5. An angel promises the birth of Jesus to Mary
– Luke 1:26-38
Luke 1:28-29 “The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.’ Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.”
Although the angel assured Mary that the Lord favored her, she was still troubled. She did not know what to expect from the angel. In society, it appeared impracticable for her to be used by God. She was young, poor, and a female. Society looked down on Mary before she gave birth to a child as a virgin. Still, God chose her to bear his child. In the same way, you may feel inadequate to do God’s work but God still has a plan for you. Do not put limitations on yourself. God can do the impossible through you. The plans he has for you are greater than you could possibly imagine with an earthly limited mind. There are no boundaries on God’s plans.
Luke 1:30-31 “But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.”
Although God found favor with Mary, her life was still very difficult. By giving birth before conception, the people questioned her faithfulness to her future husband. She experienced many hard ships such as, her friends ridiculing and leaving her, her husband considering abandoning her, and her son being rejected and murdered. But, perhaps God chooses the ones he favors to have the most troubling times because he knows they will stay faithful. Take heart in knowing that God will never give you more than you can handle. Be strong and endure the times of trouble. God will provide blessings out of it.
Luke 1:34-35 “How will this be,’ Mary asked the angel, ‘since I am a virgin?’ The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.”
Recognize that Luke was a doctor. He was aware of how babies are created. The news that Jesus was born from a virgin was hard for him to believe but Mary’s personal account was the proof he needed. He favored personal accounts of Jesus’ life. He would have not included this portion of the Gospel if he did not hear it from Mary herself. When you read this section of the chapter imagine Mary is telling you herself what had happened. Jesus was born completely without any trace of human sin. He was conceived by a virgin who had the Holy Spirit come upon her. From start to finish on Earth, Jesus’ life was completely holy.
Luke 1:36-37 “Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God.”
Elizabeth’s testimony provided Mary with the courage she needed. If God could provide Elizabeth with a child, then surely Mary as a virgin could have a child. Like Elizabeth, your testimony provides others with proof of God’s power. Show others that despite your past, God provides and uses you. Do not devalue the strength of God’s power by covering up your past. Do not let your past bring you shame but use it a display of God’s power. Live your life in a way that brings God honor. Your life could be the encouragement someone like Mary needs.
Luke 1:38 “I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May it be to me as you have said.”
Mary recognized how she would be treated by society but she immediately responded with acceptance and obedience. She knew that there was a possibility Joseph would leave her. She knew of other women who were left and were forced into begging or prostitution. She knew that people may consider her insane if she told them the Holy Spirit provided her with the child. Still, she trusted God. She knew God would provide for her. She knew God would give her the strength she needed. Live your life in full obedience like Mary. Offer yourself willingly to God even when the outcome appears to be disastrous.
