Luke 1:46-47
46 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”
The Significance of Luke 1:46-47
Luke 1:46-47 is part of what is known as the Magnificat, a song of praise spoken by Mary, the mother of Jesus. These verses are significant for several reasons. They reveal Mary’s deep faith and her understanding of God’s role in her life.
First, let’s break down the verses. In verse 46, Mary says, “My soul magnifies the Lord.” The word “magnifies” means to make something appear larger or more important. Mary is expressing her desire to glorify God. She wants to make His greatness known. This is a profound statement of worship. It shows that Mary’s focus is on God, not on herself.
In verse 47, Mary continues, “and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” Here, Mary is expressing joy. She is rejoicing in God, who she calls her Savior. This is significant because it shows that Mary recognizes her need for salvation. Even though she is chosen to be the mother of Jesus, she acknowledges that she too needs a Savior.
The context of these verses is also important. Mary speaks these words after visiting her cousin Elizabeth. Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, recognizes that Mary is carrying the Messiah. This confirmation from Elizabeth likely strengthens Mary’s faith and prompts her to speak these words of praise.
The Magnificat, including Luke 1:46-47, is rich in Old Testament references. Mary’s words echo the song of Hannah in 1 Samuel 2:1-10. Like Hannah, Mary is a humble servant who is chosen by God for a special purpose. This connection to the Old Testament shows the continuity of God’s plan. It highlights that the coming of Jesus is a fulfillment of God’s promises.
Moreover, these verses reveal the character of God. Mary praises God for His greatness and His role as Savior. This shows that God is both powerful and compassionate. He is worthy of praise and He cares for His people. Mary’s words remind us that God is involved in our lives. He is not distant or detached. He is a Savior who comes to us in our need.
Luke 1:46-47 also has a personal application. Mary’s response to God’s work in her life is a model for us. She responds with worship and joy. This challenges us to consider our own response to God. Do we magnify the Lord in our lives? Do we rejoice in Him as our Savior? These verses encourage us to focus on God and to respond to His work with praise.
In conclusion, Luke 1:46-47 is a powerful expression of faith and worship. Mary’s words reveal her deep understanding of God’s greatness and her need for a Savior. They connect to the broader biblical narrative and reveal the character of God. These verses challenge us to respond to God with the same worship and joy that Mary expressed. They remind us that God is worthy of our praise and that He is our Savior.