The Magnificat: Mary’s Knowledge of Scripture – Lesson 3
By: Frank Tunstall, D. Min.
Mary was already full of the Old Testament Scriptures when Gabriel visited her. Her parents must have started her memorizing from the time she could talk.
Nazareth was on a trade route, and the arrival of a caravan was about the biggest event that took place in sleepy Nazareth. Some of the young girls surely ran after the young men on the caravans, but not Mary.
Mary’s command of Scripture is revealed in the song she sang in Elizabeth’s home. It is identified by the name, the Magnificat. The title in Latin means to glorify or magnify and comes from the first line of the hymn.
The Holy Spirit does not drop verses into our hearts that we have never read or heard. If the Spirit did that, few people would ever read the Bible.
The Magnificat demonstrates Mary’s amazing impromptu knowledge of Scripture. It also shows the ability of the Holy Spirit to inspire a hymn using Mary’s knowledge, and it has lived for 2,000 years. Luke is the gospel writer the Holy Spirit used to record it (Luke 1:46-55).
The verses that follow are examples from which the Holy Spirit could have inspired Mary to give us the song.
46 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord [Psalm 34:2-3] 47 And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior [Habakkuk 3:18],
48 For he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant [Psalm 138:6).
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49 For the Mighty One has done great things for me; [Psalm 71:19] Holy is his name [Psalm 111:9].
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him
from generation to generation. [Exodus 20:6].
51 He has performed mighty deeds with His arm.
He has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts [Isaiah 40:10].
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
But has lifted up the humble [Daniel 4:25].
53 He has filled the hungry with good things [Psalm 107:9] but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful [Psalm 98:3] 55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
even as he said to our fathers.” [Genesis 17:7].
Six Bible books and eleven impromptu citations in ten verses – from this young girl. Simply amazing.
Dear reader, what does Mary’s Magnificat say to you about rearing a child?
Mary made a second trip south to Bethlehem a few months later, this time with Joseph, when she was “great with child” (Luke 2:5). The trip was about the same in miles; Bethlehem is five miles south of Jerusalem. Baby Jesus was born on that second trip in a humble Bethlehem cave that served as a cattle stable.
Can anyone deny the Holy Spirit understood the historic time had come? (Galatians 4:4). The Spirit foreknew all the people in the drama would be in place, ready to fulfill their roles and act out of their free will.
The miracle of the incarnation of Jesus was becoming history.
Now. Will you please let me ask you five questions. Please take the time to answer them.
- On a scale of one to ten, would you please rate how you are pouring the gospel into your children? Also your grandchildren?
Children ____________________10
- Do you believe raising up Godly generations is the highest goal of parenting?
Yes_______ No _______
- Are you actively teaching your children and grandchildren?
Yes_______ No_______
- Do you agree or disagree: The church has the primary responsibility to teach my children to know Christ personally and adopt Christian values.
Yes _______ No_______
- Do you agree or disagree: The home has the primary responsibility for parents to introduce their children to Christ and to teach Christian values?
Agree ______ Disagree _______
