Mary and the Angel's Announcement
Preparation for his Birth
Day 11 Wednesday, December 8th
Luke 1:26-38, with emphasis on 1:31-33
1. Recognize the Context:
Previous Context:
In Luke 1, Gabriel’s encounter and dialogue with Mary followed the announcement to Zechariah of his own coming child. In verse 26, the time indicator for Gabriel’s arrival was Elizabeth’s sixth month of pregnancy. The setting shifted from Zechariah in the Temple in Jerusalem to a young girl in a little town “off the beaten path” called Nazareth.
2. Read the Scripture: Luke 1:26-38, with emphasis on 1:31-33
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.”
3. Reflect on the Scripture:
Mary was troubled by the angel's manifestation and greeting. Yet, she was instructed not to fear but to know she was favored by God (verses 28-30). Then she received the alarming news. In verse 31, Gabriel predicted the conception and birth of Jesus the Messiah. Verses 32-33 are replete with words and phrases from God’s covenant with David in 2 Samuel 7.
The parallels include:
Promise Fulfillment
2 Samuel 7 Luke 1
7:9 “a great name” 1:32 “he will be great”
7:13 “the throne of his kingdom” 1:32 “throne of his father David”
7:14 “he will be my son” 1:32 “son of the Most High”
7:16 “your house, your kingdom, 1:33 “king over the house of Jacob your throne forever” forever"
4. Relate to life:
Remember, it is important to be a doer of God’s Word, not merely a hearer or reader (James 1:22-25). Here are some practical ways to actively respond to God’s Word. Consider these or create other ways you can apply the message.
To pray:
Today, prayerfully reflect on the theme of promise and fulfillment found throughout Scripture and expressed in this passage. What does this reveal about the nature and character of God?
Prayerfully reflect on the faithfulness of God in fulfilling his promises and the faithful response of Mary. How can an understanding of God’s faithfulness and human faithfulness impact your life today?
Take some time today to thank God for his faithfulness in keeping his promises.
To do:
From your prayerful consideration of divine and human faithfulness, what is one action step you can take today with the Holy Spirit’s help?
To study: (Always make sure to read the immediate context of the given passage.)
Read and study God's covenant with David in 2 Samuel 7.
