Mary’s Praise  LUKE 1:39-66

In this post Mary’s praise and the birth of John the Baptist is discussed.

Earlier in posts on Luke, an angel prophesied the birth of John. Also, Mary was prophesied to give birth to Jesus. So, if you missed these posts, click https://tdroberts.org

After reading the text, questions arrive:

Question 1. Why did Luke include the visit by Mary to Elizabeth?

Mary believed the angel. Next Mary conceived Jesus, the Son of God because the Holy Spirit overshadowed her. Then, as a sign, the angel said that barren Elizabeth had also conceived.

So, Mary went to see Elizabeth to observe, no doubt, the prophecy coming true.

Question 2. Why did the Holy Spirit inspire an outcry by Elizabeth?

Surprisingly, When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby made a strong movement in the womb. Then, Elizabeth blessed Mary and affirmed Mary’s pregnancy with Jesus.

This Holy-Spirit-directed message from Elizabeth concerning Mary’s conception must havMe been faith building for Mary and is for us today.

Question 3. What was the purpose of Mary’s Holy Spirit-inspired statement?

In v. 46-50, Mary praises God for allowing her to give birth to Jesus and her conception by the Holy Spirit. Next, she praises God, v. 51-55, for all He did through the ages, especially for Abraham’s descendants.  Further. she affirmed that the birth of the Messiah is a blessing of the Lord and is the fulfillment of prophecy—see Gen. 12:1-2; 15:1-6; 17:1-8, 19-21.

Correspondingly, for us, this confirms that God keeps His promises and blessed humanity by the birth of Jesus.

Question 4. Why does Luke include the controversy about John’s name?

After the appropriate time passed, John was born.  Then, the neighbors said that this son would be called Zachariah after his father. But Zachariah insisted that his name be John as directed by the angel.

This showed his and Elizabeth’s belief in the angel’s prophecy that the child would be different. Immediately, Zachariah could speak.

This surprising effect on the surrounding area and people was, no doubt, God’s plan for John to prepare the way for Jesus.

What I learned: God is the author of the births of John and Jesus as a blessing to humanity. God deserves praise.

For more Bible comments click justchristian.com or podcastjustchristian.com or berksblog.com

#JohnNamed #MaryPregnant #MaryPraisesGod