1. Mary’s faith was strengthened through personal confirmation
36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren . . . 39 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, 40 and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. Luke 1:36-40 (ESV)
Mary made haste to visit Elizabeth because she was eager to see the promised sign given by the angel.
2. Mary’s faith was strengthened through physical confirmation
41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb . . . 44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Luke 1:41a;44 (ESV)
One could say this was John’s first announcement or herald of the coming Messiah, though a silent one.
Genesis 25:22-26
10 'Did You not pour me out like milk And curdle me like cheese; 11 Clothe me with skin and flesh, And knit me together with bones and sinews? Job 10:10-11 (NASB)
3. Mary’s faith was strengthened through prophetic confirmation
41 . . . And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me . . . 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” Luke 1:41-45 (ESV)
The filling of the Spirit is connected with the ability to speak a prophetic word in this instance.
Rod Mattoon:
1. He provided enlightenment about the Lord Jesus Christ. Elizabeth had learned of Mary's miraculous conception. He continues to enlighten us today.
13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. John 16:13 (ESV)
2. His filling brought about the exultation of the Lord Jesus Christ. Elizabeth's song of praise glorified the Lord. His work continues to glorify Christ in our day.
14 He will glorify me . . . John 16:14 (ESV)
3. His fullness led to enablement in serving the Lord. He enabled Elizabeth to boldly proclaim her song. He emboldens and enables us today to serve the Lord Jesus Christ.
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (ESV)
2 “The Spirit of the LORD speaks by me; his word is on my tongue. 2 Samuel 23:2 (ESV)
Elizabeth’s loud voice emphasizes both excitement and authority.
Mary was blessed in her function of being Christ’s mother and in her faith.
(outline by John Macarthur)