Study note

Luke 1:46–55

Mary’s song is the first of three songs of praise in the birth story of Jesus. It is called the Magnificat (Latin for “magnifies”). The song has many similarities to Hannah’s prayer in 1 Samuel 2:1–10.

The fact that God cares for the oppressed and reverses their fortunes is a common theme throughout Luke’s Gospel. The coming of God’s kingdom brings salvation to rejected and outcast people.