Mary’s Magnificat – A Song of Praise and Surrender Bible Study

Mary’s Magnificat – A Song of Praise and Surrender

This is the perfect time of year to go deeper in your study of the miraculous events surrounding the birth of Christ. This study takes a deep dive into Mary's Magnificat--her song of praise recorded in Luke 1:46-53. If we're not careful, we may skim over the parts of Scripture that seem to be "extras" in the main story, and we do so at a great expense. So get your Bible and something to write on and let's explore the depths of Mary's declaration of praise. May this study expand your admiration of Mary, the key character in the birth of Christ, and elevate your worship and love of Jesus, the Savior of the World.

Mary was carrying in her womb the Savior of the world! Read the amazing events that happened a few days later when she visited her cousin Elizabeth.

Luke 1:39-45 A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town (40) where Zechariah lived. She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth. (41) At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. (42) Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. (43) Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? (44) When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. (45) You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.”

It had only been a few days since the angel Gabriel had announced to Mary the miracle of the Son of God conceived within her womb. Physically for her, she had not yet felt or seen anything, but her cousin's response must have filled her heart afresh with the truth and reality of what had been promised to her. She could not keep silent but burst forth in a song of praise in her God and Savior.

Mary’s Magnificat, or song of praise, is a beautiful expression of joy, humility, and trust in God’s faithfulness. Spoken during her visit to Elizabeth, it reveals Mary’s profound understanding of God’s character and His promises.

Luke 1:46-55  Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord.  (47)  How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!  (48)  For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed.  (49)  For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me.  (50)  He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him.  (51)  His mighty arm has done tremendous things! He has scattered the proud and haughty ones.  (52)  He has brought down princes from their thrones and exalted the humble.  (53)  He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands.  (54)  He has helped his servant Israel and remembered to be merciful.  (55)  For he made this promise to our ancestors, to Abraham and his children forever.”

Despite being a young, humble woman from Nazareth, Mary recognizes that God has chosen her for a pivotal role in His redemptive plan. Her song is deeply rooted in Scripture, echoing themes from the Psalms and Hannah’s prayer in 1 Samuel 2:1–10. It emphasizes:

1. God’s Greatness: Mary glorifies God for His holiness, mercy, and mighty works (vv. 46–49).

2. God’s Justice: She acknowledges that God lifts up the humble and brings down the proud (vv. 51–53).

3. God’s Faithfulness: Mary celebrates God’s unwavering commitment to His promises, especially His covenant with Abraham (vv. 54–55).

Mary’s response is an example of faith-filled praise even in uncertain circumstances. She trusts in God’s sovereignty and celebrates His work in her life and the world.

Questions for Study

1. What qualities and characteristics of God can be learned from Mary’s song of praise?

2. Read and compare Hannah’s song of praise in 1 Samuel 2:1-10 to Mary’s. What are the similarities?
   
   

3. Mary’s song is deeply rooted in the worship and theology of the Psalms.  Look up and read the following psalms and note how they reflect the various themes in her song of praise.

Mary’s Song of Praise	The Psalms	Theme
Luke 1:46-47	Ps 34:3; 103:1-2
Luke 1:47	Ps 13:5-6; 96:2-3
Luke 1:48-49	Ps 138:6; 113:7-8
Luke 1: 50-55	Ps 103:17-18; 89:1-2
Luke 1:51-53	Ps 146:7-9; 107:9

Questions for Reflection

1. Mary’s song of praise is firmly rooted and influenced by Old Testament Scripture, especially the Psalms.  How can you use Scripture to deepen your prayers, as Mary did?

2. Mary praised God despite facing significant challenges (e.g., the potential stigma of her pregnancy). What challenges in your life can you turn into opportunities for praise?

3. Consider God’s faithfulness in your life. What “great things” has He done for you that you can magnify Him for today?

A Prayer in Response

Lord,

I praise You for Your greatness, mercy, and faithfulness. Thank You for Mary’s song, which reminds me of Your unchanging promises and Your care for the humble. Help me to respond to life’s challenges with faith and gratitude, magnifying Your name in all I do. May my life, like Mary’s, reflect a heart of surrender and trust in You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.