Too often, we rush we fail to slow down and consider the common sense of a Bible passage - in context. Like a learner in a reading class, let's break down a passage to see if we can comprehend it better. | Luke 1 (NASB): 39 Now at this time Mary set out and went in a hurry to the hill country, to a city of Judah, |
- Why is Mary in such a hurry to get to Zechariah and Elizabeth?
- What are your thoughts about the reaction of Elizabeth's unborn child?
- What is the second result of Mary's greeting?
- What messages are contained within Elizabeth's words in verses 42ff?
- Is there a blessing implied here for anyone who believes?
Let's Think:
Mary sets out "in a hurry" to get to Zechariah's and Elizabeth's house for a quick visit. Perhaps this is because she needs to make the trip before her pregnancy slows her down, or maybe she is just really excited to share the news.
At any rate, the result of her visit is where the meat of this passage lies. First, the unborn baby inside of Elizabeth leaps. Is it out of surprise of hearing Mary's voice or because he is reacting to the presence of the unborn Savior? We don't have to wonder, because a Elizabeth tells Mary that he leaped out of joy.
The leaping is usually the part of verse 41, but maybe the second result of Mary entering the house is just as interesting: Elizabeth is "filled with the Holy Spirit". That likely indicates that the words she speaks next are inspired by the Spirit. The Holy Spirit lets her know that the baby is feeling joy at Mary's presence. We can infer, because of the rest of her greeting, that it is really the Lord's presence that causes the joy and not simply the presence of a second expectant mother. Since we've already seen that John would be filled with the Spirit himself (even in the womb), we get a glimpse into what that might mean. Isn't it interesting that an unborn child can feel emotion?
Another result of Elizabeth's having the Holy Spirit is that she already recognizes that Mary's baby is special in that He is the Lord. She even pronounces a blessing - or rather the Spirit, through Elizabeth pronounces a blessing - on Mary recognizing Mary's great faith that what the angel told her with come to pass. There is a blessing on any person, even today, who believes in Jesus as the Savior.
As we learn in other Scriptures, however, just pronouncing a belief is insufficient. Every believer should be compelled to be obedient to the receive fulfillment of the blessing. Take note that Mary didn't just receive the message from the angel and sit on it until the birth: instead, she did everything the angel told her, also trusting that her husband had also received divine instructions. Without their obedience to the warnings and directions, the birth itself would be in danger. God wouldn't have that happen - proof that He selected the right couple to carry out His plan.