys praise was addressed to God, but in adoring God she also encouraged and edified Elizabeth, just as Elizabeths praise encouraged her. 29But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 2 as these were handed down to us by those who from the outset were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word. How many Apostles were there? John will go before the Lord (Lk 1:1617); Jesus will be Lord (Lk 1:43; 2:11). 23Then, when his days of ministry were completed, he went home. 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. Throughout the Old Testament, the miraculous ministries of Gods chosen instruments often began by a miraculous or unusual birth. 19And the angel said to him in reply, I am Gabriel,* who stand before God. He was gesturing to them but remained mute. ii. 37for nothing will be impossible for God.r 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. 57. The births of Abraham (Genesis 12-21), Samuel (1 Samuel 1 & 2), and Samson (Judges 13), are examples of such miraculous births. Some thoughts on today's scripture. 39. As the writer to the Hebrews put it. 73 This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham. In all of these cases we must remember that Luke purposefully chose, under the guidance and control of the Holy Spirit, either to include or to exclude various details. 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 Lord is with you.m 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). Elizabeths words far surpass the revelation which we are told Gabriel gave to Zacharias. Composition Narrative. Copyright 2019 by Zondervan. 2:11-21). The marginal references in our Bibles indicate the many other allusions and parallels. 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. 12:46-50; Luke 8:19-21). 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. 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. 63He asked for a tablet and wrote, John is his name, and all were amazed. 22But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. 3 He said to them, 'Take nothing for the journey: neither staff, nor haversack, nor bread, nor money; and do not have a spare tunic. Her whole hymn is inspired by this fact.20. 32 He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High. Marys Magnificat reveals the depth of her grasp of Gods grace, which is not only shown to her, but to all the people of God, and from generation to generation. The gospel in Luke 1:39-56 is a clear manifestation that Mary during he life supported her Son to the very end. 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. get to know the Bible better! 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. 3 Then Satan entered into Judas, surnamed Iscariot, who was one of the Twelve. (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. We have further corroboration of this from two other statements made by Luke: But she was greatly troubled at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this might be (Luke 1:29, emphasis mine). Here we see the meeting of two mothers, eager to support and help each other at a time of major change in their lives. Luke - Chapter 22. To press the matter of Marys obedience even further, Mary was not only obedient to the imperatives of Gods word, but also to the inferences of His word. Announcement of the Birth of Jesus. 70even as he promised through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old: 71salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us,m, 73and of the oath he swore to Abraham our father,p. Second, the praise of Elizabeth and Mary provide us with a model for our own worship and praise. 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. and to grant us that, 74rescued from the hand of enemies, without fear we might worship him 75in holiness and righteousness. Ignatius Catholic Bible (RSV): Compact Edition - Imitation leather, Burgundy with Zipper, The Revised Standard Version Catholic Bible, Compact Ed. 40 She went into Zechariah's house and greeted Elizabeth. The fact that Zacharias was a professional priest and that his wife and Mary were but lay people did not in any way set Zacharias above the others. Women seemed only fit for fixing meals and bearing children. Luis A. Zazano May 30, 2021. It seems to me that this is a very significant fact. 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. 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. Both she and Zacharias were country people, who lived in an unnamed village in the hill country of Judah. 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. The women seemed only fit for fixing meals and bearing children. By alluding to Old Testament themes in Lk 1:17, 19 such as the coming of the day of the Lord and the dawning of the messianic era, Luke is presenting his interpretation of the significance of the births of John and Jesus. 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. 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. While some think that they will be a Christian by trying harder to live a good life they need to learn that becoming a Christian, being born again is illustrated by the birth of Marys child, while trying to be religious through good works is illustrated by the birth of John the Baptist. But the textual evidence in support of Mary is overwhelming. Leon Morris, The Gospel According To St. Luke, The Tyndale Bible Commentary Series, R. V. G. Tasker, General Editor (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1974), p. 75. She would, by the miraculous action of the Holy Spirit, become pregnant, and her holy child would be called the Son of God (v. 35). 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. 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. 51-52). Q. 13But the angel said to him, Do not be afraid,* Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Both reach out in love and rejoice in the work of God in their live. God looked upon her humble estate with compassion; consequently she will be esteemed blessed by all future generations (v. 48). (L)51He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;(M)he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leapt in her womb. Nevertheless she assumes throughout that He has indeed been promised her. No doubt in the minds of some they were being punished by God for some sin. 23 When his time of service came to an end he returned home. 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. 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. Try Bible Gateway Plus free today! 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. 36 And I tell you this too: your cousin Elizabeth also, in her old age, has conceived a son, and she whom people called barren is now in her sixth month. * [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. Mary left almost immediately for the home of Elizabeth and Zacharias, and the journey may have taken some time. 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. 2. 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. Mary understood the great themes of the Old Testament, such as Gods mercy and compassion, Gods concern for the poor and the helpless. All rights reserved worldwide. 51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour; 48 because he has looked upon the humiliation of his servant. 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