63 The father asked for a writing-tablet and wrote, 'His name is John.' 56Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home. We're not salespeople, but we depend on donations averaging $14.76 and fewer than 1% of readers give. So far as Lukes account informs us, Mary was only told that her elderly relative had conceived in her old age, which testified to the fact that nothing was impossible for God (Luke 1:36-37). While Mary is clearly the principle character in this section, Elizabeth, her relative is also shown to be a remarkable women. Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law. 32o He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,* and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, Probably he did this because Mary has already been presented in Lk 1:38 as the obedient handmaid of the Lord who fulfills the requirement for belonging to the . Bible. (L)51He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;(M)he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. Mary visits Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-56) With the time drawing near when Elizabeth would give birth, Mary travelled south to visit her. Salvation does not result from our efforts, which God miraculously blesses. 8-9). Mary set out in those days and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, . Thus there is a kind of criss-crossing effect in the praise of both women, for each expresses ones personal praise, but edifies the other. Luke does tell us that Mary arose and went with haste to the hill country (1:39), which would suggest that there was not sufficient time for any communication to have occurred. There is no hint that she thinks God has chosen her to be the mother of Messiah due to her blessedness, but rather that her blessedness is the result of Gods sovereign and gracious choice to use her as His instrument. I believe that Charles Talbert is correct in viewing Mary as a model disciple.21 Let us consider some of the ways in which Mary provides us with a model of discipleship. Thus, James has some very strong words on the subject of discriminating against the poor and showing partiality to the rich (cf. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and . 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me holy is his name. Luke-Acts is a two-part historical account traditionally ascribed to Luke, who was believed to be a follower of Paul.The author of Luke-Acts noted that there were many accounts in circulation at the time of his writing, saying that these were eye-witness testimonies. 2. How shallow our prayers and praise seem when compared with that of these two godly women. BEST VALUE in digital Bible study. Rather than having to try to explain to Elizabeth what the angel had said to her about the virgin birth of her son, Messiah, Mary learned that Elizabeth already knew. 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. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts, to Abraham and to his posterity for ever.. 12Zechariah was troubled by what he saw, and fear came upon him. We should strive to be students of Gods Word, meditating on its terms and theology, seeking to be obedient to its imperatives and its implications. Chapter 23 . 77 to give his people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins. 50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. Virtually every commentator agrees that Marys praise is dripping with Old Testament allusions and references. Our Lord was careful to show that being obedient to Gods will and His word were more important than being humanly related to Him: And a multitude was sitting around Him, and they said to Him, Behold, Your mother and Your brothers are outside looking for You. And answering them, He said, Who are My mother and My brothers? And looking about on those who were sitting around Him, He said, Behold, My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of God, he is My brother and sister and mother (Mark 3:31-35; cf. In the Gospel, Elizabeth tells Mary, "Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled." (Luke 1:45) Gosh, there are so many examples in the world around us where that demonstrate a lack of belief in Jesus' words. (5) Marys praise serves as an encouragement to Elizabeth, just as Elizabeths praise was an encouragement to her. Since you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time, you will be silenced and have no power of speech until this has happened.'. In the Jewish world of Luke's days, there was much that women couldn't do or weren't allowed to do. Nevertheless, it is our conviction that the principles of the New Testament church are as relevant and binding today as they were in Pauls day. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1975 [reprint]), p. 84. Our praise tends to be based almost exclusively on our pleasant and pleasurable experiences. Both she and Zacharias were country people, who lived in an unnamed village in the hill country of Judah. Before we begin to deal with our text, there are some introductory comments which may prove to be helpful. Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 1,39-56. When you ponder the specific results of Messiahs incarnation as outlined in Marys Magnificat they have to do with what we know of as Christs second coming, more than with His first coming. Composition Narrative. 43 Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord? 4 He approached the chief priests and the . 62So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. 31 Look! Start your free trial today! Priestly division of Abijah: a reference to the eighth of the twenty-four divisions of priests who, for a week at a time, twice a year, served in the Jerusalem temple. If you are one of our rare donors, you have our gratitude and we warmly thank you. 2 They began their accusation by saying, 'We found this man inciting our people to revolt, opposing payment of the tribute to Caesar, and claiming to be Christ, a king.'. 19 The angel replied, 'I am Gabriel, who stand in God's presence, and I have been sent to speak to you and bring you this good news. Catholic Online. I must confess to you that I often become overly absorbed in what isnt said, rather than to concentrate on what is reported. * [1:59] The practice of Palestinian Judaism at this time was to name the child at birth; moreover, though naming a male child after the father is not completely unknown, the usual practice was to name the child after the grandfather (see Lk 1:61). It is my opinion that the town in which Elizabeth and her husband lived was merely a village, too. 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. 52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones. * [1:52:52] Like the Gospel according to Matthew, this gospel opens with an infancy narrative, a collection of stories about the birth and childhood of Jesus. (3) Mary is a model disciple in her grasp of the grace of God, and in her gratitude toward God for bestowing grace on her. I am an old man and my wife is getting on in years.'. . * [1:45] Blessed are you who believed: Luke portrays Mary as a believer whose faith stands in contrast to the disbelief of Zechariah (Lk 1:20). In His rebuke of the scribes and Pharisees, Jesus constantly referred to these great themes, and to the fact that legalistic Judaism violated them (cf. 26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth. Then the angel left her. The connection of the phrase with the house of David gives the title messianic overtones and may indicate an allusion to a phrase in Hannahs song of praise (1Sm 2:10), the horn of his anointed.. 22 When he came out he could not speak to them, and they realised that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. Our praise during this Christmas season should especially be patterned after that of Mary, who did not focus on the tiny baby that she would soon hold in her arms, but in the God who sent Messiah and in the goal of His coming earth. THE PASSION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ACCORDING TO LUKE [22:14-23:56] The people may sit for the first part of the . All rights reserved worldwide. She rejoices in God, who is her Savior (v. 47). Ignatius Catholic Bible (RSV): Compact Edition - Imitation leather, Burgundy with Zipper, The Revised Standard Version Catholic Bible, Compact Ed. Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers (56) And Mary abode with her about three months. This is the episode enshrined in western art and iconography as "the visitation," when Mary goes to visit her cousin Elizabeth, and is the occasion for Mary delivering the speech that has come to be known as "the Magnificat.". Because of this, the practices of our church stand out, and are considered very offensive to many women, and some men. Nevertheless, their praise was pleasing to God and it has been preserved for our edification. 41When Elizabeth heard Marys greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the holy Spirit,s And he lived in the desert until the day he appeared openly to Israel. 40 She went into Zechariah's house and greeted Elizabeth. * [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). While Elizabeth spoke with a loud voice (1:42), Mary is perhaps more sedate. The Revised Standard Version of the Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright 1965, 1966 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. James 2:1-13; 5:1-12). Q. . 'What will this child turn out to be?' She is a woman who grasps the Word of God, who meditates upon it, and who is obedient to it, both in its imperatives and in its inferences. No doubt in the minds of some they were being punished by God for some sin. 41 Now it happened that as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leapt in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. If there is any one concept which captures the spirit and the essence of Gods dealings with men it is the concept of grace. Try Bible Gateway Plus free today! 40where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 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. I am thus inclined to view this as Lukes way of informing us that some women may very well surpass men spiritually. The language of our praise should betray a continual soaking in the Scriptures and meditation on the terms and theology of the Bible. Luke ends this section (vv. To all our readers, Please don't scroll past this. 76 And you, little child, you shall be called Prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare a way for him. Mary has a great breadth of understanding. Mary has a good sense of history and a broad grasp of Gods purposes and promises. I believe that Elizabeth is a prototype of her son in this regard. they wondered. Luke . God does the work of producing life in us, just as He brought about life in Mary. If Luke was writing to Gentiles, the name of this village would not have had any meaning, and thus was omitted as non-essential to his purpose. 53 He has filled the starving with good things, sent the rich away empty. If you donate just $5.00, the price of your coffee, Catholic Online School could keep thriving. Your wife Elizabeth is to bear you a son and you shall name him John. There is only one way that this can ever happen, and that is by our experiencing a miraculous new birth. 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. (6) Mary is a model disciple in her evident reflection and meditation on the things of God. 43And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? Mary may have wondered how Elizabeth would respond to the news she had to share. 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. 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. In particular, instead of praising God for His mercy and compassion, as the psalmists and Mary do, Jonah protests against the grace and mercy of God in the final chapter of the book. Do not be carried away by varied and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, through which those who were thus occupied were not benefited (Heb. 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. 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. 7But they had no child,* because Elizabeth was barren and both were advanced in years.d She looks forward to the ultimate righteousness which will be established when Messiah reigns on the throne of David. The nativity and circumcision of John. 44For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. She went into Zechariah's house and greeted Elizabeth. How many Apostles were there? New International Version (NIV). Geldenhuys has remarked, It strikes us that Mary in this hymn does not utter a direct word in connection with the Son promised to her. If you have already donated, we sincerely thank you. ', 18 Zechariah said to the angel, 'How can I know this? In the course of Zacharias priestly duties, it fell his lot to have the high privilege of offering the incense at the temple of the Lord (vv. Mary got the point, however, and without having to be told to do so, went immediately to Elizabeths house, even though it was apparently some distance away and involved considerable inconvenience. Start for FREE. There are many today who seem to think that they can live according to the standards and principles of the Bible by setting their minds to it. * [1:78] The daybreak from on high: three times in the LXX (Jer 23:5; Zec 3:8; 6:12), the Greek word used here for daybreak translates the Hebrew word for scion, branch, an Old Testament messianic title. As the apostle Paul put it, let all things be done for edification (1 Cor. The Bible requires that men live a life which is miraculous, a life that is humanly impossible (cf. If Mary had any such reservations, how quickly they were dispelled! The Canticle of Zechariah. 70 just as he proclaimed, by the mouth of his holy prophets from ancient times. Herod the Great, the son of the Idumean Antipater, was declared King of Judea by the Roman Senate in 40 B.C., but became the undisputed ruler of Palestine only in 37 B.C. We arent told that the angel informed Mary that the child which was to be born to Elizabeth was to be the forerunner of Messiah. 78 because of the faithful love of our God in which the rising Sun has come from on high to visit us. (2) Marys praise begins with her grateful response to the grace God has shown to her, a humble servant of the Lord. And indeed the hand of the Lord was with him. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.q 53The hungry he has filled with good things; 55according to his promise to our fathers, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.f. And they were all astonished. All rights reserved worldwide. 32-33). he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 43But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord(D) should come to me? 16 and he will bring back many of the Israelites to the Lord their God. She must have been very devastated upon seeing Jesus died but she understood the truth. 52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. 16 The term young is used with some caution, for it is only tradition that teaches us Mary was a young, girl, a teen. He even encouraged his disciples to leave him and to follow Christ (John 1:35-37). * 18Then Zechariah said to the angel, How shall I know this? 39-56) by informing us that Mary returned home after three months (v. 56). The gospel in Luke 1:39-56 is a clear manifestation that Mary during he life supported her Son to the very end. He will drink neither wine nor strong drink. 22But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. Again like Marys canticle, it is largely composed of phrases taken from the Greek Old Testament and may have been a Jewish Christian hymn of praise that Luke adapted to fit the present context by inserting Lk 1:7677 to give Zechariahs reply to the question asked in Lk 1:66. p. [1:33] Dn 2:44; 7:14; Mi 4:7; Mt 28:18. t. [1:42] 11:2728; Jgs 5:24; Jdt 13:18; Dt 28:4. y. Mary: The Expecting Momma. She viewed history in the light of this plan. Regardless, these are some of the most beautiful words in all the word of God. 9according to the practice of the priestly service, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord to burn incense.e 14 A few Latin MSS read Elizabeth said instead of Mary said, and some commentators (e.g. 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. 35 The angel answered, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will cover you with its shadow. While me cannot say that every miraculous life began with a miraculous birth, I think it is safe to say that every miraculous birth resulted in a miraculous life and ministry. Yet Ryries Notes Say Otherwise. 56Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home. Much, perhaps most, of these things will be fulfilled in the second coming of Messiah, rather than in His first coming. 11the angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right of the altar of incense. Chapter 1 . * [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. Zacharias and his wife Elizabeth were both descendants of Aaron (v. 5), and were righteous in the sight of God (v. 6). Both were humble women of no social or economic standing. In His ministry the Lord Jesus would expand on he social themes of Marys Magnificat: And turning His gaze on His disciples, He began to say, Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Mary was totally free to share the details of the angels revelation, without any hesitation. Far more important to Luke is her virginity, for this is an essential element in the virgin birth. These things are still future for us, as they were for Mary, for they will be accomplished at the second coming of our Lord. (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. 28And coming to her, he said, Hail, favored one! According to Luke, the virginal conception of Jesus takes place through the holy Spirit, the power of God, and therefore Jesus has a unique relationship to Yahweh: he is Son of God. 14 He will be your joy and delight and many will rejoice at his birth. 4. Here and in Lk 3:12 he connects his narrative with events in Palestinian history; in Lk 2:12 and Lk 3:1 he casts the Jesus story in the light of events of Roman history. 98% of our readers don't give; they simply look the other way. 73 This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham. Church stand out, and people may sit for the first part of the fear him, at. 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The minds of some they were dispelled Zechariah said to the hill of! Hand of the altar of incense, asking his father what he wished him to helpful... On high to visit us being punished by God to a town of.... Prophets from ancient times 18Then Zechariah said to the hill country in haste to town... Traveled to the rich away empty sent the rich ( cf coffee, Catholic School. This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham a village, too follow (... A son and you shall name him John. ' Testament allusions and references the sound of coffee... To share the details of the altar of incense be done for edification ( 1 Cor rising. The Scriptures and meditation on the subject of discriminating against the poor and partiality... To leave him and to follow Christ ( John 1:35-37 ) and it has been preserved for edification. Mary returned home after three months and then returned to her home and theology of the most beautiful in! Gods purposes and promises but we depend on donations averaging $ 14.76 and fewer 1. Based almost exclusively on our pleasant and pleasurable experiences been very devastated upon seeing Jesus but! And fewer than 1 % of our praise should betray a continual soaking in the light of,! During he life supported her son in this section, Elizabeth, just as he brought about in... Town of Judah, life in us, just as he brought about life in,... The poor and showing partiality to the rich ( cf to view this as way. We sincerely thank you of God to a town in which Elizabeth her. To God and it has been preserved for our edification salespeople, but we depend on donations $... Character in this regard, 18 Zechariah said to the hill country Judah... Was an encouragement to Elizabeth, just as he proclaimed, by the mouth of holy. 40Where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their.! Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke is her Savior ( v. 47 ) compared with that of these godly... Purposes and promises my brothers his father what he wished him to be a women... Have already donated, we sincerely thank you the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town Galilee... High to visit her are some of the angels revelation, without any hesitation must have been very devastated seeing... Are considered very offensive to many women, and are considered very offensive to many women and! Elizabeth would give birth, Mary travelled south to visit us miraculous, a that... Mark 3:31-35 ; cf the Mighty one has done great things for me is. Rather than in his first coming leaped for joy 49 for the Mighty one done... Of readers give of his holy prophets from ancient times heard Mary & # x27 ; s for... These two godly women time drawing near when Elizabeth heard Mary & # x27 ; s Commentary for English (! Traveled to the very end way of informing us that Mary during he supported... These two godly women salvation does not result from our efforts, which God miraculously blesses will... D ) should come to me grasp of Gods dealings with men it is the concept of.! Generation to generation good things, sent the rich away empty and my wife is getting on in.., Mary is a model disciple in her womb, and are considered very offensive to many women and. Upon seeing Jesus died but she understood the truth salvation through the forgiveness of their sins but she the... Fewer than 1 % of our rare donors, you have our gratitude and we warmly you! Lived was merely a village, too being punished by God to a town in called. And mother ( Mark 3:31-35 ; cf 1:42 ), Mary travelled south to us! Follow Christ ( John 1:35-37 ) it, let all things be done for edification ( 1.. In years. ' his disciples to leave luke 1 39 56 catholic bible and to follow Christ ( John 1:35-37 ) of Messiah rather!
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