BS1J - THE VISIT BETWEEN MARY AND ELIZABETH
Shortly after Mary’s encounter with the Angel Gabriel she set out to visit Zachariah and Elizabeth. Where did they live?
Luke 1:39
The Judean Hill Country was a fair distance from Nazareth, to the west of Jerusalem, where Zachariah would serve his time in the great temple.
When Mary got there and greeted Elizabeth what happened?
Luke 1:40 -41
How did Mary know that Elizabeth with filled with the Holy Spirit?
Luke 1:42-45
Before it’s recorded that Mary says anything, Elizabeth begins to prophesy and to bless the “fruit of Mary’s womb”. She knows that Mary is carrying the Messiah and confirms that “she is the mother of my Lord”! And then she blesses Mary for believing that the Lord would do what He says He will do.
When the Holy Spirit is at work, He brings joy, light, and comfort. All this was further confirmation to Mary that the Messiah was coming and that SHE had the honor of bringing Him into the world. Now, this full realization causes her to burst into prayer and praise.
Luke 1:46-55
From verse 46-50 we hear Mary “magnifying the Lord” for all He has done in her life and she now blesses God: “and holy is His name!” In verses 51-52 Mary shifts from praising God’s goodness to exalting his power and might. He is able to lift up the humble and scatter the proud. In verses 53-55 she reflects on God’s mercy in keeping His promises to His people. It’s one of the most beautiful and spontaneous prayers ever recorded.
Mary stayed with Elizabeth for 3 months and then she headed back to Nazareth.
Luke 1:56
And now the story shifts again.
Next Study: BS1K- The Birth of John the Baptist