No matter where you are, you can deepen you understanding of Jesus and his birth through Bible study. Throughout the holidays, Bible Gateway Plus will be there for you to help answer any question as it comes up. For example, if you are reading Luke 1:26-38, there are three things we can learn from Mary: 1. God uses those who are available and humble, regardless of their social standing.
2. We can trust God to keep all of his promises.
3. We can accomplish whatever God has called us to do because of his presence and power. How do we know? By reading the NIV Grace and Truth Study Bible! Read the following excerpt to learn more! |
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| The time reference, along with the same heavenly messenger, links the announcement about Jesus to John's conception. Verse 27 emphasizes that Mary is a virgin and is legally pledged to someone of Davidic descent so that any child of hers will belong to this Davidic line too (on Jesus' Davidic descent in Luke, see Lk 1:32,69; 2:4; 18:38–39; 20:41–44; see also Ac 2:25–34; 13:22–37; 15:16). |
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Mary is described as one who has received divine favor and is assured that God will be with her through the upcoming events. In response to
Mary's perplexity at this greeting, she is again reassured that she is the recipient of God's gracious initiative. The language of a virgin giving birth to a son and being instructed to name him reflects Isaiah 7:14. Jesus' significance is highlighted in Luke 1:32–35. Though John will be great in the sight of God (v.15), Jesus will be "great" without any qualifiers (v. 32). Though John will be called "a prophet of the Most High" (v. 76), Jesus will be called "Son of the Most High" (v. 32). Jesus' never-ending reign from the throne of David is said to take place through his death, resurrection, and ascension (Ac 2:30–35). Zechariah's question to the angel, which calls into question the reliability of the angel's announcement, results in his punishment (Lk 1:20). Mary's question to the angel (v. 34) relates to how the prophecy will come about. The angel replies that the Holy Spirit will come upon her and the power of the Most High will overshadow her (cf. Ex 40:35). The child will be conceived without human agency. Because of the Holy Spirit's activity, the child will be called holy, or set apart, the Son of God (Lk 1:35). "Son of God" in this context goes beyond Davidic kingship and refers to the unique relationship this holy one has with God (v. 32). The angel assures Mary that God is at work by telling her about Elizabeth. Mary can be assured of these promises because God's word is powerful (v. 37; cf. Ge 18:14). Mary declares her glad submission to her Lord. |
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