My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
- Luke 1:30-31
Mary’s song to Elizabeth in Luke 1:46-56 has thrilled the hearts of God’s people in every generation. The Magnificat, as it’s sometimes called (from the Latin for the first word) is a song of praise sung by Mary in response to Elizabeth’s praise to God.
Luke certainly must have discussed this song with her at a later time, as he was doing his research, and she certainly must have remembered this stunning moment in her life.
The song contains glorious praise to God, first for His kindness to Mary, then for His kindness to His people, and lastly for His kindness to the nation of Israel.
In the first section, Mary expresses her joy in God, and magnifies the Lord. The word means to exult or offer honor to someone. Mary is doing just that - honoring God in her song, and offering Him the praise He deserves.
This response of joyful praise to God is the direct result of God’s care for her. Notice that she says ‘FOR…’. The reason she is filled with praise and joy is because of what God has done for her.
He has looked on her humble estate. God saw Mary’s status - she was His servant as all men and women are, but she was also poor. She came from a small town. She was engaged to a laborer. And what’s more, she was a sinner. In other words, she had no earthly reason to be chosen to be the mother of the Messiah. And yet, here she is, carrying in her womb her Lord and Savior.
No wonder, then, that she rejoices in God and magnifies Him for His grace to her.
The Messiah, Jesus, came to and through her - an unworthy sinner.
And this, of course, is the fullest message of Christmas and the incarnation of Christ. Jesus didn’t come to save the powerful or the rich or the self-righteous. Jesus has come to those who were the least worthy. He has come for those of low estate. He has come for sinners in need of a Savior.
In fact He said the same thing during His earthly ministry. He told the Pharisees, “I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (Mark 3:17)
Do you know that you are a sinner? Do you understand your humble estate before God? Do you know your need of Him? Are you aware that there is no earthly reason why Jesus would choose to come for you.
If so, Jesus has come for you, just as He did for Mary! Jesus cares for you in your weakness, failure, and pain. Trust Him!
And when you do, your soul will follow the example of Mary - you will exult God, and you will be filled with joy because of your Savior!
