Luke 1:43 – “But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, humbly acknowledges the incredible significance of Mary’s visit. She recognizes that Mary is carrying “my Lord,” a title that reveals her understanding of Jesus’ divine nature. Elizabeth’s reaction isn’t just excitement about a family visit—it’s an expression of awe and reverence. She realizes that the child Mary is carrying is the promised Messiah, the one who would fulfill God’s plan of salvation.
Elizabeth’s words, “why am I so favored,” reflect her humility. She doesn’t see herself as worthy of such an honor but instead marvels at God’s grace in allowing her to be part of this moment. Her recognition of Jesus as “my Lord” shows a profound understanding of His identity, even before His birth. This acknowledgment is one of the first recorded confessions of faith in Jesus as Lord.
Historical Context
Elizabeth’s statement is rooted in a deep understanding of the promises and prophecies of the Old Testament. The Jewish people had long awaited the Messiah, who would come from the line of David and deliver them from their sins (Isaiah 9:6-7). Elizabeth, as the wife of a priest and someone filled with the Holy Spirit, recognized that Mary’s child was the fulfillment of those promises.
During this time, family relationships were highly valued, but Elizabeth’s reaction shows that her focus is not on their biological connection. Instead, she is overwhelmed by the spiritual reality of what God is doing. In Jewish tradition, the term “Lord” (in Hebrew, Adonai) was used to refer to God. By calling Jesus “my Lord,” Elizabeth is acknowledging His divine authority and role in God’s redemptive plan.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the importance of recognizing Jesus as Lord. Elizabeth’s confession shows that even before His birth, Jesus was acknowledged as the one who would bring salvation. Her response models the proper attitude toward Jesus—humility, awe, and a recognition of His authority.
The phrase “why am I so favored” emphasizes that God’s blessings are acts of grace, not something we earn or deserve. Elizabeth understands that being part of God’s plan is a gift. This reflects a key truth of the Christian faith: God works through ordinary people, not because of their worthiness but because of His grace and purpose.
Elizabeth’s statement also points to the work of the Holy Spirit in revealing spiritual truths. Without the Spirit’s guidance, Elizabeth would not have recognized the significance of Mary’s pregnancy. This demonstrates the role of the Spirit in helping believers understand and respond to God’s work.
Literary Analysis
Luke’s Gospel frequently highlights themes of humility and divine favor, and this verse is a prime example. Elizabeth’s humble response contrasts with the grand significance of what is happening. Her use of the term “my Lord” foreshadows the way Jesus will be recognized throughout the Gospel as both Savior and King.
The structure of this passage builds on the theme of joy and spiritual revelation. Elizabeth first greets Mary with a blessing, and then her awe deepens as she reflects on the significance of the encounter. Luke’s careful use of dialogue highlights the emotional and spiritual weight of the moment, emphasizing that recognizing Jesus as Lord is central to the story.
Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 110:1 – “The Lord says to my lord: ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.’” This verse foreshadows the recognition of Jesus as Lord.
- Isaiah 9:6 – A prophecy about the coming Messiah who would be called “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
- John 20:28 – Thomas declares, “My Lord and my God!” after seeing the resurrected Jesus, showing the same recognition Elizabeth had before His birth.
- Philippians 2:10-11 – “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow… and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s believers, Elizabeth’s response serves as a model for how we should respond to Jesus. Her humility reminds us that being part of God’s plan is not something we earn but something we receive by His grace. Just as Elizabeth recognized her unworthiness and marveled at God’s favor, we too should approach God with a sense of awe and gratitude for His work in our lives.
This verse also challenges us to recognize Jesus as Lord in every aspect of our lives. Elizabeth didn’t wait for Jesus to grow up or perform miracles before acknowledging His authority. She recognized who He was based on faith and the revelation of the Holy Spirit. In the same way, believers are called to acknowledge Jesus as Lord, trusting in His promises even when they can’t see the full picture.
Additionally, this verse reminds us that God often works through humble, ordinary people. Elizabeth and Mary were not queens or powerful leaders, but God used them to accomplish His plan of salvation. This encourages believers to trust that God can use them, no matter how ordinary or unworthy they may feel.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is demonstrated in His willingness to involve ordinary people in His extraordinary plan. Elizabeth, an older woman who had experienced the pain of barrenness, and Mary, a young, humble woman, were both chosen by God to play key roles in His plan of salvation. This shows that God’s love reaches across all ages and circumstances.
God’s love is also evident in the way He reveals truth through the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth’s recognition of Jesus as “my Lord” was not based on human knowledge but on divine revelation. This reflects God’s desire to make Himself known to His people and invite them into a relationship with Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse directly points to Jesus’ identity as the Messiah and Lord. Elizabeth’s use of the term “my Lord” is significant because it foreshadows the way Jesus would be recognized throughout His life and ministry. Even before His birth, His authority and divine nature are acknowledged.
Elizabeth’s response also connects to the broader story of salvation. Her recognition of Jesus as Lord anticipates His mission to bring salvation and His eventual exaltation as King of Kings. The humble circumstances of His birth do not diminish His authority; instead, they highlight the nature of His kingdom, which is built on humility, grace, and truth.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Elizabeth’s humility challenge you to reflect on your own response to God’s work in your life?
- What does it mean for you personally to acknowledge Jesus as “my Lord”?
- How can you cultivate an attitude of gratitude and awe, like Elizabeth, when you see God’s blessings in your life?
- In what ways does the Holy Spirit help you recognize and respond to God’s work today?
- How does Elizabeth’s recognition of Jesus as Lord, even before His birth, encourage you to trust God’s promises even when you don’t see immediate results?
Luke 1:43 is a powerful reminder that recognizing Jesus as Lord is central to the Christian faith. Elizabeth’s response, filled with humility, gratitude, and faith, shows us how to approach God’s work in our lives—with awe, trust, and a willingness to embrace His grace. As we reflect on this verse, we are encouraged to recognize Jesus’ authority and respond to Him with the same reverence that Elizabeth demonstrated.