Study 9

MARY

A Prayer of Joy

Luke 1:26-56

 

Mary has often been portrayed as a sorrowful woman.  She experienced deep grief as Jesus’ mother, culminating in the agony of watching his crucifixion.  But Mary is also called blessed.  William Barclay comments, “Nowhere can we better see the paradox of blessedness than in the life of Mary.  To Mary was granted the blessedness of being the mother of the Son of God.  Well might her heart be filled with a wondering, tremulous, amazed joy at so great a privilege.  And yet that very blessedness meant that some day she would see that Son of hers hanging on the cross.  To be chosen by God so often means at one and the same time a crown of joy and a cross of sorrow” (The Gospel of Luke:  The Daily Study Bible, p. 8).  Mary’s prayer is a beautiful response of submission to God’s plan for her.

 

  1. When have you experienced the seeming paradox of fearful belief, or doubting trust?

 

 

 

 

Read Luke 1:26-38.

 

  1. Notice the precise details of who, what, when, and where in verses 26 and 27 that establish the setting for this event.

 

 

 

 

  1. What does Mary learn about herself from the angel?  What does she learn about her coming child?

 

 

 

 

  1. What appears to be impossible about this announcement?  And what makes it possible?

 

 

 

 

  1. How might the news of Elizabeth’s pregnancy encourage Mary?

 

 

 

 

  1. Contrast Mary’s responses in verses 34 and 38.  Imagine the emotions she experiences.  How does Mary’s response encourage you?

 

 

 

 

Read Luke 1:39-45.

 

  1. What is Elizabeth’s reaction to Mary?  How might this make Mary feel?

 

 

 

 

Read Luke 1:46-56.

 

  1. What does Mary express about her relationship to God in this prayer song?

 

 

 

 

  1. What does Mary’s prayer say about God’s character?  His actions?  His attitude toward people?

 

 

 

 

  1. How would Jesus fulfill the themes of Mary’s prayer?

 

 

 

 

  1. Mary’s prayer shows God as one who is concerned for justice, mercy, and deliverance.  How does your life reflect these concerns?

 

 

 

 

  1. As you pray together, put your immediate problems in the perspective of God’s past and future faithfulness as Mary does.  Pray for the grace to submit joyfully to God’s will as shown in Mary’s response to the difficult role God gave her.