Scripture Lesson

Luke 1:39-56

39 Mary got up and hurried to a city in the Judean highlands. 40 She entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 With a loud voice she blurted out, “God has blessed you above all women, and he has blessed the child you carry. 43 Why do I have this honor, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. 45 Happy is she who believed that the Lord would fulfill the promises he made to her.”

46 Mary said, “With all my heart I glorify the Lord!

47  In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my savior.
48 He has looked with favor on the low status of his servant.
    Look! From now on, everyone will consider me highly favored
49  because the mighty one has done great things for me.
Holy is his name.
50     He shows mercy to everyone,
        from one generation to the next,
        who honors him as God.
51 He has shown strength with his arm.
    He has scattered those with arrogant thoughts and proud inclinations.
52  He has pulled the powerful down from their thrones
        and lifted up the lowly.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
    and sent the rich away empty-handed.
54 He has come to the aid of his servant Israel,
        remembering his mercy,
55     just as he promised to our ancestors,
        to Abraham and to Abraham’s descendants forever.”

56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months, and then returned to her home.

Go Deeper

Watch Kenzie and Addy’s story in “New Callings”

  • How do you see children responding to callings differently than adults?
  • Mary’s praise is focused on issues of justice—why do you think that particular focus captured Mary?
  • When you feel stirred toward a new calling, do you mostly feel excitement or mostly feel anxiety/stress? Explain.

These resources are used with permission from Vibrant Faith. You can find their complete Calling Now: 30 Days of Devotional Experiences at https://vibrantfaith.org/callingnow/

We are grateful to Vibrant Faith for being a part of their Creating a Culture of Call project. You can learn more about calling and explore how you are called at Allcalled.org.