What is the meaning of Luke 1:49? For the Mighty One - Mary begins with “For the Mighty One…” (Luke 1:49), spotlighting God’s limitless power. • Genesis 17:1 introduces Him as “God Almighty,” the same strong hand now at work in Mary. • Psalm 24:8 calls Him “the LORD, strong and mighty,” echoing Mary’s confidence that her miracle pregnancy rests on omnipotence, not human ability. • Luke 1:35 reminds us that “the power of the Most High will overshadow you,” so her praise flows naturally from an awareness of a God who can do anything He pleases. - By using a royal title instead of His personal name first, Mary emphasizes reverence before intimacy—power before proximity—inviting us to stand in awe before we speak of what He’s done. has done great things for me - The phrase highlights God’s personal kindness: “has done great things for me.” • Psalm 126:3 affirms, “The LORD has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.” Mary is the latest in a long line of people stunned by God’s gracious acts. • Deuteronomy 10:21 says He “has done these mighty and awesome works for you,” connecting Mary’s experience to Israel’s history of rescue. • Luke 8:39 records Jesus telling a healed man, “Return home and describe what great things God has done for you.” Personal testimony is a divinely approved response to grace. - Notice the intimacy: • Great things “for me”—the infinite God bends low to bless one young woman. • Her unborn Child is the greatest of those “great things,” fulfilling Isaiah 9:6 and Genesis 3:15 in her own body. - Application bullets: • Catalog God’s past mercies; gratitude feeds faith for tomorrow. • Refuse to shrink His works to coincidences; call them “great things.” Holy is His name - Mary shifts from power and blessing to character: “Holy is His name.” • Psalm 111:9 echoes, “Holy and awesome is His name.” Holiness is not one trait among many; it defines all He is. • Isaiah 6:3’s seraphim cry “Holy, holy, holy,” reminding us that purity saturates heaven’s atmosphere. • Revelation 4:8 shows the same chorus in eternity, proving holiness is never outdated. - Why end on holiness? • It guards us from presuming on grace. The Mighty One is approachable, yet never common. • Blessings are safest in the hands of a holy giver; they cannot be tainted or withdrawn capriciously. - Practical response: • Worship that lingers on God’s holiness recalibrates our hearts, stirring both awe and humility (Psalm 99:3). summary Mary’s line in Luke 1:49 weaves together three unbreakable strands: God’s omnipotence, His personal kindness, and His flawless holiness. The Mighty One can do anything; He chooses to do great things for His people; and every act He performs is stamped with perfect purity. Stand in awestruck gratitude with Mary, confident that the same Holy, powerful God still delights to do great things for all who trust Him. |