The Son’s Presence (Luke 1:39–45) | Resources
Passage: Luke 1:34–38
39 In those days Mary set out and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judah 40 where she entered Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped inside her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 Then she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and your child will be blessed! 43 How could this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For you see, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped for joy inside me. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill what he has spoken to her!”
Devotional
In Luke 1:39–45, Mary visits Elizabeth, and at the sound of Mary’s greeting, the baby in Elizabeth’s womb leaps for joy—the first response to the presence of Jesus. Even before His birth, the Son’s presence brought life, joy, and confirmation of God’s promises. Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, recognizes that Mary is carrying the Lord, reminding us that where Jesus is present, there is blessing and transformation. In the same way, when we welcome Christ into our lives and relationships, His presence stirs joy, faith, and hope within us. No moment is ordinary when the Son is near. He turns simple encounters into sacred ones.
Memory Verse
“And we have seen and we testify that the Father has sent his Son as the world’s Savior.” 1 John 4:14
Discussion/Reflection Questions
1. How do I recognize and respond to the presence of Jesus in my everyday life?
2. What can Elizabeth’s joyful reaction teach me about celebrating God’s work in others?
3. In what ways does Jesus’ presence bring me peace, joy, or renewal when I’m feeling weary or uncertain?
4. How can I be more attentive to the Holy Spirit’s prompting, like Elizabeth was when she recognized the Lord’s presence?
5. Who in my life might need to experience the encouragement and joy that come from Christ’s presence through me?
Advent Reading
Day 1 Matthew 1:21
Day 2 John 1:1–14
Day 3 John 14:6
Day 4 Colossians 1:15–20
Day 5 Hebrews 1:1–4
For Families
Κids
Ask
• How did Elizabeth respond when she realized Mary was carrying Jesus? What does her joy tell us about who Jesus is?
• Jesus came to be “God with us.” Where do you need His help or presence this week?
Listen
• “The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay, the stars in the sky looked down where He lay.” Away in a Manger
Family Activity
• Jesus With Us Map — Draw ways Jesus is present in your life at home, school, and elsewhere.
Serve Someone
• Donate a toy or gift to a child in need.
Students
Reflect
• Jesus’ presence brings life, joy, and transformation. When we welcome Him into our lives, He stirs hope and faith, showing that no moment is ordinary when the Son is near.
Listen
• “Wherever we go, Jesus is with us, bringing peace and joy into our hearts.” For His Presence — Hillsong Worship
Read
• “Where Jesus is, joy leaps; our hearts cannot help but respond.” In the Presence of Jesus There Is Joy — thegospelcoalition.org
Serve Someone
• Spend intentional time helping or encouraging someone who feels isolated or discouraged. Examples: offer help at home, encourage a friend, write a note.