Another great story from the first chapter of Luke. Today, we see Mary go to Elizabeth. We have this wonderful image of the unborn John the Baptist leaping in the womb in the presence of the unborn Jesus. The Spirit falls on Elizabeth, and she pronounces blessings. Blessings on Jesus and on Mary, as well as on Mary’s faith. Mary had made the right choice, had done what God required and asked. She was faithful. But that encouragement still had to feel nice. Let’s not admire from a distance. Let’s speak the words of encouragement to each other when we have the chance to speak them.

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Good morning. It’s good to be with you today as we continue our time together in Luke’s Gospel through Rooted. Studying God’s Word with you is always a joy. Today, we’re still in Luke chapter 1, which—as you may have noticed—is a long chapter. Luke doesn’t rush. His Gospel is full of depth and detail, which is part of what makes it so rich.

Luke, often described as “the researcher” among the Gospel writers, gives us a unique perspective. Many scholars believe he interviewed eyewitnesses as he composed his account. As a Gentile, he writes with an eye for the least, the last, and the lost. He tells the story of Jesus through a compassionate, inclusive lens—highlighting the stories of outsiders, women, and the marginalized.

Today’s passage is Luke 1:39–45, the story of Mary visiting her cousin Elizabeth. Let’s read:

In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry,
“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me?
For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy.
And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.”

This is one of my favorite scenes in Scripture. I love the joy, the recognition, the encouragement. When Mary greets Elizabeth, the unborn John the Baptist leaps in the womb—already recognizing the presence of Jesus. What a powerful image: life within the womb reacting to the presence of the Savior. It’s a holy moment.

Verse 45 stood out to me in a fresh way today:

“Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.”

Mary is not just blessed because she’s carrying the Son of God—though that’s true. She’s blessed because she believed. Her faith is what marks her. Yesterday, we reflected on her courage to say, “Let it be with me according to your word.”Today, Elizabeth confirms that faith with her own Spirit-filled affirmation.

This had to be an encouragement for Mary. Yes, she obeyed God. Yes, she stepped out in faith. But we’re human. Even when we do the right thing, doubt can creep in. Fear can rise up. Mary may have still had questions, but here comes Elizabeth—filled with the Holy Spirit—offering a word of blessing, a word of affirmation, a word of joy.

Elizabeth is an example for us, not only of faith, but of the power of speaking truth and encouragement aloud. I once shared a quote on social media that said, “Don’t admire quietly.” If you see something admirable in someone—say it! Don’t hold back. You never know how much someone may need that encouragement.

Elizabeth models this. The Holy Spirit moves in her, and she doesn’t stay silent. She speaks life to Mary: “Blessed are you. Blessed is the fruit of your womb. Blessed is she who believed.” What if she had kept those thoughts to herself? What if she had admired quietly? But instead, she spoke—and her words strengthened Mary for what was to come.

So here’s your homework today: say something kind to someone. Encourage someone. Affirm someone. Speak that word of truth or gratitude or joy that you’ve been holding in. You might be surprised at how much it means to them.

This story reminds us that God is always working—in the quiet, in the womb, in the greeting, in the affirmation. And sometimes, the Spirit prompts us not just to believe, but to speak.

Thanks for being with me today. Tomorrow, we’ll continue in Luke and hear Mary’s beautiful response—the Magnificat. I hope you’ll join me.