57When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. Luke 1:39-56 Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition Mary Visits Elizabeth Granted, the worship of these two women is not public, but private. 51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. The Wonder Of Christmas. If a woman past the childbearing age could become pregnant, why, the angel implies, should there be doubt about Marys pregnancy, for nothing will be impossible for God. Try Bible Gateway Plus free today! Mary has a good sense of history and a broad grasp of Gods purposes and promises. Thus, it is used with reference to Nazareth (1:26), which was but a village. 20 Look! 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and . 21 Charles H. Talbert, Reading Luke: A Literary and Theological Commentary on the Third Gospel (New York: Crossroad Publishing Company, 1982), p. 22. 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. 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.'. 55 -according to the promise he made to our ancestors -- of his mercy to Abraham and to his descendants for ever. 7 But they were childless: Elizabeth was barren and they were both advanced in years. 38Mary said, Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. 44 Look, the moment your greeting reached my ears, the child in my womb leapt for joy. They were not, however, the themes of the scribes and Pharisees. Luke . There is a also distinct parallel with the praise of Hannah in 1 Samuel chapter 2. She rejoices in God, who is her Savior (v. 47). 39-56) by informing us that Mary returned home after three months (v. 56). Q. It is true that Elizabeth blessed Mary as the mother of her Lord (1:42), and that future generations will bless her as such also (1:48). Instead, we must focus on the things which Luke has included, for these point to the thrust of his argument. 1 The feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was now drawing near, 2 and the chief priests and the scribes were looking for some way of doing away with him, because they were afraid of the people. Bob was born and raised in a Christian home i More, Getting Spiritually Fit 1 ( Corinthians 9:24-27), Steps to Biblical Reconciliation (Luke 17:1-4; 2 Corinthians 5:15-21). Elizabeths words are not as reflective, but seem almost to explode from her lips unexpectedly. ', 46 And Mary said: My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord. Mary understood that Israels hope was rooted in the Abrahamic Covenant, not in the Mosaic. BEST VALUE in digital Bible study. 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). 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. 67. 74 that he would grant us, free from fear, to be delivered from the hands of our enemies. 1 He called the Twelve together and gave them power and authority over all devils and to cure diseases, 2 and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. This would serve as further testimony to the divine origin of the Christ-child. He will be called John.i in 1971. 52 He has pulled down princes from their thrones and raised high the lowly. 23Then, when his days of ministry were completed, he went home. The Nutcracker - Four Realms / Four Reminders. 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. (6) Elizabeths praise suggests that she may have possessed a greater depth of spiritual and scriptural insight than her husband. We cannot say for certain, but we can affirm at this moment that all that she said was divinely inspired. Q. Mary may not be all that some have held her to be, but she is a magnificent model of discipleship. There is no mention as to whether or not Mary was pregnant when she first arrived at the home of Elizabeth and Zachariah. John spoke as it were by leaping in the womb (1:41), while Elizabeth seems almost to speak for John. The Conspiracy Against Jesus. After the announcement is made (Lk 1:1417, 3133) the parent objects (Lk 1:18, 34) and a sign is given to confirm the announcement (Lk 1:20, 36). Mary left almost immediately for the home of Elizabeth and Zacharias, and the journey may have taken some time. Mary may have wondered how Elizabeth would respond to the news she had to share. 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. And indeed the hand of the Lord was with him. Here is, New International Version (NIV). We're not salespeople, but we depend on donations averaging $14.76 and fewer than 1% of readers give. I must confess to you that I often become overly absorbed in what isnt said, rather than to concentrate on what is reported. 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. Zachariah was told that his prayer (a prayer, I assume, for the coming of Messiah) had been answered, and that he and his wife would have the privilege and pleasure of bearing the son who would prepare the way for Messiahs appearance (vv. (O)53He has filled the hungry with good things(P)but has sent the rich away empty.54He has helped his servant Israel,remembering to be merciful(Q)55to Abraham and his descendants(R) forever,just as he promised our ancestors.. 69 and he has established for us a saving power in the House of his servant David. 4 so that your Excellency may learn how well founded the teaching is that you have received. get to know the Bible better! 49 for the Almighty has done great things for me. 43But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord(D) should come to me? 64Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God.j 42 She gave a loud cry and said, 'Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. * [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. 59 Now it happened that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, 60 but his mother spoke up. . * [1:5] In the days of Herod, King of Judea: Luke relates the story of salvation history to events in contemporary world history. 19And the angel said to him in reply, I am Gabriel,* who stand before God. Mary understood that the good news of Messiahs coming would result in great social reversals. Elizabeths praise surpasses Zachariahs petition for a sign. * [1:13] Do not be afraid: a stereotyped Old Testament phrase spoken to reassure the recipient of a heavenly vision (Gn 15:1; Jos 1:9; Dn 10:12, 19 and elsewhere in Lk 1:30; 2:10). . 2:11-21). 4 He approached the chief priests and the . Luke 1:65 And fear came upon all their neighbours: and all these things were noised abroad over all the hill country of Judea. 66 All those who heard of it treasured it in their hearts. Both she and Zacharias were country people, who lived in an unnamed village in the hill country of Judah. 57. 62 and made signs to his father to find out what he wanted him called. And they were all astonished. ii. 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. In contrast to the psalm of Jonah in Jonah chapter 2, which we have recently considered,18 the psalm of Mary is a magnificent masterpiece. Now as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leapt in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. get to know the Bible better! Because of this, the practices of our church stand out, and are considered very offensive to many women, and some men. Composition Narrative. 12Zechariah was troubled by what he saw, and fear came upon him. 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). May it be done to me according to your word. Then the angel departed from her. The book of Revelation speaks much of these themes, and prophesies their fulfillment. "May your word to me be fulfilled.". ', 34 Mary said to the angel, 'But how can this come about, since I have no knowledge of man?'. And he lived in the desert until the day he appeared openly to Israel. 16 The term young is used with some caution, for it is only tradition that teaches us Mary was a young, girl, a teen. 41And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit 42and she exclaimed with a loud cry, Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. BEST VALUE in digital Bible study. Chapter 9 . (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. Ignatius Catholic Bible (RSV): Compact Edition - Imitation leather, Burgundy with Zipper, The Revised Standard Version Catholic Bible, Compact Ed. 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. 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.'. 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. (O)53He has filled the hungry with good things(P)but has sent the rich away empty.54He has helped his servant Israel,remembering to be merciful(Q)55to Abraham and his descendants(R) forever,just as he promised our ancestors.. He continued as king until his death in 4 B.C. 1 The whole assembly then rose, and they brought him before Pilate. Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSVCE), Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1975 [reprint]), p. 84. 77 to give his people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins. God has not just singled Mary out for blessing, leaving others in their miserable estate. Luke 1:38 And Mary said: Behold the handmaid of the Lord: be it done to me according to thy word. If you are one of our rare donors, you have our gratitude and we warmly thank you. In the course of performing his duty, the angel Gabriel appeared to him while he was inside the holy place. He is cast, moreover, in the role of the Old Testament fiery reformer, the prophet Elijah, who according to Mal 3:23 (Mal 4:5) is sent before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes.. 3 I in my turn, after carefully going over the whole story from the beginning, have decided to write an ordered account for you, Theophilus. 54 He has come to the help of Israel his servant, mindful of his faithful love. Bible. The immediate faith and submission of Mary, a simple and very young peasant girl, to the will of God is contrasted with the hesitant request of Zachariah for a sign, a man who was a priest all his many years of life. There was so much that women could not do, or at least were not allowed to do. (H)From now on all generations will call me blessed,(I)49for the Mighty One has done great things(J) for meholy is his name. 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. While this is true, this must be kept in its proper perspective. The prophecy of Zachariah, both of Jesus, 76. and of John. b. 13 But the angel said to him, 'Zechariah, do not be afraid, for your prayer has been heard. 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. n. [1:31] Gn 16:11; Jgs 13:3; Is 7:14; Mt 1:2123. (2) Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and her words were a divinely inspired utterance. Catholic Public Domain Version . Marys age, then, is not a significant issue to Luke. Luke was a doctor and therefore a man of science and research, and this is reflected in his history of the life of Jesus. Try Bible Gateway Plus free today! As we compare Lukes account which introduces Zacharias, this elderly (and godly) priest is not put in nearly as favorable light as is his wife, Elizabeth. The account presents parallel scenes (diptychs) of angelic announcements of the birth of John the Baptist and of Jesus, and of the birth, circumcision, and presentation of John and Jesus. When one thinks of the women of the ancient world, our first emotional response is usually pity. 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. Second, the praise of Elizabeth and Mary provide us with a model for our own worship and praise. Luke's two-part narrative, his Gospel and his Acts of the Apostles, gives a somewhat different perspective on Jesus' final days from the narratives of Matthew, Mark, or John. The things which Luke does not tell us ought not to be our primary concern, to deal with them as unsolved mysteries, for which we must have an answer. 57 The time came for Elizabeth to have her child, and she gave birth to a son; 58 and when her neighbours and relations heard that the Lord had lavished on her his faithful love, they shared her joy. 33and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.p 79to shine on those who sit in darkness and deaths shadow, to guide our feet into the path of peace., 80The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the desert until the day of his manifestation to Israel.u. 56 Mary stayed with her some three months and then went home. No doubt in the minds of some they were being punished by God for some sin. His self-righteousness is evident in the psalm of chapter 2, which dwells on his dilemma, his danger, and his deliverance, but not on God. 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour; 48 because he has looked upon the humiliation of his servant. * [1:2638] The announcement to Mary of the birth of Jesus is parallel to the announcement to Zechariah of the birth of John. 50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. And it came about while He said these things, one of the women in the crowd raised her voice, and said to Him, Blessed is the womb that bore You, and the breasts at which You nursed. But He said, On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God, and observe it (Luke 11:27-28). Several observations concerning Elizabeths response to the arrival of Mary will help us to grasp the magnificence of this woman, as I believe Luke intended us to do. Peter momentarily forgot that the gospel is inseparably linked with certain social obligations, and thus Paul had to rebuke him (cf. If you have already donated, we sincerely thank you. (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. Not only does she think biblically, she also expresses herself in biblical terms. 13But the angel said to him, Do not be afraid,* Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. 44For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. (K)50His mercy extends to those who fear him,from generation to generation. The language of our praise should betray a continual soaking in the Scriptures and meditation on the terms and theology of the Bible. 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. I am thus inclined to view this as Lukes way of informing us that some women may very well surpass men spiritually. Gabriel had informed Zacharias that the child would be filled with the Holy Spirit while yet in his mothers womb (Luke 1:15). Zacharias and his wife Elizabeth were both descendants of Aaron (v. 5), and were righteous in the sight of God (v. 6). 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. This is clearly seen to be in blatant disregard for the teaching of our text. 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. Luke 1:56 Catholic Bible 51 He has used the power of his arm, he has routed the arrogant of heart. The gospel in Luke 1:39-56 is a clear manifestation that Mary during he life supported her Son to the very end. We know now that this includes both His first and His second comings. Matt. Luke 1:39-56: Mary set out at that time and went as quickly as she could to a town in the hill country of Judah. 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. This brought a rebuke, and a temporary loss of speech, which nevertheless served as a sign to the people assembled at the temple that something very significant was about to happen. 24After this time his wife Elizabeth conceived, and she went into seclusion for five months, saying, * [1:6879] Like the canticle of Mary (Lk 1:4655) the canticle of Zechariah is only loosely connected with its context. 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