(The Song of Mary)

Luke 1:39-56

Key Verse 1:46b,47

* MARY VISITS ELIZABETH (39-45)

1. What had happened to Mary in verses 26-38? What was her decision of faith, and what was her human situation after conceiving Jesus?

2. Where did Mary decide to go for help? Why might have this been difficult? What word of God did she remember in this time of crisis? (32,33) How does this show her basic attitude toward God? (see verse 50)

3. How had God been working in Elizabeth? How did Elizabeth respond to her greeting? What did she say about Mary and the baby she would bear?

4. How did Elizabeth's words confirm God's word to Mary? (31) How might this encourage Mary?

* MY SOUL PRAISES THE LORD (46-56)

5. Look at verses 46,47. What twofold response did Mary make to Elizabeth? What kind of joy did she experience?

6. Why did Mary praise God? (46-48) How is her view of blessing or happiness different from that of worldly people? (Jn.15:5,11)

7. What does it mean to Mary that God is merciful? (49,50) How does she reveal her sense of history?

8. How does God rule world history? (51b-53) How do these verses anticipate the Messiah?

9. Look at verses 54,55. How has God revealed his faithfulness?

10. What can we learn from this song about how to be truly happy and how to glorify God?