Mary's Literal Words on Israel's Restoration from Luke Chapter Two

Chapter 3: For He Hath Regarded the Low Estate of His Handmaiden (Luke 1:48a)

Mary proclaims, "For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden" (Luke 1:48). This powerful statement reveals a lot about how Mary sees herself in God's plan for the world, especially for Israel. By calling herself a "handmaiden," she uses a term that means humility, service, and dependence on God. In ancient Israel, a handmaiden was often a servant woman who had a lower status in the household. She would help with chores like cooking, cleaning, and taking care of children, while facing social and economic challenges. Mary, as a handmaiden, represents the idea of serving others and shows that God's favor can be given to those who are seen as humble or insignificant in society.

Mary's recognition of her "low estate" reminds us of God's concern for those who are marginalized, especially during difficult times like the Great Tribulation predicted in the end times. Throughout the Bible, we see many examples of ordinary people whom God chose to fulfill His important plans, even when they were overlooked by others. One such example is Hannah, the mother of Samuel, who cried out to God for a child in her distress. In 1 Samuel 1:11, Hannah prays, "O Lord of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the Lord all the days of his life" Like Mary, Hannah shows humility and devotion to God, and God honors her faith and vulnerability.

The term "handmaiden" carries further meaning in the Bible. In Exodus 21:7, we learn about a servant girl who is sold into servitude but is still seen with dignity in God's eyes. This shows that even those who seem to be at the bottom can have significant roles in God's plan if they are faithful. Psalm 113:7 states, "He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill;" emphasizing that God often chooses those who are humble and lowly to carry out His important work, just like Mary.

Mary's acceptance of her role as a handmaiden reflects her deep understanding of her mission in God's plan for redemption. In ancient Israel, handmaids could also be seen as vessels of life, and Mary's role in giving birth to Jesus signifies a great purpose. This means that God seeing her low status doesn't lessen her worth; instead, it enhances it. She becomes the means through which the Savior of the world enters into human history.

So, when Mary says, "For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden," it allows her to serve and bring glory to God. As Jesus grows up, Mary may change his diapers, but at the same time, He is the one who created the stars in the sky and knows each grain of sand and blade of grass on the planet. Jesus is 100% God and 100% human, and in that truth, both he and Mary are part of God's incredible and humble plan for humanity.