Mary's Song



Luke 1:46–55; focused on 1:46–50

And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant."

Reflect

Today, we begin our Lenten devotional journey. During each day of Lent, we will interact with a selected reading from the Gospel of Luke.

We begin our journey with Mary's song of praise, known as The Magnificat, found in Luke 1:46–55. The word "Magnificat" is derived from the Latin translation of the phrase "my soul magnifies"—the first phrase on the lips of Mary. In the words of N.T. Wright, this passage "is one of the most famous songs in Christianity. It's been whispered in monasteries, chanted in cathedrals, recited in small remote churches by evening candlelight, and set to music with trumpets and kettledrums by Johann Sebastian Bach."

Mary's song is richly steeped in the phrases of her own Bible—the Old Testament. There are no fewer than seven allusions to the Psalms, coupled with scriptural echoes from Isaiah, Habakkuk, Genesis, and Hannah's song found in 1 Samuel 2. Mary's vocabulary is deeply saturated in Scripture. It displays the posture of her heart as a faithful servant of the Lord.

Much of the song is a sharp critique of the influential people of the day. It's not a "hush little baby, don't you cry" lullaby. No, Mary speaks prophetically to those mainly concerned about making a name for themselves. See the repetition of common expectations being overturned: God has scattered the thoughts of the proud (v. 51); God has brought down the mighty from their thrones (v. 52), and God has sent the rich away empty (v. 53).

Mary's song warns those with ears to hear that her son Jesus comes not to comfort but to show us a new kingdom.

Mary is predicting that Jesus is going to reverse the dominant social norms of who is successful and valuable. It is a song that comforts because it is a reminder that God seeks the persecuted, the oppressed, and the forgotten. Mary's song of praise is an invitation this Lenten season to join a God who is always present with the broken-hearted.

Let us pray
Lord, grant us the eyes to behold Your kingdom culture. Grant us the courage and clarity to see those around us through Your kingdom's lenses. May You give us a heart during this season of Lent for the hurting, broken-hearted, and overlooked. In Jesus' name. Amen.


Location: Exmouth, Reino Unido

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