Mary's Song of Praise

                                                                       Sunday School Lesson                                       

Lesson: Luke 1:46-56                                                                                                 
Golden Text: “And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,  And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour” (Luke 1:46-56).

INTRODUCTION.  This week’s lesson emphasizes Mary and her expression of praise to God called the Magnificat.  In it she magnified the Lord, meaning that she showed Him great esteem and respect and caused her view of Him to be greatly enlarged.

BACKGROUND FOR THE LESSON.  When Mary was told  that she would bear the Son of God, she was also told that her relative Elisabeth was expecting even though she was barren (see Luke 1:36).  Mary immediately decided to pay Elisabeth a visit (see Luke 1:39).  Mary’s home was in Nazareth (see Luke 1:26), which was in Galilee.  She traveled south to an unspecified city in Judea.  Zacharias, Elisabeth’s husband was a priest and would have lived close to Jerusalem so that he could serve in the temple.  Upon her arrival, Mary greeted Elisabeth who then experienced an unusual event.  Her baby leaped inside her womb, and she was suddenly filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak to Mary (see Luke 1:41-42).  While she did say of Mary, “Blessed are thou among women,” she also said, “and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.”  Elisabeth then referred to Mary as “the mother of my Lord” (see Luke 1:43) indicating that she understood the role Mary was about to fulfill in God’s eternal plan.  This blessing of Mary was because of the Child she carried, not because she herself was exalted.  It was this Child who put Mary into the position of being blessed, and it was this Child who was recognized even before birth as the Messiah.  This is where our lesson begins.  In this passage, Mary, in verses 46-55 expresses praise for God in what is called Mary’s Magnificat.

MARY’S REFLECTION ON WHAT GOD WAS DOING WITH HER (Luke 1:46-50)      

A. Mary’s humble position (Luke 1:46-48). 
1. (vs. 46).  In response to Elisabeth’s words of blessing, our first verse says “And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord.”  Mary’s words here begin a beautiful song of praise and exaltation to the Lord called the Magnificat.  It is similar to Hannah’s song of praise (see I Samuel 2:1-10).  The word “magnify” means to enlarge.  As a matter of fact, Magnificat is Latin for “magnifies.”  In essence, Mary begins by declaring that her “soul” or that part of her that makes her a living human being (see Genesis 2:7) recognizes God’s greatness or magnificence. 
2. (vs. 47).  Here Mary continues to say “And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.”  Not only did Mary’s soul magnify or enlarge the Lord, but she also proclaimed that “my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.”  Although the words “soul” and “spirit” are both often used to refer to one’s innermost being, the Scriptures sometimes indicate a difference.  The “spirit” often refers to one’s responsible choice or basic personal attitude (see Psalms 77:6; Isaiah 66:2; Psalms 34:18; Proverbs 16:18).  When Mary spoke of rejoicing in God she expressed a sudden surge of great happiness.  The Greek word that has been translated “rejoiced” means to “jump for joy” or “exult.”  Mary’s heart was flooded with deep happiness beyond normal pleasure.  This was probably the greatest sense of joy she had ever experienced.  Recognizing the Lord as “God my Saviour” reflects Mary’s deep understanding of the Old Testament Scriptures as does this entire Magnificat.  Note:  What makes this entire song of praise so impressive is that in Jewish culture at the time of Jesus’ birth, young girls like Mary rarely had the opportunity for any formal schooling.  In addition, manuscripts of the Scriptures were so rare and costly that the common people had little access to them.  However, this young maiden had a deep knowledge of, and an incisive insight into the texts of the Bible.  Notice the personal touch Mary gives her praise.  She says “my soul” magnifies the Lord, and “my spirit” rejoiced in God “my Saviour.”  In her own experience Mary had come to know and appreciate the goodness of her Lord.
3. (vs. 48).  After stating that she magnified and rejoiced in the Lord, starting in this verse, Mary gives her reason for her attitude of praise.  She said “For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.”  When Mary said that God “hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden” she recognized that before God she was nothing more than a “handmaiden,” that is a female slave.  Mary knew that she had no right to God’s favor and that she certainly had not earned the privilege of bearing the Messiah.  She had no wealth or social status.  She didn’t own any property, she didn’t have any servants, and there were no prospects for any of those things to become reality.  However, no matter how she saw herself before God, He was reaching into her life and granting her the privilege of bearing His Son.  As a result, she declared “from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.”  In other words, every future generation would recognize and honor her.  Note:  This might be a good time to assess what we have heard regarding Mary, because many things said about her were and are not true.  She was not immaculately conceived.  She did not remain a virgin after bearing Jesus, for she had other children (see Matthew 12:46; 13:55).  She didn’t become co-redeemer with her Son.  She didn’t ascend bodily into heaven.  She does not deserve, nor should she receive people’s prayers.  She does not plead their cases in heaven.  She should not be worshipped.  We shouldn’t accept any of these man-made teachings.  For sure, nothing should be taken away from Mary’s reputation, but nothing should be added either.  What is true about Mary is true of everyone that God calls and uses to fulfill His plans: it’s because of His mercy and grace.
B. God’s mighty deeds (Luke 1:49-50).
1. (vs. 49).  In this verse Mary declares “For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.”  Mary’s exaltation of God continued with her reference to Him as “he that is mighty.”  The word “mighty” refers to something powerful, strong, and capable.  The phrase “hath done to me great things” indicates that Mary understood the power of God, and recognized His use of that power in what He was doing for, with, and through her.  This was an expression of God’s grace.  Mary also spoke of God’s holiness saying “holy is his name.”  To say that His “name” was holy refers to more than just God’s name.  It speaks of His essential nature as being holy.  Mary was probably reminded of Psalms 111:9 which says “He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever, holy and reverend is his name.”  It’s quite common in the Word of God to read of people recognizing the awesome, holiness of God.  Mary was one of those who exalted God this way.
2. (vs. 50).  Here Mary expanded her focus on God’s grace to His mercy saying, “And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.”  When the Old Testament was translated into Greek, the word for “mercy” (eleos) was used to translate the Hebrew term hesed which speaks of kindness that is guaranteed by faithfulness to a covenant.  In the Scriptures, the Hebrew word hesed is usually translated “lovingkindness” (see Psalms 17:7; 48:9; 63:3; 92:2).  Mary understood that God demonstrates His continual loving kindness toward all those who “fear him from generation to generation.”  To “fear him” means to reverence or show deep respect for the Lord.  Those who “fear” or reverence the Lord enjoy the constant commitment of His mercy in their lives.  Those of us who have received Jesus as our Saviour are “them that fear him.”  He has put in our hearts the awe and respect for Him that we didn’t have when we were lost.  Every child of God should be grateful that God is merciful.  As Christians, if we fear the Lord, we are recipients of His mercy.  If it wasn’t for the mercy of God, none of us would have the privilege of being saved, and none of us would be alive today.  Note:  In Mary’s day, many feared God and looked forward to the coming of the Messiah.  Now, she was not just looking forward to His coming, she was the central figure in His arrival.  That was His mercy toward her.

IV. MARY’S REFLECTION ON WHAT GOD WAS DOING WITH OTHERS (Luke 1:51-56)

A.  God’s dealing with people (Luke 1:51-53). 
1. (vs. 51).  This verse says “He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.”  Mary’s song shows that God takes the world’s values and expectations and turns them upside down.  When she said “He hath shewed strength with his arm” she recognized the forceful way that God humbles those who are high and exalts those who are low.  The phrase “he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts” seems to mean that although the “proud” may prosper for a time, God asserts His power to scatter them so that they are not able to achieve what they have imagined they could (see Genesis 11:1-9).  God can easily overturn man’s achievements whenever He wants to.  This type of reversal comes through the strong “arm” of God.  We know that God, being spirit does not possess literal arms.  This figure is used to portray His power and strength for doing whatever He chooses.    
2. (vs. 52).  Still speaking of God’s strength, Mary said in this verse that “He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.”  The Lord can pull down the mighty from their inherited or acquired positions.  He can promote those of humble circumstances.  According to Daniel 2:21 “He (God) changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding.”  Note:  Exodus 6:6 says “Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments.”  It was the power of God that delivered Israel from bondage.  That same strength can remove rulers from their thrones and move people in lowly circumstances to exalted positions.   God can and will do anything He wishes with any person.  We need to keep that truth in mind as we see wicked people apparently succeeding in life while righteous people suffer.  God remains in control of every situation and can change it whenever He wants.  Never lose hope in our mighty God!
3. (vs. 53).   Here Mary said that “He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.”  In God’s strength the hungry can be fed and the selfish rich can be deprived of their resources.  At any moment the Lord can take away the riches of those who don’t deserve them causing them to be “sent empty away” or sent away empty.  Note:  Mary’s song of praise struck a note that is heard numerous times throughout the Gospel of Luke.  Luke’s account of Jesus’ ministry often focuses on how He reached out to the outcasts of society.  Jesus is often seen touching the leper (see Luke 5:12-15), loving the lonely and feeding the hungry (see Luke 9:12-17).  However, Jesus certainly did seek to save the wealthy and powerful sinners as well (see Luke 5:27-32; John 3:1-18).  He had particular concern for those who were down and out.  He cared for those whom the world typically overlooks.
 B. God’s dealings with Israel (Luke 1:54-56). 
1. (vs. 54).  Now Mary praises God for what He’s done for Israel.  She said “He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy.”  Mary rejoiced in how the Lord had “holpen (or helped) his servant Israel” which is a reference to the nation that was called to serve the Lord (see Exodus 19:5-6).  God had a history of helping His people and He still does today.  God has specifically “helped his servant Israel” by remembering His “mercy” or lovingkindness to Mary.  By His grace, the Lord chose Israel to be His covenant nation.  By sending the Messiah as Mary’s son, God was fulfilling His promises to a nation that otherwise would have no hope.  Note:  As Mary thought about what she said in this verse, no doubt she remembered Psalms 98:3 “He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.”  This verse is very similar to the words Mary spoke here.  This may be further evidence that Mary had a real understanding and knowledge of God’s Word.  We should be challenged to know the Scriptures as she did.        
2. (vs. 55).  Mary saw God as remembering His mercy “As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.”  This is a reference to the covenant that God made with “Abraham, and to his seed for ever.”  This of course was the Abrahamic Covenant (see Genesis 12:1-3) where God promised to give the land of Canaan to him and to his “seed” or descendents.  That covenant also included the fact that through Abraham’s seed all the nations of the earth would be blessed.  Christ was the descendent through whom the whole world would be blessed and Mary understood this.  She was not surprised when her son eventually announced that he was the Messiah.  She had known Jesus’ mission prior to His birth.
3. (vs. 56).  Our final verse says “And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.”  Mary stayed with Elisabeth for 3 months.  Since travel was not easy, long visits were customary.  However, in this case, Mary must have been a great help to Elisabeth who was experiencing a first pregnancy in her old age.  No doubt this time with her relative gave Mary many opportunities to reflect on God’s greatness and goodness to both Israel and to her.  After 3 months Mary “returned to her own house.”  By this time, Mary was certain that she was three months pregnant.  The future was uncertain, for she would have to face Joseph, her family, and the community.  Nevertheless, Mary returned to Nazareth to live in her family home, for her marriage to Joseph had not yet been finalized.  However, she trusted that God would continue to demonstrate His mercy in her life and help her face what lay ahead (see Matthew 1:18-25).
                                
V. Conclusion.  Mary travelled many miles to visit Elisabeth after her angelic visitation.  Elisabeth was filled with the Spirit and made prophetic statements.  Mary rejoiced in God’s grace and praised Him for the wonderful thing He was doing in her, for the attributes of His nature, and for His faithfulness to Israel.  Mary and Elisabeth set a good example for believers today.  We should be rejoicing in God’s grace too.  We should be thinking about God’s goodness and other aspects of His character.  Like Mary, we should concentrate on magnifying the Lord.