By Douglas K. Wilson, Ph.D.
Dean of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
Conceived
Luke 1:26–38
The first lesson of this series contained a survey of Luke’s prologue, Zechariah’s temple encounter with Gabriel and the conception of Zechariah’s son, John. The focal passage concluded with Elizabeth’s five-month seclusion — quarantine, if you will — before making her pregnancy public. This week’s study picks up where last week’s left off.
Let’s compare and contrast the two passages. Zechariah and Mary both received messages from God through Gabriel. Both were told sons would be born, and both were told the name to give their sons.
Zechariah was an aging married priest and Mary was a young betrothed virgin. He had been born to his role as a priest according to the law, while she had no idea she would become a fulfillment of prophecy. Both questioned the messenger, yet one received discipline while the other received details. This passage provides information about the conception revealed to Mary.
Bible students may note that Luke’s infancy narrative includes unique details neither Matthew nor the other canonical gospel writers included in their accounts.
The Greeting (26–29)
“Ave Maria” — at six o’clock each evening, our Nicaraguan neighbor would play the melody. The lyrics are based on the Latin Vulgate of this passage from Luke. Mary is highly revered throughout Latin America, with many Catholic girls seeking to emulate her and Catholic boys wanting to marry a girl like her.
Our students at the Latin American campus were mostly Catholic and did not understand why Baptists do not esteem Mary as they do, with special prayers and parades. They believe Mary to be co-redemptrix with Christ, a secondary intermediary who demands Jesus’ attention.
As Baptists, we see Mary as the highly favored, chosen vessel through whom the Messiah would be brought into this world to save sinners from every tribe, tongue and nation.
When Gabriel greeted Mary, his words were troubling to her. “Hail, Mary, you who are highly favored.” What did he mean by this greeting? How was she favored by the Lord? How was she blessed among women?
The Declaration (30–33)
This was an amazing declaration. In one short announcement, Gabriel told Mary her son would be conceived without a human father, that He would be the Son of God and He would fulfill Messianic prophecies. Jesus will receive the throne of His father David (2 Sam. 7:16), and there will be no end to His kingdom (Isa. 9:7).
The Question (34–37)
Mary followed this earth-shattering announcement by asking a level-headed, practical question: How would she, as a virgin, conceive and bear a son? This question was not borne out of doubting the message, but with a desire to understand what would happen to her.
Zechariah asked a question of Gabriel, and six months later he was still unable to speak when Mary came to visit. He doubted God’s ability. This priest should have known that nothing is too difficult for God. By contrast, Mary’s experience was a one-time fulfillment, with one virgin in history who would conceive and give birth to the once-for-all-time Son of God Most High.
The Commitment (38)
Mary’s circumstances were unique, but her response was not.
Upon her arrival to Shiloh for the annual sacrifice, Hannah prayed an agonizing prayer. When the high priest Eli foretold the Lord’s answer, she referred to herself as “your servant” (1 Sam. 1:18). Mary responds to Gabriel’s announcement with these words: “Behold, I am the Lord’s servant.”
When you receive a clear word from the Lord, how do you respond? Do you doubt its trustworthiness or do you respond with, “I am the Lord’s servant”?
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