Mary, the Handmaiden of the LORD - Bible Baptist Church

Mary worship is a popular thing in the world. It’s common to put Mary above Jesus Christ or include Mary as a mediator between God and man.

One of God’s favorites (vss 28-30)

The fact that God is no respecter of persons doesn’t mean the LORD doesn’t have his favorite people. The idea that he’s no respecter of persons means He will not pervert His judgment because you’re wealthy or notable in your society. But the fact that your title or money have no effect on God’s judgment is not the same thing as saying God has an opinion about individuals.
Daniel is greatly beloved of God. Noah is notable for his stand in faith. Job was noted for his personal righteousness. David was a man after God’s own heart. The LORD certainly has an opinion about individuals.
This means the LORD has an opinion about your life.

Mary’s faith (vss 38-45)

The angel explains to Mary how this pregnancy is going to take place. Mary believes God. Notice in verse 38 she says, be it unto me according to thy word, followed by Elizabeth pointing out Mary’s faith in verse 45, And blessed is she that believed.
The word of God takes effect when it is believed. This is done in verse 38. Notice immediately that Mary goes to see Elisabeth and John the Baptist leaps in Elisabeth’s womb.
1 Thessalonians 2:13 regarding the effects resulting from belief in the words of God.

Mary magnifies the LORD (vs 46-47)

…soul doth magnify the LORD… (vs 46)
- Mary says something similar to what John the Baptist said, He must increase, but I must decrease.
- Not only is magnifying something mean it appears bigger, but it also means you find details that you didn’t see before.
…rejoiced in God my Savior (vs 47)
- Mary has a savior. That’s important to know so you understand Mary is not a savior or a mediator.

God’s regard for the poor in spirit (vss 48-53)

God regards her lowly estate (vss 48-50)
- James 4:6 …God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
Isaiah 66:1-2 Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest? For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. That is one of the most incredible statement ever made. God can’t be impressed with anything man builds, but what He is impressed with and what gives God rest is a poor and contrite spirit that trembles at his word.
- His mercy is directed to those that fear him.
God’s reward to the humble and exclusion of the proud (vss 51-53)
- This will be a literal scattering in the future, but in context here when the LORD chose Mary he excluded the religious class. Look at verse 52.
- As unbelievers carried on their religion in their imagination the LORD was choosing humility and the poor in spirit.
- Those hungering and thirsting after righteousness go away filled, but those who say they are rich and have need of nothing get nothing.

Mary understands her place nationally (vss 54-55)

The seed was promised in Genesis 3:15. Then promised again to Abraham in Genesis 12:7, Isaac in Genesis 26:4, and Jacob in Genesis 28:13.
Galatians 3:16, 19, 29 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ… 19 Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator… 29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.