An Angel Promises the Birth of Jesus to Mary
Luke 1:26-38
- Harmony of the Gospels on Founder's Passion
- Parallel Gospels = The Annunciation to the Virgin Mary at Nazareth
- Harmony of the Four Gospels on Step Bible (Click on resources on the top menu after going to the site. Then click on Harmony of the Gospels to locate the section you want.
- Synthetic Harmony of the Gospels
- Harmony of the Gospels on BlueLetterBible.org
Summary: This passage recounts the angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary that she would conceive Jesus, the Son of God. It highlights Mary's initial fear and confusion followed by her faithful acceptance of God's plan.
Application: This message emphasizes that God often calls us to unexpected and challenging situations, but He equips us to respond in faith. Christians can learn to embrace the uncertainties in their own lives with trust, knowing that like Mary, God can use us for His divine purposes.
Teaching: This message teaches the importance of faith and obedience in the face of uncertainty. It illustrates how God chooses ordinary people to fulfill His extraordinary plans, showcasing Mary's faith as a model for believers.
How this passage could point to Christ: In this passage, Jesus is revealed as the Savior, foreshadowing His role in the redemptive narrative of Scripture. Mary’s acceptance signifies the coming of God's promise to humanity through Christ, linking to His birth and mission as the Messiah.
Big Idea: God calls us to respond in faith to His plans, even when they seem impossible, exemplified in Mary’s acceptance of her role as the mother of Jesus.
Recommended Study: As you prepare this message, consider diving into Mary’s cultural context and her reaction in light of Jewish expectations regarding the Messiah. Explore the original Greek terms used in the passage for deeper insights, such as the implications of 'favor' and 'power of the Most High'. Additionally, examine various commentaries that discuss the theological significance of the Annunciation and its effects on the narrative of Jesus’ life.
1. Surprised by God's Favor
Luke 1:26-30
You could explore how Mary's initial reaction to the angel's greeting, likened to fear and confusion, mirrors our own responses to life's unexpected turns. By examining her humble and human response, this point highlights the initial shock and vulnerability we often feel. Yet, the promise of God's 'favor' invites us to lean into His grace, finding peace in His presence even when circumstances are uncertain.
2. Skeptical of God's Plans
Luke 1:31-34
Perhaps you can emphasize the angel's revelation of Jesus' divine identity and mission, highlighting Mary's natural doubts about such an unbelievable plan. This point addresses the tension often felt between divine promises and human logic, encouraging believers to trust God's bigger picture, even when His plans seem impossible.
3. Surrendered to God's Will
Luke 1:35-38
Maybe focus on the assurance given by the angel Gabriel, underscoring the role of the Holy Spirit and Mary's ultimate submission to God's will as a demonstration of ultimate faith. Here, Mary's words 'I am the Lord's servant' provide a model for us to surrender to God's will, embodying trust and obedience even in overwhelming situations.
Announcement of the Birth of Jesus
Luke 1:26–38
26In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth†, 27to a virgin engaged to a man named Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28And he came to her and said, “Rejoice, favored woman! The Lord is with you.”
29But she was deeply troubled by this statement and was wondering what kind of greeting this could be.
30Then the angel told her: “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31Now listen: You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will call His name JESUS. 32He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.”
34Mary asked the angel, “How can this be, since I have not been intimate with a man?”
35The angel replied to her: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the holy child to be born will be called the Son of God. 36And consider Elizabeth your relativeeven she has conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren. 37For nothing will be impossible with God.”
38“Consider me the Lord’s slave,” said Mary. “May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel left her.[1]
- God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
- We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
- How does Gabriel's word to Mary compare with His word to Zechariah (vv. 13-17)?
- How does Mary (vv. 34 38) respond differently than Zechariah (vv. 12, 18)j?
- What truths about Jesus are emphasized here? What expectations must have been raised in Mary?
- Why is the virgin birth important to the Christian faith?
- What would it mean to doubt and fear God? When were you recently fearful but believing? How did God meet you?
- In what area of your life do you need to believe that nothing is impossible with God? What keeps you from believing this?
- I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
- You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.
The Virgin Birth of Jesus
The miraculous conception of Jesus and His birth to a virgin mother was just as puzzling for Mary as it is for most of us today (see Luke 1:34). But God did not give Mary—or us—a medical explanation. In some strange and mysterious way, God would “overshadow” Mary by His Spirit to bring about a miraculous conception. Once formed in Mary’s womb, Jesus was born through the normal process that brings children into the world.
Thus, from the beginning Jesus had two natures. His divine nature as God’s Son was joined with a human nature, in Mary’s womb, by a direct act of the Author of all creation. God is not limited in His work by our human understanding.
Feeling Inadequate
Mary was young, poor, and female—all characteristics that, to the people of her day, would make her seem unusable by God for any major task. But God chose Mary for one of the most important acts of obedience he has ever demanded of anyone. You may feel that your ability, experience, or education make you an unlikely candidate for God's service. Don't limit God's choices. He can use you if you trust him.
Nazareth, Joseph's and Mary's hometown, was a long way from Jerusalem, the center of Jewish life and worship. Located on a major trade route, Nazareth was frequently visited by Gentile merchants and Roman soldiers. Jesus was born in Bethlehem but grew up in Nazareth. Nevertheless, the people of Nazareth would reject him as the Messiah (Luke 4:22-30).
Willing Obedience
A young unmarried girl who became pregnant risked disaster. Unless the father of the child agreed to marry her, she would probably remain unmarried for life. If her own father rejected her, she could be forced into begging or prostitution in order to earn her living. Mary, with her story about being made pregnant by the Holy Spirit, also risked being considered crazy. Still Mary said, despite the possible risks, "May everything you said come true." When Mary made that statement, she didn't know about the tremendous opportunity she would have. She only knew that God was asking her to serve him, and she willingly obeyed. Don't wait to see the bottom line before offering your life to God. Offer yourself willingly, even when the outcome seems difficult.
Jesus was born without the sin that entered the world through Adam. He was born holy, just as Adam was created sinless. In contrast to Adam, who disobeyed God, Jesus obeyed God and was thus able to face sin's consequences in our place and make us acceptable to God (Romans 5:14-19).
==========
Series: King Jesus “Submitting to
the Reign of Christ”
The circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus do not seem
consistent with that of royalty, and the kingdom he described does not sound
like an empire of politics and power. Perhaps Jesus is a different kind of king
and his kingdom is not of this world. What does it mean to let King Jesus reign
in your life?
Title: “Long-Awaited King” (Luke 1:26-38)
Bookmark: Click Here
Opening Thoughts: Prophecy pointed to the one who would occupy
the throne of David, but the coming King received a mixed reception by the
people. What is your response to the long-awaited King of Kings?
v Who is the King?
o Is it okay to listen
to Christmas before Thanksgiving?
§ Joy to the World Song
Background
v Expectations of Jesus
o
Matthew 21:1-11 Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King
21 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of
Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of
you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie
them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord
needs them, and he will send them right away.”
4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:
5 “Say to Daughter Zion,
‘See, your king comes to you,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”
6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7 They brought
the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. 8
A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches
from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him
and those that followed shouted,
“Hosanna to the Son of David!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked,
“Who is this?”
11 The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in
Galilee.”
·
Matthew 2:1-3 The Magi Visit the Messiah
2 After Jesus
was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King
Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and
asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his
star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
3 When King
Herod heard this he was
disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.
o
Earth struggles to receive her true King when there’s someone else
occupying the throne.
===============================================================
Text: Luke 1:26-38
The Birth
of Jesus Foretold
26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel
Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to
a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of
David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel
went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of
greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to
her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You
will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He
will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God
will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and
he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never
end.”
34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on 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. 36 Even
Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she
who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For
no word from God will ever fail.”
38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be
fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
===============================================================
Summarize
the main story: Describe the events of the story in your own words.
v Review and retell
the story.
Reflections
for applications:
v Isaiah 9:1-7
o
The prophecy of the King
o
The birth of the King
o
The arrival of the King
§ But how did
earth receive her King?
§ Have you received
your King?
·
Prepare your heart for the King
o
The long-awaited King will have one more arrival
==============================
Digging
Questions:
·
How will you
respond to God “As King Jesus”? What transformative move needs to be made?
·
What do
these biblical texts tell you about God and His nature?
·
What is
God calling us (me and you individually) to do?
Take
Away Challenges
·
What has the Holy Spirit revealed to you in this passage?
How will you apply it to your life this week?
·
Whom do you know who needs to hear this?
·
What is
God bringing to your attention in this discussion? What beliefs, thoughts or
actions need to be addressed or changed?
Hashtags #KingJesus #Await
Sunday sermon link https://youtu.be/LZJRywAIxO4
Kevin’s Blog Link to more
resources: Click here for Kevin’s Blog Notes
Comments
and resources with some more resources:
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+1%3A26-38&version=NIV
Live the Impossible!
Luke 1:29‐30, 34, 35, 37 ‐‐ “‘Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son.’ ‘How will this be,’ Mary asked the angel, ‘since I am a virgin?’ The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you. 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.’"
There is no more wonderful experience than living in the presence and purpose of God. No matter how much you desire and believe this truth, you can still fall short of what God has for you. Mary questioned God as she was being filled with a revelation from Him. She even gets a double confirmation with the news about her cousin, Elizabeth, and her pregnancy. Mary finds herself faced with the overwhelming challenge of believing that God is on the verge of doing what sounds impossible.
You too will often be faced with stretches of your faith. These stretches expose a gap between where God is calling you and where your physical world/reality is. This gap becomes the divide between your ability to experience God or to live and be controlled by the world. God does not want you to live to the edge of your world – He wants you to live the impossible by stepping out in faith to experience what He has for you.
Abraham did this in Hebrews 11:19 ‐‐ “Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death.” Living the impossible with Christ fills your life with His presence, power, and love. Do not allow your life of faith to be restricted by the limitations of this world – allow it to be filled with the presence and work of Christ in you!
Mark 9:23‐24 (NEB) ‐‐ “‘If it is possible,’ said Jesus. ‘Everything is possible to one who has faith.’ ‘I have faith,’ cried the boy’s father, ‘help me where my faith falls short.’” Matthew 17:20 (NIV) ‐‐ “He replied, ‘Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, “Move from here to there” and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.’"
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