By Douglas K. Wilson, Ph. D.
Professor of Biblical Studies, University of Mobile
DELIVERED FROM SIN
Luke 1:26–38
Two of the gospel accounts contain nativity narratives that record angelic visitations. Matthew writes of an unnamed angel speaking to Joseph in a dream. Luke records Gabriel’s announcement to Mary.
Both Mary and Joseph were instructed to name the baby Jesus. “Jesus” is the Greek version of the Hebrew name “Yeshua,” which means “salvation.” In Joseph’s dream, an explanation is given for calling Him Jesus: “You are to name Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21).
Favor (1:26–30)
We live in a time when favor or privilege is considered a bad thing. The mantra is that one must treat everyone exactly the same, which is a literal impossibility. My wife and I have six children. Their birth order, our age and our stage of career have affected our interaction with them. We do not favor one over the others, although some have enjoyed more or fewer privileges than the others.
Coaches may have certain athletes who stand out over their coaching careers. Teachers may have one student who comes to their minds. Perhaps they weren’t the most gifted on the field or in the classroom, but that one person is favored. We are all equal at the foot of the cross, yet there are favored people in our lives. Why marry this woman? I asked her and she said yes! With more than 100 Baptist churches in Mobile, why join this one? We chose this congregation and they welcomed us.
God chose Mary. She was favored by God because she was chosen. Why this girl? Why this time? Why this village? Why this Israelite tribe? The answer to these is simply that God chose them. As Paul expressed, “When the time came to completion, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons” (Gal. 4:4–5).
Gabriel greeted Mary, but she was troubled by this favored greeting.
Announcement (1:31–33)
Gabriel announced to Mary that she would bear a son who would be named Jesus. The content of this passage reminds readers of the covenant God made with David that his own son would succeed him on the throne. His son would build a temple for God, and the eternal King would descend from David (2 Sam. 7:12–16).
Virgin Birth (1:34–38)
The prophetic sign of a virgin conception is a point of contention for some, although this passage clearly states that Mary was a virgin. Hebrew scholars debate the intended meaning of Isaiah 7:14. The Greek is clear in both Matthew 1 and Luke 1, however. Neither the angelic messenger nor Mary had any doubt about her virginity.
Why was Zechariah muted for his inquiry about Elizabeth’s pregnancy, while Mary was not punished for expressing her concerns? The answer is that Zechariah should have known better, having been trained under the Torah.
While he may have been around 50 years of age (Num. 4:23), he should have been familiar with Parashat Vayera (Gen. 18–22), where Abraham fathered Isaac at the age of 100. Mary was likely not familiar with the prophecy of the virgin conception in Isaiah 7:14.
Only two of the gospels mention the virgin birth, so is it insignificant? Of course not. Matthew mentions Magi. Mark starts with John’s ministry. Luke records shepherds encountering angels. John begins with “in the beginning.” Every detail matters.
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