Luke 1:39 – “At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea,”
Extended Explanation
After the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would conceive and give birth to Jesus, the Son of God, and that her relative Elizabeth was miraculously pregnant, Mary quickly prepared to visit Elizabeth. Her decision to “hurry” shows both excitement and a desire to confirm what the angel had told her. Mary likely saw this visit as a way to seek encouragement and share in the joy of God’s miraculous work in both of their lives.
This verse reflects Mary’s faith and obedience. Rather than hesitating or doubting the angel’s message, she immediately acts, trusting that what the angel said was true. Her visit to Elizabeth was more than a simple family visit—it was a spiritual journey where she would witness firsthand the fulfillment of God’s promises.
Historical Context
Mary’s journey from Nazareth to the hill country of Judea would have been a significant and possibly challenging trip, covering approximately 80-100 miles. It would have taken several days, and traveling alone as a young woman was unusual. Mary’s willingness to make this journey demonstrates her determination and faith in God’s message. She knew that Elizabeth’s pregnancy, despite her old age, was evidence of God’s power and a confirmation of the angel’s message about her own miraculous pregnancy.
In Jewish culture, family relationships were important, and visiting relatives during significant events was common. However, Mary’s visit carried deeper significance. Elizabeth was pregnant with John the Baptist, who would later prepare the way for Jesus. Their meeting was more than a family reunion—it was a divinely orchestrated event that confirmed God’s unfolding plan of salvation.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the importance of faith in action. Mary didn’t just believe the angel’s message—she acted on it. Her willingness to make the journey to see Elizabeth shows that true faith is often accompanied by action. Mary’s faith was not passive; it led her to seek confirmation and encouragement from someone who was also experiencing God’s miraculous work.
The fact that Mary sought out Elizabeth, who was also part of God’s plan, points to the importance of spiritual community. God’s work in our lives is often strengthened and confirmed through the encouragement and testimony of others. Just as Mary and Elizabeth encouraged each other, believers today are called to build one another up in faith and share in the joy of God’s work.
Additionally, Mary’s journey reflects the theme of divine purpose and calling. Both Mary and Elizabeth were part of God’s plan to bring salvation to the world, showing that God often works through ordinary people who are willing to trust Him.
Literary Analysis
Luke’s Gospel is known for its detailed and thoughtful storytelling, and this verse is no exception. The phrase “Mary got ready and hurried” emphasizes her eagerness and obedience. The use of the word “hurried” suggests that she didn’t delay or question what she had been told but acted promptly. This reflects Luke’s broader theme of showing how ordinary people respond to God’s extraordinary call.
The mention of the “hill country of Judea” places the story within a specific geographic and cultural context, but it also carries symbolic meaning. In the Bible, mountains and hill country often represent places of divine encounters and revelation. Mary’s journey to this region mirrors the spiritual significance of what is about to unfold when she meets Elizabeth.
Biblical Cross-References
- Luke 1:36-37 – The angel Gabriel tells Mary about Elizabeth’s pregnancy, which prompts Mary’s journey.
- Hebrews 11:8 – Abraham, by faith, obeyed God and went to a place he had not yet seen. Mary’s journey is a similar act of faith.
- James 2:17 – “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” Mary’s journey demonstrates living faith in action.
- 1 Samuel 1:19-20 – Hannah, who also experienced a miraculous pregnancy, traveled to give thanks to God. Mary’s visit to Elizabeth has parallels with this story of faith and gratitude.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s believer, Mary’s example reminds us that true faith is active. When God speaks to us through His Word or through circumstances, we are called to respond, not just with belief but with action. Mary’s willingness to “get ready and hurry” shows that trusting God often involves taking steps forward, even when we don’t have all the details figured out.
This verse also emphasizes the importance of seeking encouragement from other believers. Mary didn’t isolate herself after receiving the angel’s message; she sought out someone who could understand her experience. In the same way, Christians are called to be part of a community of faith, where they can share their burdens, joys, and experiences of God’s work.
Additionally, this verse challenges us to be willing to step out of our comfort zones when God calls us. Mary’s journey to the hill country wasn’t easy, but her faith in God’s promises gave her the courage to take that step. As believers, we are often called to step into the unknown, trusting that God will guide us and provide what we need along the way.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in how He provides encouragement and confirmation for those He calls. Mary’s visit to Elizabeth wasn’t just a practical trip—it was part of God’s loving plan to reassure Mary and strengthen her faith. God knew that Mary, a young woman facing an overwhelming task, needed someone to support and encourage her. By orchestrating this meeting with Elizabeth, God showed His care for Mary’s emotional and spiritual well-being.
This verse also highlights God’s desire to work through relationships. His love is often expressed through the people He places in our lives to walk alongside us, encourage us, and share in our faith journey.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse is part of the larger story of how Jesus, the Savior, entered the world. Mary’s journey to Elizabeth reflects her role in God’s plan to bring Jesus into the world, but it also connects to John the Baptist, who would later prepare the way for Jesus. The meeting between Mary and Elizabeth foreshadows the relationship between Jesus and John, showing that their lives and missions were intertwined from the beginning.
Mary’s faith and obedience also reflect the kind of trust and submission that Jesus would demonstrate throughout His life. Just as Mary said yes to God’s plan and acted on it, Jesus would ultimately submit to God’s will, even to the point of death on the cross (Luke 22:42).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What can you learn from Mary’s example about responding to God’s call with faith and action?
- Have you ever experienced a time when you needed encouragement from someone else to strengthen your faith? How did that impact you?
- What steps of faith is God calling you to take today, even if you don’t have all the details?
- How can you be an “Elizabeth” to someone else, offering encouragement and support in their faith journey?
- What does this verse teach you about the importance of trusting God’s timing and His ability to provide the confirmation you need?
Luke 1:39 shows us that faith involves action, community, and trust in God’s plan. Mary’s journey reminds us that when God calls us, He also provides the encouragement and support we need to follow Him. Through her story, we are encouraged to take bold steps of faith, trusting that God will guide us and use our obedience to fulfill His greater purpose.