Responding in Humility December 7

Think About It … What was an honor you received that was unexpected? How did you respond to this experience? Today we will consider two women who responded with humility when they had unexpected experiences in their lives

God’s Presence How you would act differently if you had a dinner with a king or a president … different from the way you typically act around the dinner table at home? In this passage we look at Elizabeth’s response to being in God’s presence. Listen for remarkable things that happened as Mary called her greeting to Elizabeth.

Listen for remarkable things that happened Luke 1:39-45 (NIV) At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, [40] where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. [41] When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. [42] In a loud voice she exclaimed:

Listen for remarkable things that happened "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! [43] But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? [44] As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. [45] Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!"

God’s Presence What specific things happened as Mary called her greeting to Elizabeth? Note that prior to the coming of the Holy Spirit to all believers, God would … – fill certain people – at particular times – for particular purposes

God’s Presence Under the influence of the Holy Spirit, what did Elizabeth declare to Mary? How did she indicate that she knew what her and Mary’s pregnancies meant? What significance do you think it had for Mary that Elizabeth knew the importance of Mary’s baby?

God’s Presence Elizabeth declared Mary as blessed … what do people mean today when they say “Have a blessed day”? In Jewish culture, when a blessing was declared, the giver was interceding with God on behalf of the one being blessed. This is what Elizabeth was declaring.

God’s Presence Not only was Mary blessed … she would be God’s tool to bless others. How do you think you would have felt and reacted to knowing that God was using you to bless the world?

Listen for attributes of God extolled in the first part of Mary’s song. Luke 1:46 – 49 (NIV) And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord [47] and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, [48] for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, [49] for the Mighty One has done great things for me-- holy is his name.

God’s Glorious Character What specific actions did Mary say God had done for her? Mary’s “song” of praise has many parallels to that of Hanna, Samuel’s mother when she became a mother. What would be significant about Mary’s use of Scripture in what she said?

God’s Glorious Character What characteristics or attributes of God are praised by Mary? How did Mary come to know God in this way? Based on both passages now, what are some words that describe Mary’s attitude? How does contemplating wonderful things God has done in your life in the past affect your attitude towards what He is doing in your life right now?

Listen for further characteristics of God in this portion of Mary’s hymn. Luke 1:50 – 56 (NIV) His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. [51] He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. [52] He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.

Listen for further characteristics of God in this portion of Mary’s hymn. [53] He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. [54] He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful [55] to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers." [56] Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

Gods Involvement Let’s list the characteristics of God mentioned here … some are repeated from earlier. According to Mary’s song, what kinds of people are given special treatment by God? Let’s separate that treatment into negative and positive treatment. NegativePositive

Gods Involvement Mary was inconvenienced by God’s plan for her. How did her response demonstrate her faith and humility? Every day we face choices about how we will respond to God’s leadership. Why is a humble response important?

Application We noted that Mary was both blessed and was to become God’s tool to bless others. – Ask God to show you how He wants you to bless others – Be sensitive to God’s opportunities for you to be a blessing to someone – Look for ways to share the blessing of kindness in what you say and how you interact with strangers, friends, and family

Application Mary praised God for what He had done in her life. Take some time this week to express praise to God for what He has done in your individual life this past year – Physical restoration – Salvation of a loved one – A new job – Kids succeeded in school – A new step of faith

Application Along with humility, Mary responded by serving the Lord … as the mother of the Messiah. Look for ways you can humbly serve the Savior this Christmas season. – Giving of resources to community ministries – Involvement in the Samaritan’s Purse Christmas shoe- boxes program, Operation Christmas Child – Visit home bound people who have limited contact with others – Become involved in church ministries

Responding in Humility December 7