Mary’s Song of Praise (series: Harmony of the Gospels)

by John Lowe
(Woodruff, S.C.)

Harmony of the Gospels

-5 BC-
Hill Country of Judea

Lesson: Mary’s Song of Praise

(Psalms 3:17) Luke 1:46-56


And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me-holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their innermost thoughts. He has brought down the rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things, but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers.” Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home. (Luke 1:46-56)

Now Mary sings a song. The song teaches us several very interesting things. She tells us in her song that she needed a Savior and she rejoiced in Him. Mary was a wonderful woman and we should call her blessed, but we should not bow down before her and worship her. It was her glorious privilege to be the mother of the Son of God. We should not play down her role, but we should not play it up either. It was no accident that God chose her and He does not make mistakes.

Mary sings about God’s everlasting mercy. In Psalms 103:17, it says, “But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear Him, and His righteousness with their children’s children.” God’s love and mercy are for those who respect Him. It is for His sheep. If you are not a child of God, one of His sheep, all you will get from God is justice and His wrath. Hebrews 10:31 says, “It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” There is only one way to avoid that and that is to receive Jesus as your Savior. It is a wonderful thing to look into the future and know that God will always be merciful to you.