Advent: Week 4: Sunday: Year C

1^st Reading: Mica 5:1-4: Ruler of Israel

2^nd Reading: Hebrews 10:5-10: I will do your Will

Gospel: Luke 1:39-45: Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord?

The prophet Micah speaks to us about the Messiah to come. The Messiah will be like a man like us and he will be a shepherd who will bring peace and will be born at Bethlehem (house of bread). The Messiah saved the world by fulfilling God’s will with an obedience, humility and service.

In the gospel of Luke; Mary responded to God’s love for her through concern for her cousin Elizabeth that she was a person with a very deep faith, she submitted humbly and generously in God’s plan for her, she was woman full of concern for her neighbour and finally she was a woman whose heart overflowed with joy and gratitude.

Elizabeth’s Supernatural Proclamation: A Very Unusual Testimony

Whatever confession was borne about the Baby conceived in Mary was critical importance. Because the baby was...

·        Jesus.

·        The Son of the Most High.

·        The Son of David.

·        The Ruler over the House of Jacob forever.

·        The Ruler whose kingdom will never end.

·        The One born of the Holy Spirit.

·        The Son of God the Most High.

In this passage a supernatural confession is proclaimed and this is the very first testimony ever given by human lips about Jesus.

1.     Mary visited Elizabeth and her visit was memorable (v. 39-42):

a.     Went in a hurry (spoudes) which means speed, diligence, care, earnestness, zeal.

b.    Went to the town of Judah.

c.      Entered Elizabeth’s home and greeted her.

d.    Was welcomed by Elizabeth’s proclaimation:

i.                   Heard Mary’s greeting

ii.                  Felt the baby leap

iii.              Was instantly filled with the Spirit

iv.              Spoke loudly

2.     She proclaimed uniqueness about Mary and her child (v.42): Three unusual things happened immediately.

i.                   The baby leaped in Elizabeth’s womb.

ii.                 She was instantly filled with the Holy Spirit.

iii.              She was full of joy and exaltation for the Messiah and spoke in a loud voice.

3.     She proclaimed that Mary’s child was her Lord (v. 43-44):

a.     The great confession

b.    The clear sign

4.     She proclaimed that Mary’s faith would receive the promise (v.45):

There are two reasons why Mary has been blessed by believers of every generation.

i.                   Mary believed in the Word of God sent to her (Lk 1:38). Contrast her belief with Zachariah’s unbelief (Lk 1:20).

ii.                 Mary was related to Christ in a very special way.

Thought: If we wish to be blessed by God, we must believe the Word of God sent to us. Elizabeth’s confession for her Lord was a personal thing.

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