Luke 1:39-45

Believe in the promises of the Lord and rejoice in them for it is your strength.

John 20:29 | Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Belief always precedes behavior. To change the way a person responds to life, change what a person believes about life. So…who do you believe Jesus is? Max Lucado 

Luke 1:39-45

39 Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, 40 and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. 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.” The New King James Version

Savior (Gk. sōtēr) (1:47; 2:11; John 4:42; Phil. 3:20) Strong’s #4990: In addition to the obvious meaning, “one who provides salvation,” the word Savior often includes the related meanings of “Deliverer,” “Protector,” or “Preserver.” In ancient Greek society, the term was applied not only to gods but also to human beings whose significant actions brought some type of benefit to others. Mary rejoices in God her Savior, referring to the Lord’s mighty acts of protection and deliverance on behalf of Israel. The angel announces to the shepherds the birth of “a Savior, who is Christ the Lord,” One who would offer Himself as a sacrifice to provide redemption for all. Luke’s emphasis on Jesus as Savior can be seen in the summary of Jesus’ mission “to seek and to save that which was lost.”

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. Faithlife Study 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 NKJV Study Bible

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. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary