Luke 1:39-45
Mary Visits Elizabeth
Mary visits her relative Elizabeth shortly after learning she will give birth to Jesus. Upon hearing Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s unborn child, John the Baptist, leaps in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, joyfully proclaims Mary as blessed among women. She acknowledges the significance of Mary’s child and expresses her awe and gratitude that the mother of her Lord has come to her. Elizabeth affirms Mary’s faith in God’s promises, highlighting the joy and blessing of trusting in Him.
Luke 1:39–40 (ESV):
In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, 40 and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.
- What details stand out to you about Mary’s visit to Elizabeth in this passage?
- Mary is a pregnant teenager; how do you think her parents might feel about her travels?
- Why do you think Mary went “with haste” to visit Elizabeth after learning about her own pregnancy?
Luke 1:41–45 (ESV):
And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”
- How does Elizabeth respond to Mary’s greeting? Why is her reaction significant?
- What role does the Holy Spirit play in this encounter?
- What does Elizabeth’s proclamation about Mary being “blessed among women” reveal about God’s work in their lives?
- What does it mean to be blessed? What’s the definition?
- Mary and Elizabeth find joy and affirmation in each other’s company. How can you cultivate relationships that strengthen your faith?
- When was a time you experienced joy or confirmation through the encouragement of someone else?
- When was a time you expressed encouragement to someone else, giving them joy or confirmation?
- Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke blessings over Mary. How can you speak words of blessing and encouragement to others in your life this week?
Church: Are we ready?
- Who around you needs a role model? Needs to be blessed?
- How can you be that for them?
Is our church/group reaching its community?
Find out ways you can BLESS your neighbors
