Luke Reading (#3)

Take a few minutes to catch up and pray that God would bless you through the reading of His word.

Read Luke 1:39-45

[1:39] In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, [40] and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. [41] And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, [42] and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! [43] And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? [44] For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. [45] And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”

Observation

  • What happened to the baby in Elizabeth’s womb (John) when Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting (v. 41)? 
  • What happened to Elizabeth after that (v. 41)? What does Elizabeth call Mary (v. 43)? What virtue of Mary’s does Elizabeth single out in her blessing (v. 45)? 

Interpretation

  • Is there any significance to the fact that John leapt in the womb at Mary’s voice? If so, what might it be?
  • Why is it extraordinary that someone like Elizabeth would be showing such honor and respect to someone like Mary?

Read Luke 1:46-56

[46] And Mary said,
        “My soul magnifies the Lord,
    [47]     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
    [48] for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
        For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
    [49] for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
        and holy is his name.
    [50] And his mercy is for those who fear him
        from generation to generation.
    [51] He has shown strength with his arm;
        he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
    [52] he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
        and exalted those of humble estate;
    [53] he has filled the hungry with good things,
        and the rich he has sent away empty.
    [54] He has helped his servant Israel,
        in remembrance of his mercy,
    [55] as he spoke to our fathers,
        to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”
[56] And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home.

Observation

  • What reasons does Mary give for praising the Lord (v. 48-49)?
  • According to Mary, what kind of person does the Lord oppose (v. 51-53)? What kind of person does God help (v. 50, 52-53)?
  • Why did God help Israel (v. 54)? 

Interpretation

  • Why is it important for Mary to note that God has done all of this “as he spoke to our fathers” (v. 55)?
  • Mary praises the Lord because he humbles the rich and powerful and shows kindness to the weak and poor. 
    • What does that tell us about God’s character?
    • Why do you think God chooses to act in this way?
    • Does that mean that God never helps rich, powerful people?
    • Does this remind you of any other passages in the Bible?  

Application

  • Is it possible to make yourself like one of the people that God blesses? If so, what should you do in light of this truth?
  • Does your heart respond like Mary’s to the character and work of God? Take time to praise the Lord for who he is and what he has done for us in Christ.

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Luke Study, Bible Reading GroupDavid NicotraLuke