Luke 1:41-56

Blessed is Mary, the mother of God, and blessed is the fruit of her womb, Jesus!!

I know how hard it is to lose a son. I cannot fathom how hard it would be to see him suffer and die. Even if she knew that He would be raised from the dead…she wept!

Luke 1:41-56

41 And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. 45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.”

46 And Mary said:

“My soul magnifies the Lord,

47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.

48 For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant;

For behold, henceforth 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 on those who fear Him

From generation to generation.

51 He has shown strength with His arm;

He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

52 He has put down the mighty from their thrones,

And exalted the lowly.

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 seed forever.”

Mary visits Elizabeth to assist her in the final months of her pregnancy. Given the immense social pressures and stigma that Mary was about to endure as an unwed mother, she likely sought solace in Elizabeth, who would believe the divine nature of her conception. Mary praises God’s attributes by using names that reflect His character. Faithlife Bible.

Mary’s coming brought a reaction from John in Elizabeth’s womb. The Messiah’s forerunner gave testimony to the Messiah even before he was born. The angel had predicted to Zacharias that his baby would be filled with the Holy Spirit even from the womb. Elizabeth marveled at the grace that allowed her a role in God’s great plan. She knew God owed her nothing; but she also knew that God had mercifully given her much. Mary’s faith contrasts with the doubt of Zacharias. Mary’s response of faith was exemplary. She was simply waiting on God to bring His promises to fulfillment.

The hymn gets its name, the “Magnificat,” from the Latin word for magnifies. One of four hymns in the first two chapters of Luke. Mary’s hymn is a recital of what God had done for her and for others in the past. Things would never be the same again. Mary went from being a poor unknown Hebrew girl to the most honored woman in the history of the world. NKJ Bible.

It is very good for those who have the work of grace begun in their souls, to communicate one to another. On Mary’s arrival, Elisabeth was conscious of the approach of her who was to be the mother of the great Redeemer. At the same time she was filled with the Holy Ghost, and under his influence declared that Mary and her expected child were most blessed and happy, as peculiarly honoured of and dear to the Most High God. 

Mary, animated by Elisabeth’s address, and being also under the influence of the Holy Ghost, broke out into joy, admiration, and gratitude. She knew herself to be a sinner who needed a Saviour, and that she could no otherwise rejoice in God than as interested in his salvation through the promised Messiah. Those who see their need of Christ, and are desirous of righteousness and life in him, he fills with good things, with the best things; and they are abundantly satisfied with the blessings he gives. He will satisfy the desires of the poor in spirit who long for spiritual blessings, while the self-sufficient shall be sent empty away. Matthew Henry Commentary.