Mary’s Song: A God’s to the Lowly
Luke 1:46-55 (Part 1)
Introduction: Excitement for an upcoming event; great anticipation; Ill: A defendant was on trial for murder in Oklahoma. There was strong evidence indicating guilt, but there was no corpse. In the defense’s closing statement the lawyer, knowing that his client would probably be convicted, resorted to a trick. "Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I have a surprise for you all," the lawyer said as he looked at his watch. "Within one minute, the person presumed dead in this case will walk into this courtroom." He looked toward the courtroom door. The jurors, somewhat stunned, all looked on eagerly. A minute passed. Nothing happened. Finally the lawyer said, "Actually, I made up the previous statement. But you all looked on with anticipation. I, therefore, put it to you that there is reasonable doubt in this case as to whether anyone was killed and insist that you return a verdict of not guilty." The jury, clearly confused, retired to deliberate. A few minutes later, the jury returned and pronounced a verdict of guilty. "But how?" inquired the lawyer. "You must have had some doubt; I saw all of you stare at the door." Answered the jury foreman: "Oh, we did look. But your client didn’t."
Background: Today we begin the time known as “Advent” the time we prepare for the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ into this world. As the gospel of Luke opens, we see that God is beginning the ground work for the preparation for Jesus to come to this world. Over 400 yrs have past without a word from God, and now it is time! Hearts must be prepared and people chosen to take part as this wonderful gift arrives to earth from heaven. For the next four weeks we will focus on the “songs” that fill the hearts of those who await the arrival of Jesus Christ. In the gospel of Luke, Luke is the only writer to include four lyrical songs in his account of the advent. The first is the song of Mary, better known as the “Magnificat”. Gabriel has just appeared to both Zacharias and Mary, telling each that they will have a miracle baby. The first will be the forerunner of the second, who will be the Son of God (35). When Mary enters the home of Zacharias and Elizabeth, Elizabeth blesses Mary as the baby jumps for joy in her womb. After hearing Elizabeth’s blessing, Mary breaks out into song to God. Her song will show Mary’s humble heart as well as her knowledge of O.T prophecy. This hymn will praise God’s active movement in time to come to earth as a Savior. It is a song of adoration to God!
Proposition: Christians should celebrate God’s fulfillment of His promises and mercies to the lowly through the birth of Jesus the Christ.
Why is Mary Singing to God?
I. Sing of God’s Mercy to Lowly Mary (vs. 46-49)
Ill: A young lady who occasionally walked through the park after work, stopped to have her picture taken by a photographer on this particular day. She was very excited about her picture being taken. As she walked out of the park, she looked at the Polaroid picture in total amazement. She turned and headed back to the cameraman. When she got their she stated, "This is not right! This is not right! You have done me no justice!" The photographer looked at the picture and looked at her and stated, "Miss, you don’t need justice, what you need is mercy."
A. God is over her – (Lord, means master, person of higher status) (48 – bond-slave, she is under the command of God)
B. God has saved her – (Savior, means one who delivers from grave danger)
C. God has chosen her – (regarded, deemed her worthy; not of anything on her own merit, but only by the mercies of God)
· Mary recognized the future importance of her role, yet it was with humility. God’s purpose for salvation will be accomplished through the birth of her child.
D. God has blessed her – (Mighty One, speaks of a warrior (Ps. 45:3; 50:1; 132:2,5), powerful one who has done great things for Mary.)
· Mary’s attitude was that this calling was positive in spite of difficult earthy situation. “God has done a great thing for me” not “Why me God!”
1. The first part of this song was a song of praise for God’s personal blessing. Ill: There is a song that goes “Mary was the first one to carry the Gospel”. We may not have been chosen to raise the Christ Child, but we have just an important task to carry the Gospel to all the earth.
2. Our attitude to the great commission should be “a glorious song of adoration to God” rather than complaining.
II. Sing of God’s Mercy to the Lowly Person (vs. 50-53)
Lowly person = “those who fear Him”
Job 5:11 – “He sets on high those who are lowly…”
Ps. 136:23 – “God remembers us in our lowly state…”
Ps. 138:6 – “Though God is on high, yet He regards the lowly…”
A. God Gathers the Helpless (51).
B. God Exalts the Humble (52).
C. God Fills the Hungry (53).
Mary recognized the promises in the OT that the coming of Jesus would bring mercy to all those who were lowly in their status on this earth. Jesus’ actions will prove this, not only did God talk the talk, but He will walk the walk in the incarnation of Jesus. He came disguised as a lowly man, but brought to us so much. He met our every need
Zech. 9:9 – (Jesus) Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey.
Matt. 11:29 – “Take my yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart”
1. The “lowly person” is central in the theme of Luke. Woman (Mary, Elizabeth, Anna), old priest, carpenter (Joseph), shepherds (outcast), wooly prophet, old man (Simeon)….
2. The focus of Jesus’ ministry was to turn the world’s thinking upside down; the greatest instruments are the lowly in heart and spirit. Lk 4:17-19
3. Aren’t you glad Jesus calls and wants to use the least of us?
III. Sing of God’s Mercy to a Lowly Nation (vs. 54-55)
A. God showed mercy to Israel.
· Even though they rebelled time and again, God had not abandoned His people, He was showing them mercy (getting what they do not deserve).
· God’s mercy will one day end, but until that day He is full of great mercy.
B. God kept His promise to Israel. (1:32-33)
· God kept His word, even though thousand of years have past since his promises to Abraham, Jacob, David…(Gen. 12; 17; 2 Sam 7)
· God removed Israel from a place of blessing, but He remained faithful to His covenant.
1. One day there will be a shout of singing by the lowly when their Savior calls them home to be with Him. There will be a song when Jesus comes the second time for all those who love His appearing. God will keep His Word!
Conclusion:
1. You see, Christmas is not about eggnog, lighted trees, presents, or candy. Christmas is about God keeping His word, and entering earth’s atmosphere to rescue mankind from their sins. Jesus came as a lowly child, He lived as a lowly servant, He ministered with a humble spirit, and died as a lowly lamb. But when He returns, it will be high and lifted up on His throne where every knee will bow and every tongue proclaim that Jesus is Lord!
2. Can you sing a song of salvation like Mary? Has Jesus saved you?
3. Can you sing a song of deliverance like Mary? Has Jesus delivered you from a difficult situation recently? Is there a song of praise on your lips?
4. Can you sing a song of adoration like Mary, because Jesus is The Faithful God who will always keep His promises?
5. Have you allowed someone or something to steal your song of praise to Jesus? Christmas season is all about praising the name of Jesus Christ!
