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GEV007 – Harmonization

Photo: Nelson Bolinhas Photography (Iceland – Selijatandsfoss)

Author: Stephen Weller

Mary Visits Elizabeth, Mary’s Song of Praise Judea

Scripture Reference: Luke 1:39-56    

Context:

Luke 1:39–56 records Mary’s visit to Elizabeth shortly after the angel Gabriel announced that Mary would bear the Messiah. Traveling from Nazareth to the hill country of Judea, Mary enters the home of Zechariah and Elizabeth, where the unborn John the Baptist leaps in Elizabeth’s womb at Mary’s greeting, an early witness to the presence of Jesus. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth affirms Mary’s blessedness and faith, recognizing her as “the mother of my Lord.” In response, Mary offers a profound hymn of praise known as the Magnificat (verses 46–55), exalting God for His grace, power, and faithfulness. Her song reflects deep knowledge of Old Testament Scripture and highlights key themes of God’s redemptive plan: the exaltation of the humble, the humbling of the proud, and the fulfillment of His covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants. This passage sets the stage for the unfolding of God’s salvation through Jesus, emphasizing joy, faith, and the certainty of God’s promises being fulfilled.

Event Narrative:

Lk 1:39 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 a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”

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.

Bible Lessons for this event:

H028   Filled with the Spirit (Luke 1:39-42)
H029   Blessed Is She Who Believed (Luke 1:43-45)
H030   The Humble Are Chosen by God (Luke 1:46-49)
H031   Mercy Is for the Humble (Luke 1:50-52)
H032   Mary Returns Home Pregnant (Luke 1:53-56)

Event Summary

This event recounts Mary’s visit to her relative Elizabeth and Mary’s song of praise, often called the Magnificat. This event celebrates God’s faithfulness and the joy surrounding the miraculous pregnancies of both Mary and Elizabeth.

Studying this event reveals that Elizabeth and her unborn child recognize the significance of Jesus, showing that even before his birth, Jesus is acknowledged as the Lord and brings joy to those around him. Mary’s song, the Magnificat, expresses deep faith and humility. She recognizes her unworthiness and marvels at God’s kindness in choosing her to play a role in his plan of salvation. The Magnificat emphasizes God’s care for the lowly, hungry, and oppressed, and it affirms that God opposes the proud and powerful. This reflects a central theme of Luke’s Gospel, showing God’s favor toward the humble and marginalized. Mary’s song connects Jesus’ coming to the fulfillment of God’s promises to Abraham and Israel, reinforcing the idea that Jesus is part of God’s long-standing plan for his people.

Understanding and Application:

Discussion Questions with Answers — Luke 1:39–56

1. Why does Mary travel “with haste” to visit Elizabeth (vv. 39–40)?

  • Answer: Mary goes quickly because she has just received Gabriel’s announcement and seeks confirmation, encouragement, and fellowship. Elizabeth, miraculously pregnant and filled with the Spirit, represents someone who can understand Mary’s unique calling. The journey also likely strengthens Mary’s faith as she witnesses firsthand God’s faithfulness to His promises.

2. What is the significance of the baby (John) leaping in Elizabeth’s womb when Mary arrives (v. 41)?

  • Answer: John’s leap is a Spirit-empowered response, signaling the prophetic role he will play as the forerunner of the Messiah. Even in the womb, he “testifies” to the presence of Jesus. This moment shows continuity between the Old Testament promises and their fulfillment in Christ.

3. How does Elizabeth know that Mary is carrying “the Lord” (v. 43)?

  • Answer: Elizabeth is “filled with the Holy Spirit” (v. 41), enabling her to perceive and proclaim spiritual truth beyond natural knowledge. Her declaration affirms Jesus’ divine identity and confirms Gabriel’s message to Mary. It also shows God’s initiative in revealing Christ’s identity from the very beginning.

4. What does Elizabeth’s blessing in verse 45 highlight about Mary’s character?

  • Answer: Elizabeth blesses Mary for believing God’s word. This highlights Mary’s faith, humility, and obedience. The contrast with Zechariah (who doubted initially) underscores that faith in God’s promises opens the door to participation in His redemptive work.

5. What themes stand out in Mary’s Magnificat (vv. 46–55)?

  • Answer:
  • Mary’s song highlights:
    • God’s holiness
    • His mercy to those who fear Him
    • His power and sovereignty
    • His reversal of human pride and power (bringing down the mighty, lifting the humble)
    • His faithfulness to covenant promises made to Abraham
  • Mary’s praise roots Jesus’ coming in God’s long, unfolding plan of salvation.

6. How does Mary describe herself before God in verses 48–49, and why is this important?

  • Answer: Mary describes herself as God’s “servant” and one of “humble estate.” Her posture shows that God exalts the lowly and uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary purposes. Her humility contrasts with the prideful whom God opposes.

7. What does Mary’s focus on God’s actions teach us about the nature of biblical praise?

  • Answer: Mary’s praise is God-centered; she recounts who God is and what He has done. Biblical praise is rooted in God’s character, not circumstances. Her song models worship that remembers God’s faithfulness, magnifies His mercy, and trusts His promises.

8. How does the Magnificat reflect God’s concern for the poor, humble, and oppressed (vv. 51–53)?

  • Answer: Mary celebrates God’s pattern of overturning human power structures; He scatters the proud, brings down rulers, lifts the humble, feeds the hungry, and sends away the rich. This is not merely social commentary but a theological truth: God defends the needy and opposes human arrogance. Jesus’ ministry will embody this very pattern.

9. What covenant promise does Mary specifically connect her experience to in verses 54–55?

  • Answer: Mary connects the coming of Jesus to God’s covenant with Abraham and his offspring forever. She sees her role and Jesus’ birth as fulfillment of God’s ancient promises, highlighting continuity between the Old Testament and the New Testament.

10. Why is it significant that Mary stays with Elizabeth for about three months (v. 56)?

  • Answer: Mary likely remains until or near the time of John’s birth, strengthening both women through shared faith and experience. This time together reinforces God’s unfolding plan and provides Mary with spiritual support before returning home to face misunderstanding and social challenges.

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