Luke 1:26-56

 

Through the Bible: Mary — Faith that Magnifies

Last week we began our journey in the Gospel of Luke, looking at Zachariah and Elizabeth, the parents of John the Baptist. We saw how God never forgets our prayers, how He keeps them secure in heaven, and how in His perfect time, He answers. We also reflected on how Jesus seeks the lost and saves those who cry out—and how we've been called to that same mission.

Today, we move into a passage that's often saved for Christmas sermons. But instead of viewing it through the lens of a nativity scene, I invite you to look at it differently—with fresh eyes. Step away from the halos and holy cards and see these people for what they really were: ordinary individuals called by God to be part of His extraordinary plan.

Mary: More Than a Manger Scene

Luke, the physician and careful historian, is believed to have interviewed Mary personally. What he records is not just theology—it's testimony.

A young girl and a young man—Mary and Joseph—fall in love and begin planning a future together. But then the miraculous interrupts the mundane. God steps into their lives with a plan that will forever change the world.

Mary, likely between 12 and 15 years old, living in a tiny town with little education and fewer resources, is suddenly faced with an angel and a divine calling.

“Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” (Luke 1:28)

And her response? “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” (v. 34). Not doubt—but a desire to understand. Unlike Zachariah’s skeptical question, Mary’s was one of faith seeking clarity.

Gabriel responds with one of the most powerful declarations in all of Scripture:

“For with God nothing will be impossible.” (Luke 1:37)

Mary’s reply is simple and profound:

“Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” (v. 38)

She doesn’t argue. She doesn’t panic. She surrenders.

A Faith That Walks and Worships

Mary’s faith doesn’t stop at words—it moves her to action. She travels 70 miles south to visit Elizabeth, who is six months pregnant with John the Baptist. When Mary arrives, Elizabeth’s baby leaps with joy, and Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit.

“Blessed is she who believed,” Elizabeth says, “for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.” (v. 45)

Faith believes. Faith walks. Faith prays. And here, faith ministers.

These two women—each carrying a miracle—encourage and affirm one another. And in the middle of all the uncertainty and unanswered questions, Mary chooses to worship.

Mary’s Song — The Magnificat

Mary lifts her voice and sings:

“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.” (Luke 1:46–47)

She doesn’t sing about herself. She sings about God. Her song reflects deep understanding of Scripture—echoes of Hannah’s song from 1 Samuel 2 and references to twelve Old Testament passages. Though she likely didn’t have formal education, she knew God’s Word. Her faith came by hearing—and she listened well.

“He has done great things for me.”
“He has exalted the lowly.”
“He has filled the hungry.”
“He has helped His servant Israel.”
“His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation.”

Mary's worship isn't shallow—it’s rooted in God’s faithfulness through the ages. She looks back at what God has done for others and finds strength for what lies ahead.

Faith in the Unknown

Mary didn’t know what the future would hold, but she knew who held the future. She knew that just as God was faithful to Abraham, Isaac, Hannah, and Ruth, He would be faithful to her.

And here's what’s remarkable: Mary praised God before Jesus was even born. She worshipped when the promise was still growing inside her.

If Mary could worship in uncertainty, what’s stopping us from doing the same?

Her faith, humility, and worship were not just about her moment—they’re a model for us today. Like Mary, we are called to trust God, to say, “Let it be to me according to Your word,” even when the road ahead is unclear.

Mary Points Us to Jesus

Mary is not to be worshipped, but she is certainly worth learning from. She says in verse 47:

“My spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.”

Mary needed a Savior—just like us. Her faith didn’t make her divine; it made her available. She gave up her plans, her reputation, and her future to be used by God.

That same faith calls us today. Jesus lives in us now by His Spirit, and we can live as people of faith—trusting that He who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it.

When anxieties rise and the future feels uncertain, follow Mary’s lead:

Look back on God’s faithfulness.
Look up to God’s greatness.
And move forward with a heart of worship.

The Savior is near. Jesus is with us. Amen.

Let’s pray.