3A. THE INCARNATION OF GOD
1B. Annunciation to Mary (Luke 1.26-38)
1C. The messenger (Luke 1.26-27)
26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.
1D. As to the place
1E. The place in time of Gabriel’s dispatch was the sixth month. The sixth month of what? Just saying the sixth without any reference point is confusing. The sixth month of what is Luke referring to? He’s referring to the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy.
1F. We have already learned that the Messiah was to have a forerunner. We already know that it is only proper and fitting that someone announce the arrival of a king. It just so happens that that was to be John’s job. That was why he was to be born and begin his ministry six months earlier than our Lord.
2F. Another thought in regards to this idea about the place in time of our Lord’s conception in the womb of Mary. In Galatians 4.4, Paul tells us that Christ came forth in the “fullness of time.” That assures us that our Lord Jesus Christ was conceived at the right time, was born at the right time, was baptized at the right time, died and was raised again on the third day at the right time in history.
2E. The place in territory of Gabriel’s dispatch was a town named Nazareth, in the region of Galilee. Quite an unusual town for the woman who would bear the Christ child to live in. A town of poverty, a town of filth, a town of horrible sin. Nevertheless, this is where Mary did live, and this is where Gabriel was sent.
2D. As to the person
1E. Notice her experience. She was a virgin. She had never been with a man. So, as regards her experience . . . she had none. This is a most important fact to know. The whole Bible doctrine of the virgin birth of the Son of God rises and falls on the question of this young woman’s experience.
2E. Notice her espousal. The Bible indicates that she was espoused to Joseph, of the house of David.
1F. An espousal, such as the one Mary was involved in, meant that she and Joseph were, in every sense of the word but one, married.
2F. If this was a normal espousal, Mary’s parents would have arranged her marriage with Joseph, would have had a contract written up and signed, and would have agreed to present Joseph with a dowry or wedding gift at the time of the wedding feast, after which the marriage would be consummated.
3E. Notice her name. Her name is Mary. In the Old Testament her name would appear as Miriam, the same name as the sister of Moses. It is a name which means “bitter.” But whereas Moses’ sister might have just been a bitter woman, Mary’s bitterness would be the result of the suffering and agony she would see her Son endure for the sins of mankind.
4E. So, we have seen the place the messenger was sent, and we’ve seen the person to whom the messenger Gabriel was sent. Now let us examine the message that he brought to her.
2C. The message has to do with Mary’s position before God and Gabriel’s prophecy about the Son of God (Luke 1.28-33)
1D. Note, first, the position of Mary (Luke 1.28-30)
1E. Gabriel’s remarks (Luke 1.28)
“And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.”
1F. Notice some things about Gabriel’s remarks to Mary. Was she a woman greatly blessed and favored by God? Yes.
2F. Was she a woman who is indicated as having been in a particularly good mood before Gabriel arrived on the scene? No.
3F. Did what Gabriel tell her alter her position of blessing or favor with God? No, he simply informed her of facts which existed whether or not she knew about it.
4F. This is rather similar to the position many Christians today have in Christ. We are in the position of favor. We are in the position of blessing. And though we are sometimes unaware of this or are ignorant of this, the fact remains . . . the child of God is greatly blessed of God.
2E. Mary’s reactions (Luke 1.29)
“And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.”
1F. What troubled Mary? Was it the appearance of this mighty angel of God, or was it what this mighty angel said to her? I believe it was the message which troubled her.
2F. You see, Mary had no trouble accepting supernatural wonders. She believed in a miracle working God. Do you? She knew God sent angels at times to His people. Why? Because, according to First Corinthians 1.22, “Jews require a sign.” This is because of their history as a people redeemed by the supernatural power of God.
3F. Her reaction to Gabriel’s initial words indicate her swift mind. She was troubled at how this angel could address her with such gracious language.
4F. For all we know, her mind flashed back to Daniel 9.23, where Gabriel appeared to Daniel and said, “for thou art greatly beloved.”
5F. So you see, Gabriel’s greeting to Mary was more gracious than his greeting to Daniel, that great statesman of God. Mary might have quickly thought on this fact and wondered, “What’s going on here?”
3E. Gabriel’s reassurance (Luke 1.30)
“And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.”
1F. He calms her down with the words, “Fear not.” We see Mary to be a rather normal woman, somewhat fearful of that which is unknown, and Gabriel, being from God, removes her fears. Then he gives her some information that will further reassure her. “for thou hast found favour with God.”
2F. Let us examine Gabriel’s statement in light of other things we know from the Word of God. In Genesis 6.8 the Bible says that Noah “found grace in the eyes of the Lord.” So, these two passages are quite similar, and appear, at first glance, to indicate that these two persons sought after God’s grace or favour. But did they?
1G. Let us first establish the fact that since Mary “found favour with God” and Noah “found grace in the eyes of the Lord,” there must have been a point in their lives in which they were not favored or graced.
2G. Second, according to Psalm 14.1-3 and Romans 3.11, neither Noah nor Mary actually sought God.
Psalm 14.1-3: 1 The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.
2 The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.
3 They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Romans 3.11: “There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.”
3G. If they did not seek after God, what happened?
John 1.13: “Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”
Philippians 2.13: “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”
4F. Now folks, there is no kind of assurance like the assurance that your relationship with God, and the basis upon which you receive blessings from God, is dependent not upon yourself but on the faithfulness and power of an Almighty and loving heavenly Father.
2D. Having established the position of Mary before God, or at least having established what that position is, Gabriel now gives forth his prophecy (Luke 1.31-33):
You might have noted that the prophecy is in two parts; that which will be immediately fulfilled and that which will eventually be fulfilled.
1E. First, the prophecy with immediate fulfillment (Luke 1.31-32a)
31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest
Examine each phrase of the prophecy individually.
1F. “thou shalt conceive in thy womb”
1G. We need to examine what manner of conception this is, since some “men of God” maintain that this conception in the womb of Mary was an ordinary conception, that it was the product of a liaison between Mary and Joseph, or perhaps Mary and a Roman soldier. Such statements are not made by men who are genuinely converted.
2G. So far in verse 27, it has been twice mentioned that Mary is a virgin. And in Isaiah 7.14 we have a prophecy of a virgin-born Messiah, which would require a virginal conception . . . right?
3G. So, we see that the conception Gabriel is predicting is not unusual. It is not even rare. It is nothing short of the miraculous power of the omnipotent God!
4G. To deny the virgin birth of the Savior is not only to deny His sinless perfection and impeccability, but it also denies the veracity of the Word of God, and calls God a liar!
5G. My Messiah was virgin born. My Savior was virgin born. He had to thus be born to be sinless. He had to thus be born to avoid the curse of Jechonias that we studied about in Matthew 1.12.
6G. If not virgin born, then He had no right to die for my sins. If not virgin born, He had no right to say “Go and sin no more.” If not virgin born, He will have no right to rule as King of kings.
7G. Jesus Christ my Lord is the virgin born Son of God!
2F. “and bring forth a son”
1G. Yes, Jesus Christ was God’s Son, Bella Abzug.
2G. Yes, God is His Father, Gloria Steinham.
3F. Gabriel goes on to say, “and shall call his name Jesus.”
1G. Jesus, or in the Old Testament, Joshua. A common name among the Jewish people, but a name with an uncommon meaning.
2G. You see, Jesus means “Jehovah-salvation.” And of all of the men who have ever been born of women, this One’s name would prove to be absolutely true to His calling.
3G. As Joshua of old provided physical deliverance for the children of Israel over their enemies in the land, our Lord Jesus provides complete deliverance from every enemy that opposes the plan and purpose of our holy and righteous God.
4G. Of all men Who have ever walked the face of this earth, there has none ever had a name which was so perfectly descriptive of its owner as the One Who bore this name.
4F. “He shall be great and shall be called the Son of the highest.”
1G. All of the prophecies we have looked at in verse 31, and this one in verse 32, are fulfilled in the earthly ministry and life of the Lord Jesus Christ.
2G. You may say, “Well, I know the others were immediately fulfilled, but I didn’t know this one was.” Yes, this prophecy was fulfilled during Christ’s earthly ministry. And Who called Him the Son of the Highest? The Highest did.
3G. As we shall study, at the baptism of John in the Jordan River, as well as on the Mount of Transfiguration, God spoke audibly and referred to our Lord Jesus as His Beloved Son, fulfilling this prophecy of Gabriel.
5F. These, then, are the immediately fulfilled prophecies which Gabriel declared to Mary.
2E. Then, in Luke 1.32b-33 Gabriel refers to prophecies which are eventually fulfilled.
32 . . . and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
1F. “and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David.”
1G. Does anyone know when this event will take place? It will occur at the beginning of the millennial reign of Christ.
2G. Look at the rough diagram below, that I hope will help you visualize these events.
3G. Though Christ is presently enthroned at the right hand of His Father in heaven, He is not sitting on the throne of David and reigning over Israel. When He establishes His millennial kingdom He will.
4G. Gabriel does not here say anything new. This is the Davidic Covenant that God made with David while he was yet alive on earth that Gabriel refers to.
2F. “and he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever.”
This phrase speaks of Christ’s eternal rule over Israel.
3F. Turn to First Chronicles 17.11-14:
11 And it shall come to pass, when thy days be expired that thou must go to be with thy fathers, that I will raise up thy seed after thee, which shall be of thy sons; and I will establish his kingdom.
12 He shall build me an house, and I will stablish his throne for ever.
13 I will be his father, and he shall be my son: and I will not take my mercy away from him, as I took it from him that was before thee:
14 But I will settle him in mine house and in my kingdom for ever: and his throne shall be established for evermore.
Careful study of this passage will reveal three things promised to David. Through this covenant with David Israel will be blessed by a Davidic dynasty that will possess and everlasting throne, an everlasting kingdom, and an everlasting King, the Lord Jesus Christ.
4F. Thus, Gabriel is informing Mary, without any mystery in the manner of his words, that she will bear the Messiah. Not only will His miraculous birth, and life, and death fulfill these prophecies and make these prophecies come true, but many, many other besides.
3C. Now that we have examined the verses which gave us a glimpse of the messenger, and the verses which showed us the message he brought to Mary, let’s take note of the meaning of all this (Luke 1.34-38).
1D. First, there is the examination of Mary (Luke 1.34)
“Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?”
1E. Mary’s examination of Gabriel does not seem at all to be the result of any lack of faith. She is not questioned the truthfulness of what Gabriel has said, as Zacharias had done with regard to the announcement of John the Baptist’s coming.
2E. What we see in Mary is something altogether different. We see a young lady who has no doubt about God’s workings, but who is intensely curious about the workings of God. She merely wants to know how the things that are going to happen are going to happen.
2D. Second, there is the explanation to Mary (Luke 1.35-37)
Notice, if you will, that Gabriel’s response to Mary is in three parts.
1E. First, there is the explanation of God’s plan (Luke 1.35)
“And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.”
Gabriel does not involve himself in any kind of detailed explanation of how miracles take place. He simply states, very briefly, how God will perform the miracle which He has promised to bring about.
1F. “The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee.”
1G. In case you are wondering what difference there is between the word “ghost” and the word “spirit” in the Bible, there is no difference whatsoever. In the Greek New Testament there is but one word, pneuma, which can be translated “spirit,” “ghost,” or “wind.”[1]
2G. So, we see that the Holy Spirit of God is the Agent of the godhead involved in this miraculous conception of the Lord Jesus Christ’s human body in the womb of the virgin named Mary.
3G. It is at this time, I might add, that the Word became flesh. The Word became flesh at the precise instant that the humanity of Christ began, which was at the instant of conception.
3F. “and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee”
1G. It is very interesting that Luke chose to record these exact words of Gabriel, just as it is interesting that Gabriel chose these exact words to say.
2G. You see, this same word “overshadow” is used in Matthew 17.5 to describe the effect of the bright cloud which appeared on the Mount of Transfiguration and from which God spoke:
“While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.”
3G. Folks, this speaks of the presence of God, the Father, Himself.
4F. “therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.”
1G. The first phrase of this verse speaks of the Holy Spirit of God. The second phrase of this verse speaks of the Father. And the previous phrase speaks of the Son.
2G. What do we have in all this? We have nothing less than substantiation of the doctrine of the Trinity.
5F. The plan, then, by which the Incarnation was predicted by Gabriel to take place, involves all three Persons of the divine godhead . . . the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit of God.
2E. After the explanation of God’s plan, in verse 35, there is the explanation of God’s proof, in verse 36:
“And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.”
1F. The proof that God was, indeed, embarking on such a great and wonderful plan as Gabriel had just laid out was the experience of Mary’s aged cousin Elizabeth.
2F. She, the angel tells Mary, is already in her sixth month of pregnancy “who was called barren.”
3E. Finally, there is the explanation of God’s power (Luke 1.37)
“For with God nothing shall be impossible.”
1F. Can you explain God’s power? You cannot explain God’s power. It is way beyond our limited comprehension.
2F. For that reason, instead of trying to explain God’s power, Gabriel simply attests to the fact that nothing is impossible for the God we serve and worship.
3D. To recap, in verse 34, Mary examined the angel. In verses 35-37, Mary hears his explanation in response to her questioning. Now, in verse 38, we see her personal evaluation in light of all that she has heard and seen.
1E. “And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord”
This is the admission Mary is led to. She realizes that she, as a child of God, is at His disposal to do with as He pleases.
2E. “be it unto me according to thy word.”
Here is Mary’s submission. Would to God more Christians would evaluate the facts surrounding our Christian faith and simply submit to the will of God as Mary has done here.
3E. The spiritual greatness of this young woman lies in the fact that she simply submits herself to the will of Almighty God.
4D. With this phase of his mission completed the angel departs from Mary.
2B. The retirement of Mary (Luke 1.39-56)
Note: It is at this point that I wish to make you aware of some differences of opinion as to the order in which certain events occur in the Word of God. Read Matthew 1.18-25:
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
19 Then Joseph her hsband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
Some Bible teachers are of the opinion that the events we have just read about occur prior to Mary’s retirement to the south to visit her aged cousin Elizabeth that we are about to examine. As well, they feel that while Joseph was making up his mind about divorce Mary was with Elizabeth. I do not agree. I do not believe Joseph had any idea about Mary’s condition until she returned from her visit with Elizabeth. Though she was only three months pregnant at the time, and due to the clothing styles worn in those days able to fool Joseph had she desired to, I think the way Joseph found out about Mary’s condition was from her own mouth. Then, while he was contemplating what he should do with her, the angel appeared to her in Matthew 1.18-25. For this reason, I shall proceed on the premise that Mary’s retirement to the hill country occurred before Joseph, her espoused husband, was aware of her condition.
1C. Mary’s journey (Luke 1.39-40)
39 And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;
40 And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.
1D. First, allow me to comment on the home.
1E. As mentioned before, it was Elizabeth’s home, or rather Zacharias’ home. But in that household lived the only other woman in the entire world who could even hope to understand the situation Mary now found herself in.
2E. If you are wondering why so little is said of Zacharias here, remember that he is mute until his son is born, and his son will not be born for three more months after Mary’s arrival.
3E. Why is it that only Elizabeth might understand Mary's situation? Because, being the mother of the forerunner of the Messiah, she found her life to be bound up in this portion of God’s wonderful plan along with Mary.
4E. So, as Mary stayed with her and helped the aged woman with her pregnancy, and shared in the excitement of an old woman who had watched so many other friends and loved ones swell as the child inside them grew, but who never thought she would experience such delight, Mary was being prepared for her own most difficult task.
2D. Now, the haste with which Mary went south.
1E. It might seem as though my logic is out of order, dealing with the home Mary went to for three months, and only now addressing the reasons she might have gone there, and the reasons for her haste. But when you know where Mary was bound for you better understand how Elizabeth’s home might have seemed a refuge for this tender young virgin.
2E. There are several reasons that should be put forward to explain why Mary went to Elizabeth’s, and why she went with such haste. To be sure, these reasons are highly speculative, but they are also highly possible.
1F. First, we must consider that Mary might specifically have been directed by the Holy Spirit to proceed south with all haste. Remember, in Luke 1.36-37, Gabriel specifically told Mary that Elizabeth was with child and that nothing was impossible with God. That might have been enough in itself to provoke her journey.
2F. Second, Mary might have hurriedly removed herself from any possible scandal and gossip which surely would have developed when word got out that she was with child, or more likely, when word got out that her normal cycles of life appear to have ceased. Such gossip did follow out Lord throughout the course of His earthly life, as John 8.19, 41 indicates:
19 Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also.
41 Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.
Imagine what Mary must have gone through when she returned to Nazareth. Her retirement had only put off the inevitable.
3F. The third reason she probably wanted to go south was simply to share her wonderful joy with her cousin Elizabeth’s joy. Neither woman trying to outdo the other, but simply rejoicing that God was marvelously blessing them.
3E. We do not know for sure what reasons Mary had for going to the hill country of Judah to the south. It could have been any one of these reasons I have mentioned, or a combination of all three, or other reasons we know nothing about.
2C. Elizabeth’s beatitude (Luke 1.41-45)
1D. The reason for her beatitude is found in verse 41: “And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost.”
1E. When Mary arrived at the home of Zacharias, Elizabeth’s husband, she greeted her cousin Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard the salutation of the mother of the Lord Jesus Christ the babe, John the Baptist as yet unborn, leaped in her womb.
2E. When this event occurred God miraculously filled Elizabeth with the Holy Spirit and, apparently, empowered her to speak prophetic utterances. This, then, is the reason for her beatitude.
2D. The response of her filling with the Holy Spirit is in Luke 1.42-45:
42 And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
43 And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
44 For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
45 And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.
Notice that she spoke loudly. Do you realize that fits the pattern of boldness found whenever a person is filled with the Holy Spirit? Read the book of Acts and you will see it every time someone is filled with God’s Spirit.
1E. “Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.”
1F. Has it ever troubled you that Elizabeth seems to put Mary’s blessing and the blessedness of Christ on the same footing here? If it seems dishonoring to you for Elizabeth to seemingly place Mary and her Child on equal footing here, it is only because we generally misunderstand what she is saying.
2F. Do you see the word “and”? Though this translates the typical Greek word for “and,” it was oftentimes used to communicate a great deal more than just the idea “and.” Dana and Mantey indicate that the emphatic use of this word is unquestionable and frequent. Oftentimes this normal conjunction, which we translate into our ordinary English word “and,” oftentimes carried the meaning of “indeed, verily, really, in fact, yea, certainly and even.”[2]
3F. This verse, therefore, does not require us to believe that Elizabeth thought that the Lord Jesus Christ and Mary should be given equal respect and honor. It is well within the scope of the words that Elizabeth used for her to have meant something like this: “Blessed art thou amoung women, in fact, blessed is the fruit of thy womb.”
4F. Taken together with what the Bible says about Mary, and what the Bible says about the Lord Jesus Christ, to give the Savior and His mother equal honor and equal respect is nothing short of blasphemy. I do not think the Holy Spirit worked in Luke’s life to record an incident of blasphemy, do you? No, Elizabeth is not treating Mary and her unborn Child as equals here. It is because she is carrying blessed fruit in her womb that she is, therefore, a blessed woman among women.
5F. I want you to notice, too, that she is not blessed above all women. Rather than being separated above all other women, God has chosen Mary and separated her off to the side. Blessed, yes. Superior? No.
6F. When we examine Mary’s magnificat we will see that she agrees with and understands Elizabeth’s inspired words.
3E. In verse 43, we see that despite the fact that she is Mary’s senior, with regard to age and station in life (being the wife of a priest), she shows humility to this one who is chosen of God to bear her Savior: “And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?”
4E. In verse 44 Elizabeth recounts the event of the babe within her leaping for joy: “For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.” How can a mere fetus have joy? Could it be that this “fetus” was actually a living, intelligent human being, though his little body was extremely immature? I think so. This child in mommy’s womb demonstrated an intelligent reaction to the presence of his Creator in the womb of Mary.
5E. In verse 45 we read of a second reason why Mary is blessed: “And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.”
1F. Blessed is Mary who believes. That shows faith, does it not? Mary trusted in her God and in His ability to perform that which she had been told.
2F. Mary’s faith indicates that she is a woman who did not understand all of the things which were said to her, and could not see how all of these things would be brought about . . . but she did know the One Who could perform the doing of it.
3C. Mary’s magnificat (Luke 1.46-55)
1D. Let us examine her experience (Luke 1.46-49a)
Folks, I want us all to pay close attention as we scrutinize these words of Mary. These words are her personal estimation of what has happened to her, from the time the angel Gabriel first made his stupendous announcement to her up to this point in time.
1E. First, Mary relates her response to her experiences in two parts, then she details the two facets of her experience. I want you to notice how I have this visual aid set up below:
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Luke 1.46-49a
REACTION:
#1 “My soul doth magnify the Lord”
#2 “And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior”
REASON:
#1 “For He hath regarded the low estate of His handmaiden: for behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed”
#2 “For He that is mighty hath done to me great things”
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2E. Is it not great that her soul magnified, or made larger, the Lord? That is exactly what we should always try to do in our own lives.
3E. Notice the next phrase: “And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior.” This statement contains extremely important implications for everyone who is a Roman Catholic to consider. Mary calls God her Savior. That is what she calls God.
1F. This must, of course, mean that Mary is a saved person, if she has a Savior. Therefore, she must be a sinner, since only sinners need salvation from their sins through a Savior.
2F. If Mary is a sinner, which she must be if she had a Savior, then she cannot possibly be the product of so-called Immaculate Conception, which is the Roman Catholic doctrine that Mary was conceived in her mother’s womb without sin so that she might someday be the sinless “mother of God.”[3]
3F. But the Bible does say that “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” I say that not by way of personal attack on anyone, but to show error where I find it and shed the glorious light of truth where it does not presently shine.
4F. If Mary was saved, and she was, and if she was a sinner and blessed, as she was, then she was a sinner saved by grace. That she was a sinner saved by grace through faith shows that the whole body of teaching that Rome puts forth concerning the veneration of Mary must be called into serious question.
5F. In this regard, let me assure you that in her magnificat, which we now study, Mary refers to herself personally not more than five times. However, she refers to God no less than 19 times in 10 short verses. That woman knew Who was worthy of veneration . . . God!
5E. This is Mary’s view of her experiences from her own mouth!
2D. Now for her explanation, which is a marvelous recital of Old Testament passages. Do not ever forget that Mary was a Jewish girl (Luke 1.49b-55):
49 . . . and holy is his name.
50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
54 He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
55 As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.
1E. She first speaks of the holiness of God. She paraphrases Psalm 111.9 by saying, “Holy is His name.”
2E. Then she speaks of the mercy of God: “And His mercy is on them that fear Him from generation to generation.” This is from Psalm 103.13. Does it seem as though she is well versed in Scripture? It surely does.
3E. The third thing she speaks about is God’s might:
51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
4E. And finally, she makes mention of His faithfulness:
54 He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
55 As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.
4C. With no mention made of any of the specific details of her three months with cousin Elizabeth beyond their initial greeting, Luke records that she went back home, Luke 1.56: “And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.”
5C. I have no doubt that these three glorious months with Elizabeth were a gift to Mary from God. Precious memories that would sustain her in times of great loneliness and trial. A place to retreat, if you will, and be reminded how good God is to His children.
3B. The birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1.57-79)
1C. The delivery of the Baptist (1.57-58)
57 Now Elisabeth’s full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.
58 And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.
1D. Notice how that, in the midst of her labor and delivery, Elizabeth told them of the mercy of the Lord. It had to be Elizabeth telling folks, since Zacharias still could not speak.
2D. What an example this is of a woman remembering to glorify God in her life, even when in the middle of one of the most exciting and difficult times she had ever experienced.
3D. Then, too, Elizabeth’s excellent stewardship of her time resulted in her neighbors and her other cousins joining with her in celebration of God’s goodness and blessing.
4D. But you might be thinking, “Why did Mary leave before Elizabeth delivered? Why did she not stay and celebrate with her?” I think Mary left because she loved Elizabeth and she did not want her presence, carrying her glorious Son, to take away anything from Elizabeth’s experience. Besides, the neighbors simply would not have understood a delivering mother spending all her time talking about the baby another woman was carrying. No, it was best this way.
2C. The naming of the Baptist (1.59-63)
1D. As related to the Law of Moses, Luke 1.59: “And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.”
1E. It was a requirement of the Law of Moses that a male child be circumcised on the eighth day after his birth.
2E. An interesting fact which scientists discovered a few decades ago was how a certain clotting factor in a child’s blood is related to this command handed down by God for His chosen nation of Israel.
3E. It seems as though a child is born with very little, if any, of certain chemical substance in his bloodstream, called Prothrombin, which enables blood to clot normally, thus preventing excessive loss of blood which would result in death. However, for a number of reasons which I am not aware of, the tendency for blood to clot is dangerous at birth, so God fixed things up so babies would have little problem with blood clotting at birth.
4E. Shortly after birth, however, the need for a body’s normal defense mechanism makes this clotting factor very necessary so a child will not bleed to death in case of injury.
5E. Curiously, when the baby’s body begins to mass produce this clotting chemical it will manufacture an abnormal amount at first. Would anyone like to hazard a guess as to when the quantity of this clotting factor is at it’s peak in the baby’s bloodstream? Right. On the eighth day.[4]
6E. When God began to insist upon circumcision for His people, He chose the day in which circumcision would be least dangerous for that boy. Is it not wonderful how God accomplished this?
7E. At any rate, it was on this eighth day, when the male child was circumcised, that he was also to be named. This is what verse 59 has to do with the Law of Moses.
2D. What does verse 59 have to do with the custom of the people?
Friends and relatives wanted to name this young child Zacharias, for several reasons:
1E. First and foremost, they wanted to name him Zacharias because it was a custom in the land to name a son after his father or after some male ancestor.
2E. Second, knowing that Zacharias, owing to his age, would probably sire no more children, at least not by Elizabeth, it would be nice to have a young Zacharias around after his death.
3D. We have looked at the naming of John the Baptist as it relates to the Law of Moses and the customs of the people, and now we will see how it is related to the will of God (Luke 1.60-63).
1E. I want you to look back at Luke 1.13: “But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.” Remember where Zacharias was when Gabriel told him this. He was in the holy place of Herod’s Temple, with no one else around.
2E. I have no doubt that Zacharias communicated much of what happened to Elizabeth during the nine months of her pregnancy. I also have no doubt that even if he had not wanted to talk about it, and remember that he was not able to talk, Elizabeth’s curiosity surrounding the circumstances of her pregnancy would have compelled her to get all the information out of him that she could.
3E. So, at this point, Elizabeth probably knows God’s will concerning the name of her son. Zacharias knows the will of God concerning the name of his son. The only ones who do not know God’s will regarding the name of this now eight day old baby are the friends and the immediate family.
4E. So Elizabeth stands her ground against the in-laws. They try to go over her head and get Zacharias’ opinion. And when he wrote that the child’s name was to be John they marveled all, according to verse 63: “And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.”
3C. The benedictus of Zacharias is given in verses 64-79.
Bible teachers refer to the passage we are about to read as a “benedictus” because “benedictus” means to speak well, in Latin.[5] In this passage Zacharias, who has been silent for nine months, breaks forth in a paean of praise toward God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
1D. Notice the praise of Zacharias, Luke 1.64: “And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.”
1E. You will remember, from Luke 1.20, that the angel Gabriel told Zacharias that he would be dumb and not able to speak until his prophecies were fulfilled. It turned out that on the day that Gabriel’s short term prophecies were fulfilled John’s father did begin to speak.
2E. What kind of words came out of the mouth of a man who had been silent for nine months? Praise of God! It had been nine months ago that Zacharias had doubted the messenger bearing God’s message and was silenced for speech that was not of faith. Now, when he can speak again, he makes sure not to repeat that same sin. So, given the opportunity to speak, he turns to praise of the omnipotent God.
2D. Notice the protection of the child, Luke 1.65-66:
65 And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea.
66 And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.
1E. All of the circumstances surrounding the conception and birth of John the Baptist, from the age of his parents to the miraculous prediction of his birth, would join together to make him a very spoiled child.
2E. All of the people asked themselves, “What manner of child shall this be?” Truly, John was under more scrutiny and pressure as a boy than even a preacher’s kid is.