BS1I - THE ANNUNCIATION - THE BIRTH OF JESUS IS FORETOLD
From this verse we find out that the forerunner of the Messiah was 6 months older than the Messiah himself. Notice how precise Luke is with his facts!
Luke 1:26a
Here we see the same Angel Gabriel (who appeared to Zachariah) now appearing to a young girl. What 4 facts does Luke relate about this girl?
Luke 1:26b-27
What greeting did the angel have for Mary that confused her?
Luke 1:28-29
Here she was, perhaps still a teenager and the angel was telling her that she was highly favored by God! What did that mean? Mary was soon to find out. List the 8 details that Gabriel relates to Mary.
Luke 1:30-33
A side note: King David had been promised that his throne would be perpetual or always have a king upon it from his line (1 Kings 2:4 / 8:25 / 2 Chronicles 6:16). Here we have Gabriel confirming that promise through the son that Mary would have.
A rather startled Mary asks Gabriel a question… respectfully. She understands enough about human reproduction to know that this is humanly impossible.
Luke 1:34
What is Gabriel’s answer to Mary?
Luke 1:35
In other words, the baby conceived in Mary would be the direct creation of divine power. A body is going to be prepared for the Messiah that is pure and holy – free from all corruption of sin. This would qualify the Messiah for his great work --- the offering of himself to God on behalf of all of us. One reason that Jesus was to be called “the Son of God” was that He was begotten in a supernatural manner. You might ask, “But wasn’t Mary tainted with sin as a human?” Yes, but it’s a biological fact that the blood of the mother and the child don’t mix in the womb. Mary’s body was only a “carrier” for “the Son of God”.
To encourage Mary further about all this, Gabriel goes on to say…..
Luke 1:36-37
This announcement was meant to inspire Mary with confidence and assurance that everything would happen just as Gabriel (speaking for God) said. For Elizabeth to have a child in her old age was just as impossible for Mary to have one under her circumstances. And then came those famous words that we too can hold onto today: “With God NOTHING will be impossible!”
Fortunately, Mary’s response was not the unbelief exhibited by Zachariah. Quite the opposite.
Luke 1:38
To be a “handmaid” of the Lord was an expression of resignation to the will of God AND of faith in the promise. It meant she would be submissive and obedient and that’s why Mary says, “Let it be to me according to your Word.”
Luke now switches the scene again. Only a few days after this big announcement we find Mary visiting Elizabeth who is now in her 6th month of pregnancy.
Next Study: BS1J- The Visit Between Mary and Elizabeth