A Blessed Relation: Sermon in Luke 1:39–45

Date: 8/3/2026

Bible Passage: Luke 1:39-45

Place: Trinity Baptist Charlesworth, near Glossop

Preacher: Benedict Allmand-Smith

Listen Below:

A Blessed Relation

49:07

A Blessed Relation

Luke 1:39-45 Sermon: What Mary and Elizabeth Teach Us About Faith, Joy, and Blessed Relationships

Read the full passage of Luke 1:39–45 on BibleGateway

Introduction: A Blessed Relationship – How can we be most blessed?

Luke 1:39–45 records a remarkable and joyful moment in the opening chapters of the Gospel. Mary, having received the angel Gabriel’s announcement that she would bear the Messiah, travels to the home of her relative Elizabeth (for a deeper look at the birth of John the Baptist, see our sermon on Luke 1:5-17). When Mary arrives, Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit, and the unborn John the Baptist leaps in her womb Elizabeth cries out:

“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” (Luke 1:42, ESV)

This passage invites reflection on an important question: how can we experience blessing in our lives? The answer is clear – through close relationship with Jesus Christ. By studying this passage, we see the joy and spiritual nourishment that flow from a life connected to the Lord.

1. A Blessed Relation: Spiritual Union

Mary’s visit highlights the blessing of being in the right relationship. Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, which is a technical phrase meaning that she was about to speak according to the Holy Spirit’s leading (Acts 2:4; Acts 4:8), proclaims Mary blessed because she bears the Lord. In the Jewish cultural context, bearing a child was already a privilege and source of social honour, but Mary’s role as the mother of God incarnate elevates her blessing beyond all others.

Jesus later clarifies that spiritual relationship is more important than physical ties. In Matthew 12:46–50, he teaches that those who do God’s will are his true family. Through faith, believers are united to Christ in a spiritual sense, which is theologically called the doctrine of union with Christ.

Being united with Christ brings many blessings:

• Victory over sin through his death (Romans 6)

• Indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13)

• Spiritual nourishment, guidance, and protection

  
  

Just as Mary physically nourished Jesus, Jesus  nourishes us spiritually. He leads us to “green pastures” through the word of God and ministry (Psalm 23), providing remedies for life’s struggles (e.g. anxiety and the attacks of the Devil: Matthew 6:25–34, Ephesians 6). He walks with us as our friend, brother, Lord, and great High Priest, understanding our weaknesses and sustaining us through trials.

2. Joy in Proximity: Fellowship and Spiritual Awareness

Elizabeth’s joy at Mary’s visit shows the blessing of fellowship among believers. More strikingly, the unborn John the Baptist leaps in the womb for joy (Luke 1:44), sensing the presence of the Messiah. This leap illustrates the work of the Holy Spirit and reminds us that true joy arises when we are near Christ.

Historically, this moment also connects two miraculous births in God’s redemptive plan: John as the forerunner and Jesus as the Savior. The interaction of the two women underscores the importance of mutual encouragement and support in the faith community.

For believers today, the same principle applies. We often neglect drawing near to Christ in our busy lives, yet fellowship, worship, and the study of Scripture are means of being spiritually close to Jesus:

• Regular worship attendance: Jesus is especially present when believers gather (Matthew 18:20; Psalm 22:3; Hebrews 10:19–25)

• Prayer and devotion: Just as breathing sustains life, daily communion with Christ sustains the soul

• Meditation on Scripture: God provides guidance, strength, and remedies for sin and trials, enabling his people to flourish (Psalm 1)

  
  

By nurturing these practices, we experience the joy that John leapt to in the womb—the joy of encountering Jesus personally and spiritually.

3. The Necessity of Belief: Faith as the tie that binds us to Jesus, and therefore to blessing

Elizabeth concludes: “Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her from the Lord” (Luke 1:45).

Faith is the tie that connects us to Christ. Without belief, there is no union and therefore no blessing. Mary’s belief in God’s promises was extraordinary, especially given the cultural and personal challenges she faced. Even Zechariah, who received a less remarkable announcement, struggled to believe (Luke 1:18–20).

Mary’s faith reminds us to trust God completely, holding loosely to worldly concerns while clinging firmly to our relationship with Christ. Through belief, we experience blessings such as:

• Guidance in daily life

• Strength in trials

• Assurance of salvation

  
  

As the hymn reminds us:

“What a friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer!”

Faith ensures that we don’t miss the spiritual sustenance and joy God provides.

Lessons for Today: Drawing Near to Christ

Mary’s story provides four illustrations for our spiritual life:

1. Life-source: Jesus sustains us spiritually, just as Mary sustained him physically.

2. Nutritional provider: Through the word and worship, we are nourished and strengthened.

3. Antidotes for trials: Prayer, Scripture, and the Holy Spirit offer remedies for life’s difficulties.

4. Closest companion: Christ walks with us daily, sympathizing and encouraging.

   
   

We are called to seek these blessings intentionally—in worship, in prayer, and in Scripture study and in fellowship. The Lord has provided structured times, like the Lord’s Day, for deep fellowship, teaching, and nourishment.

Conclusion: Living in the Blessing

Mary bore the child who would one day deliver her, just as Jesus carries our sins and sustains our faith. The blessings she received—spiritual nourishment, protection, and guidance—flow to believers today through union with Christ.

True blessing is rooted in faith, proximity, and relationship with Jesus. As we draw near, we discover joy, guidance, and eternal life. Like Mary and Elizabeth, may we faithfully trust God’s promises and rejoice in his presence.

If you live in Charlesworth or Glossop or, anywhere else,  and would like to join us for worship, you are warmly welcome to visit our church.