#1413. Luke 1:46-56 - The Magnificat - Mary’s response to grace (22/12/25)
- Matt Beaney
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional as we continue our Christmas series.
From Luke 1:46–56, let’s learn from Mary to be people who recognise how richly we’ve been blessed, so that our lives overflow with worship.
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1. Mary’s soul glorifies the Lord her Saviour (1:46-49)
‘And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name.’ (Luke 1:46-49)
In response to Elizabeth’s Spirit-filled encouragement (vv. 41–45), Mary breaks into worship. Her song begins with her “soul” and “spirit” - her innermost being. True worship is never merely external; Jesus teaches that the Father seeks those who worship “in spirit and in truth.” Mary’s song beautifully models this.
Mary calls God “my Saviour.” She is blessed, not because she was sinless, but because God was mindful of her “humble state.” She knows that God has acted in mercy and grace toward her, and this awakens heartfelt praise.
As with Mary, remembering God’s mercy toward us - how undeservedly blessed we are - is foundational for rich, humble, joyful worship.
2. She speaks of how He has lifted the humble and brought down the proud (1:50-56)
‘His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.” Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.’ (Luke 1:50-56)
In verses 50–55 Mary continues, piling up the phrase “He has…”:
He has performed mighty deeds
He has scattered the proud
He has brought down rulers
He has lifted up the humble
He has filled the hungry
He has helped His servant Israel
Her worship isn’t vague emotion - it is rooted in Scripture, in God’s promises to Abraham, and in God’s past faithfulness. Mary has clearly spent her life storing up God’s truth, and now, in a moment of joy, the Holy Spirit draws it out of her.
Jesus explains this principle:
“…the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.” (Matthew 12:34-35)
Our hearts will always speak what they are filled with.
If we fill our minds with God’s Word, His works, His mercy and His promises, then worship, encouragement, wisdom and faith will naturally flow out of us - just as they did from Mary.
This is true discipleship: intentionally storing up God’s truth so that the Spirit may use it for worship, counsel, prayer and encouragement.
Response
Let’s actively store good things in our hearts.Like collectors of fine treasures, let’s fill our minds with the knowledge of God and the riches of the gospel - the “every spiritual blessing” we already possess in Christ.
And like Mary, may we be able to declare:
“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant…”
Community Group Notes
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