<Luke 1:34-56>

In our previous lesson we discussed the announcement to Mary of the birth of the Savior. The birth would be the fulfillment of prophecies concerning Him:

In addition, we discussed in detail the fulfillment of the prophecy concerning the Messiah being given the throne of David as a Messianic sign. We also went into detail concerning the properties of His kingdom and how it would differ from earthly kingdoms.

In this lesson, we will examine Mary's initial response to the information and discuss the ‘how' of this particular miracle; develop a connection between Mary and Elizabeth, and rejoice with Mary as we enjoy her song!

“Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?" 35 And the angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing will be impossible." 38 Then Mary said, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.”

How Can This Be? Two things become very evident in this statement. First, is the very perceptive realization by Mary that this was beyond her understanding? Second, is that it stands as the correct statement of what is meant by the virgin birth of prophecy, “I do not know a man” . The word “know” in this statement comes from the Greek word, ‘ Ginosko', and refers to the carnal knowledge between a man and woman.

The Holy Spirit will come upon You: The Son of God in the flesh was to be conceived in a far different fashion than the manner that God gave men. This was to be necessary in order to both fulfill prophecy concerning the virgin birth and in order for the child to called the Son of God. The overshadowing mentioned here by the angel denotes the method that nature has been overruled in the body of Mary by the power of God. This is the only time in the history of God's dealing with man that He has worked in this specific fashion and that is the reason that Jesus is referred to as the “Only Begotten Son of God” .

Keep in mind that in every other way after the conception, the pregnancy of Mary was normal! It is only the conception that is miraculous.

Elizabeth Your Relative: A sign is offered here by the angel of God to Mary that denotes that God has also been involved in another similar situation. Mary did not request this sign, or express doubt, and thus it is being offered both to comfort and help Mary realize that there was many aspects of this great work of God being done besides her particular situation.

The King James Version of this verse denotes Elizabeth as Mary's cousin . However, the Greek word used here has an indefinite amount of meanings and may apply to any relative not as near as a brother or sister. It should be sufficient for us to realize that in whatever particular way, the two women are related to each other.

The fact that Elizabeth is six months along at the conception of Mary will also date the fact that John the Baptist would be older than Jesus by the same amount of time and begin his ministry that much earlier after reaching manhood ( Vs. 80 ).

For with God: I have often been amused by the intellectual minds of men who have argued that because they cannot understand the ability of God to create all things that it must be impossible for Him to exist. Yet, on the other hand, if man were able to understand the power and knowledge behind such events, He would not be God! This is the power behind the statement of the angel, in that “with God nothing will be impossible” . The miraculous conception of Mary would thus be a small thing to God who is capable of such great power and knowledge. This is the same power and knowledge that keep all things that exist in the delicate balance that maintain our very existence ( II Peter 3:7 ).

Let It Be To Me: To Mary's credit, she would be a true maidservant of the Lord. Here we see a meek submission to the word of the Lord (there is no sign of exultation or pride over her special favor in the sight of God). We should all seek the attitude of Mary concerning the blessings that we have been offered in Christ Jesus our Lord; meek submission to His word !

“Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah , 40 and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth . 41 And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. 45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord."

Hill Country: This is the section of Palestine containing the cities of Jerusalem , Bethlehem , and Hebron . It is thought that because the city of Jutta had been given to the family of Aaron as a priestly city (also named Jotbah), that this is the city of Judah being mentioned. It was about five miles south of Hebron in the hill country ( Joshua 15:55 ; 21:16 ). However, the fact that the city mentioned is in this area of Judah is sufficient.

Greeting: It was a sweet and confidential meeting these happy women had with each other. Their joy seemed to be mutual. Elizabeth had the living child within her as evidence of the word of the angel to Zacharias, while Mary's evidence was only the word of the angel.

Thus the confirmation of Mary's favored status by the Holy Spirit through Elizabeth seems to have been the purpose of this particular visit. Mary would be strengthened in her established faith in the word of God by Elizabeth 's confirmation and the sign of the babe in the womb at the sound of her voice.

Blessed is She who Believed: This statement of Elizabeth 's confirms Mary's own statement made in verse 38 . Mary completely accepted that which was told her by the angel, Elizabeth had confirmed the promises to her by the Holy Spirit, accompanied by a sign from God, and Mary is now being told, that without any doubt, these events will transpire as they have been revealed.

It is this established faith that allowed Mary to sing the praises of the power of God and her special blessing among women in her part in the coming of the Messiah and the salvation He would offer Israel , note:

47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.

48 For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant;

For behold, henceforth 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 on those who fear Him

He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

52 He has put down the mighty from their thrones,

And exalted the lowly.

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 seed forever."

Mary remained with Elizabeth for an additional three months and finally returned to her own house.These events recorded by Luke give us additional insight to the events concerning the revelation to Mary and the strength she gained from her visit to Elizabeth apart from the revelation of the virgin birth to Joseph (recorded in Matthew 1:18-25 ).