particular and universal

This mercy and might of God is particular to the experience of Mary and the people of Israel, but it also ‘extends in ever-increasing concentric circles’ from the particular to the universal.   God’s mercy and might is evident to Mary, then Zechariah and Elizabeth, then Joseph, then the villages of Bethlehem and Nazareth, then the people of Israel, then the Roman Empire, then the whole world throughout the whole of history.  This is in line with Luke’s presentation of Jesus as Universal Savior.   The story has a broad beginning in outlook and scope as the geneaology of Jesus is traced, not only to Abraham as in Matthew’s gospel, but all the way to the dawn of human history, to Adam.   Throughout the gospel of Luke, and to be sure in Mary’s song, the ‘universal nature and scope of God’s redemptive purpose is highlighted.   This is a fusion of style and influences in the composition and performance of a whole new song.