Bible Breakdown: Luke 1:46-56

Too often, we rush and 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.

Some Questions:

• After reading these verses, can you determine where Mary's focus lies?  Where and how?
• Make a bulleted list of "praise points" that Mary expresses.

Luke 1 (NASB):

46 And Mary said:  “My soul exalts the Lord,

47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.

48 For He has had regard for the humble state of His bond-servant; For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed.

49 For the Mighty One has done great things for me;
And holy is His name.

50 And His mercy is to generation after generation
Toward those who fear Him.

51 He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their hearts.

52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones, And has exalted those who were humble.

53 He has filled the hungry with good things, And sent the rich away empty-handed.

54 He has given help to His servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy,

55 Just as He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and his descendants forever.”

56 Mary stayed with her about three months, and then returned to her home.

Let's Think:
Mary's response to Elizabeth's greeting is to praise Almighty God.  This long speech from Mary is one of the few times we hear Mary's voice in Scripture.  It is often called the Magnificat, based on the Latin term used in the beginning of her speech.

Mary begins by saying her spirit and her soul are very happy - happy to the point of exalting and rejoicing.  How often are we so happy that we exalt and rejoice?  Then, she quickly turns the focus on the reasons for her ecstatic good cheer.  She lists these off by acknowledging what God has done for her personally, for His people through the ages - from bringing down rulers to feeding the hungry, from scattering the proud and humbling the rich to giving Israel mercy.  There is a lot here to unpack:  read it again and find all of the ways and reasons why Mary praises God and acknowledges His leadership and compassion.

​She stays with Elizabeth for three months.  Maybe this is so she can help with the delivery of Elizabeth and get baby John all warm and cozy before returning to give birth herself.