To press the matter further, I doubt that Mary understood that the redemptive purpose of Christs first coming would be accomplished by His death on a cross, death at the hands of wicked men. 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 does not in any way view herself as better or holier than anyone else. 5 In the days of King Herod of Judaea there lived a priest called Zechariah who belonged to the Abijah section of the priesthood, and he had a wife, Elizabeth by name, who was a descendant of Aaron. Our praise tends to be based almost exclusively on our pleasant and pleasurable experiences. The women seemed only fit for fixing meals and bearing children. 4. 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. 1. 58Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her.g Elizabeth already knew, believed, and rejoiced in the truth of God, spoken through Gabriel. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John.f Mary was totally free to share the details of the angels revelation, without any hesitation. Zacharias faith wavered, and he consequently asked for some sign, some proof that the promise of the angel would be fulfilled. 18 In our study of the book of Jonah, we concluded that Jonah typified the sin of Israel by his lack of compassion, his disobedience, his self-righteousness, and his refusal to repent. Creed) accept this. 73 This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham. 51-52). Basketweave Black/Burgandy Bonded Leather, The Official Catholic Scripture Study International Bible, Largeprint, Bonded Leather, Black - Slightly Imperfect, RSV Ignatius Catholic Study Bible New Testament 2nd Edition. (6) Marys praise does not focus on the child she will bear, but on Father who is sending His Messiah. (4) Elizabeths words served primarily as an encouragement to Mary. (5) Elizabeth praises God for much more than those things that Zachariah was told. 31 Look! If Catholic Online has given you $5.00 worth of knowledge this year, take a minute to donate. There were now two witnesses. 50 and his faithful love extends age after age to those who fear him. 'What will this child turn out to be?' Luke 1:65 And fear came upon all their neighbours: and all these things were noised abroad over all the hill country of Judea. 40 She went into Zechariah's house and greeted Elizabeth. Zacharias returned home to his wife, who kept herself in seclusion for five months (vv. 13But the angel said to him, Do not be afraid,* Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Used by permission. Because there is no specific connection of the canticle to the context of Marys pregnancy and her visit to Elizabeth, the Magnificat (with the possible exception of v. 48) may have been a Jewish Christian hymn that Luke found appropriate at this point in his story. 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.'. Luke . 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. We have further corroboration of this from two other statements made by Luke: But she was greatly troubled at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this might be (Luke 1:29, emphasis mine). Elizabeths proclamation does not focus on the blessing of the child which she will bear (John), but on the blessing of God in the arrival of Mary, who is to be the mother of the Messiah. Finally, there are those who would accept the rendering of some obscure manuscripts14 and conclude that it was Elizabeth and not Mary, who was the composer of the magnificat,15 the praise hymn of verses 46-55. Romans chapter 7). In short, Mary is the focus, not Elizabeth. If verse 50 spells out the principle that God blesses His people, from generation to generation, verses 51-55 give some specific ways in which this has and will be done. 15 FRom the first word of her hymn of praise in the Vulgate translation, this hymn is known as the Magnificat. From the earliest times it has been used in the praises of the Christian church. Norval Geldenhuys, Commentary on the Gospel of Luke, The New International Commentary on the New Testament Series (Grand Rapids: Wm. Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSVCE), Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition. The point I wish to make here is that the restrictions which the New Testament makes on women and their role in public worship are not detrimental to the spiritual life and development of women. 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. 23Then, when his days of ministry were completed, he went home. 30 but the angel said to her, 'Mary, do not be afraid; you have won God's favour. Neither, Elizabeth, Mary, nor Luke refer to the fetus in Marys womb, while we are specifically told that John leaped in his mothers womb when Elizabeth heard Marys greeting (Luke 1:41). Perhaps there is a hint here that the words of Marys hymn are divinely inspired, but that the work is her composition, her work of praise and devotion, in response to the revelation of the angel. 56Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home. While Elizabeth spoke with a loud voice (1:42), Mary is perhaps more sedate. 7But they had no child,* because Elizabeth was barren and both were advanced in years.d (B) 42In a loud voice she exclaimed: Blessed are you among women,(C) and blessed is the child you will bear! If Mary had any such reservations, how quickly they were dispelled! Salvation is Gods miraculous work in us, producing new life. 8 Now it happened that it was the turn of his section to serve, and he was exercising his priestly office before God. 64Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God.j 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And so, too, will the greatness of Messiah and His ministry surpass that of John the Baptist, the forerunner of Messiah. 43But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord(D) should come to me? 31n Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. While this may not refer only to the saving work which Messiah will come to accomplish, surely it includes it. 49The Mighty One has done great things for me, dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart.b, 52He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones. They forget that all pious Israelites from their childhood days knew by heart songs from the Old Testament and often sang them in the home circle and at celebrations. Ps 18:46; Isa 17:10; 61:10; Hab 3:18; 1Ti 1:1; 2:3; 4:10, Ge 11:8; Ex 18:11; 2Sa 22:28; Jer 13:9; 49:16, NIV, The Story: The Bible as One Continuing Story of God and His People, NIV, Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible, Red Letter Edition: Bringing to Life the Ancient World of Scripture, NIV, Story of Jesus: Experience the Life of Jesus as One Seamless Story, NIV, The Story, Hardcover, Comfort Print: The Bible as One Continuing Story of God and His People, NIV, Biblical Theology Study Bible, Comfort Print: Follow Gods Redemptive Plan as It Unfolds throughout Scripture, NIV, The Woman's Study Bible, Full-Color, Red Letter: Receiving God's Truth for Balance, Hope, and Transformation. The scribes and Pharisees, however, seemed only to grasp a few of the particulars, but missed the plan. 28And coming to her, he said, Hail, favored one! Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. (39) The hill country . We can see that the verbs in these verses are past perfect. (4) In verses 51-55, Marys praise focuses on the faithfulness of God to His promises and His purposes, especially His covenant with Abraham and his descendants. 52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. While this is true, this must be kept in its proper perspective. 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.'. 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. 1 The whole assembly then rose, and they brought him before Pilate. The Israelites felt that their physical link with Abraham was sufficient to save them, but they were wrong, and John would later challenge this false belief (Luke 3:8). Mary viewed all of Gods dealings in the light of His grace; the religious leaders only thought in terms of human works. . 56Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home. (K)50His mercy extends to those who fear him,from generation to generation. Show the volunteers who bring you reliable, Catholic information that their work matters. We find the first instance of his highlighting of women in our text in the first chapter of Lukes gospel, where the spotlight is directed toward two godly women. She knows the true mystery beyond His death so she bear it. * [1:17] He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah: John is to be the messenger sent before Yahweh, as described in Mal 3:12. Marys praise was addressed to God, but in adoring God she also encouraged and edified Elizabeth, just as Elizabeths praise encouraged her. He will be called John.i 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. We must first very candidly admit that we are not told how Elizabeth learned what she affirmed by divine inspiration. 45Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!, My soul glorifies the Lord(F)47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,(G)48for he has been mindfulof the humble state of his servant. 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. 56 Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home. How encouraging the greeting of Elizabeth must have been to Mary. We're not salespeople, but we depend on donations averaging $14.76 and fewer than 1% of readers give. Then the angel left her. The Lord is with you.'. * [1:7] They had no child: though childlessness was looked upon in contemporaneous Judaism as a curse or punishment for sin, it is intended here to present Elizabeth in a situation similar to that of some of the great mothers of important Old Testament figures: Sarah (Gn 15:3; 16:1); Rebekah (Gn 25:21); Rachel (Gn 29:31; 30:1); the mother of Samson and wife of Manoah (Jgs 13:23); Hannah (1Sm 1:2). 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. Luke was a doctor and therefore a man of science and research, and this is reflected in his history of the life of Jesus. 51 He has used the power of his arm, he has routed the arrogant of heart. * [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. My opinion is that deliverances which are described have already been demonstrated in Israels history, to some degree, but that they will finally and fully be realized in the future, as a result of Messiahs coming. 34But Mary said to the angel, How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?* How gracious God is in what He does not tell us, as well in what He does. 18Then Zechariah said to the angel, How shall I know this? You are to conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you must name him Jesus. I believe that Elizabeth knew from the Scriptures that Messiah would be both human and divine, and that He would be born of a virgin. At this time the social order will under a radical and violent reversal. 6 Both were upright in the sight of God and impeccably carried out all the commandments and observances of the Lord. 69 and he has established for us a saving power in the House of his servant David. 26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth. writing to tell Elizabeth that she was coming and what the angel Gabriel had told her regarding her becoming the mother of Messiah). She went into Zechariah's house and greeted Elizabeth. The major reason for this position, in my opinion, is the similarity of the magnificat to the praise of Hannah in 1 Samuel chapter 2. 4 He approached the chief priests and the . That which she speaks far surpasses what we are told Gabriel said to Zacharias. 66 All those who heard of it treasured it in their hearts. It is my personal opinion, however, that she is no just a mere mouthpiece for the Holy Spirit, who has had no knowledge of what God was doing. 12 The sight disturbed Zechariah and he was overcome with fear. 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me holy is his name. Even if not composed by Luke, it fits in well with themes found elsewhere in Luke: joy and exultation in the Lord; the lowly being singled out for Gods favor; the reversal of human fortunes; the fulfillment of Old Testament promises. 57When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. God looked upon her humble estate with compassion; consequently she will be esteemed blessed by all future generations (v. 48). Ignatius Catholic Bible (RSV): Compact Edition - Imitation leather, Burgundy with Zipper, The Revised Standard Version Catholic Bible, Compact Ed. 16and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Announcement of the Birth of John. . There is no mention as to whether or not Mary was pregnant when she first arrived at the home of Elizabeth and Zachariah. The prophecy of Elisabeth and of Mary, concerning Jesus. Copyright 2019 by Zondervan. Is Divorce And Remarriage After Abuse, Neglect, Financial, Or Emotional Issues Okay. Much, perhaps most, of these things will be fulfilled in the second coming of Messiah, rather than in His first coming. Most people donate because Catholic Online is useful. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be satisfied But woe to you who are rich, for you are receiving your comfort in full. Some may question how a simple peasant-girl may have such a grasp of the Old Testament. Copyright 2019-2023 USCCB, please review our Privacy Policy. The book of Revelation speaks much of these themes, and prophesies their fulfillment. 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 prophecy of Zachariah, both of Jesus, 76. and of John. Start for FREE. How many Apostles were there? Thus Mary quickly prepared and left to visit her relative living in an unnamed village17 in the hill country of Judah (v. 39). 76And you, child, will be called prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord* to prepare his ways,r, 77to give his people knowledge of salvation, 78because of the tender mercy of our Gods, by which the daybreak from on high* will visit ust. But he could only make signs to them and remained dumb. She looks at the long range, not the short term. These were the themes of the Old Testament prophets. As I have studied Marys psalm of praise it occurred to me that her theology was like that of her Son, and likewise, that it was very different from that of the scribes and Pharisees. 62So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. 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. Get the app {{#signedIn}} . I will not pursue this in any detail here, but let me point out several areas of contrast between Marys theology, her understanding of the Old Testament, and that of the scribes and Pharisees. Mary dwells on the character of God, particularly His grace, which is bestowed on the humble and the oppressed. 43 Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord? 14 A few Latin MSS read Elizabeth said instead of Mary said, and some commentators (e.g. 63 The father asked for a writing-tablet and wrote, 'His name is John.' 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. 75 to serve him in holiness and uprightness in his presence, all our days. It is largely, however, the composition of Luke who writes in imitation of Old Testament birth stories, combining historical and legendary details, literary ornamentation and interpretation of scripture, to answer in advance the question, Who is Jesus Christ? The focus of the narrative, therefore, is primarily christological. Your wife Elizabeth is to bear you a son and you shall name him John. Thus, it is used with reference to Nazareth (1:26), which was but a village. Luke is not only interested in the words and deeds of Jesus, but also in the larger context of the birth, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus as the fulfillment of the promises of God in the Old Testament. Federal Tax Identification Number: 81-0596847. No doubt in the minds of some they were being punished by God for some sin. Indeed, it would seem that in the case of Elizabeth, if not also Mary, her spirituality surpassed that of her husband. 40where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. Mary did not mention the Law of Moses, the Mosaic Covenant, but only Gods promise to Abraham, the Abrahamic Covenant. While Mary is clearly the principle character in this section, Elizabeth, her relative is also shown to be a remarkable women. In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. . By alluding to Old Testament themes in Lk 1:17, 19 such as the coming of the day of the Lord and the dawning of the messianic era, Luke is presenting his interpretation of the significance of the births of John and Jesus. When Mary asks a similar question in Lk 1:34, unlike Zechariah who was punished for his doubt, she, in spite of her doubt, is praised and reassured (Lk 1:3537). First, it should be noted that there are several things which Luke has not told us, which we might like to know, but will not find in this inspired account. The Nutcracker - Four Realms / Four Reminders. The nativity and circumcision of John. Geldenhuys responds, In discussing this hymn of praise, some critics have asked whether Mary had her Old Testament open before her when she uttered the song. The Canticle of Zechariah. 8-9). 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. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David; 33 he will rule over the House of Jacob for ever and his reign will have no end. 4 so that your Excellency may learn how well founded the teaching is that you have received. n. [1:31] Gn 16:11; Jgs 13:3; Is 7:14; Mt 1:2123. 71 that he would save us from our enemies and from the hands of all those who hate us. Men assumed the leadership roles, especially in spiritual matters. The loose connection between the hymn and the context is further seen in the fact that a few Old Latin manuscripts identify the speaker of the hymn as Elizabeth, even though the overwhelming textual evidence makes Mary the speaker. Yet the worship of both of these women is such that they are models for all true disciples of our Lord. 37for nothing will be impossible for God.r 7 But they were childless: Elizabeth was barren and they were both advanced in years. The angel had not commanded Mary to go to the house of Elizabeth, but had only stated that Elizabeth was pregnant in her old age, which showed that nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:36-37). A village was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth section to serve, you. By Biblica, Inc. used by permission who heard of it treasured it in their hearts things be... Barren and they brought him before Pilate love extends age after age to those who fear him five months vv... Such a grasp of the angel Gabriel had told her regarding her becoming the mother my. Her spirituality surpassed that of her hymn of praise in the sight disturbed and... 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