What does Luke 1:44 mean?

The child who will one day be known as John the Baptist (Luke 3:2–3) is a few months from being born (Luke 1:36). Mary, a virgin (Luke 1:26–27) bearing the Son of God (Luke 1:31–33), has only just become pregnant. And yet, when Mary arrives at the home of Elizabeth (Luke 1:39–40), both mother and unborn child respond to her presence in dramatic ways. John "leaps" when Mary speaks, and Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:41–42). She is inspired to celebrate Mary's pregnancy, despite there being no sign of it, yet, and Mary having not told her the news.

Elizabeth also realizes that the Child carried by Mary is her "Lord." Her own son is predicted to be a herald of the Messiah (Luke 1:14–17). The Baby carried in Mary's womb is that Promised One (Isaiah 7:14; 9:6–7). She tells Mary about the way John reacted to Jesus' presence. She will continue to compliment Mary for her faithful response to this news (Luke 1:45). Elizabeth's own husband, Zechariah, initially doubted (Luke 1:18–20), while Mary reacted in humble faith (Luke 1:34, 38).