Explore the Bible By Douglas K. Wilson, Ph.D.
Dean, School of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
SAVIOR ANNOUNCED
Luke 1:26–38
This week we divert from our study of the Settlement Period of Israel’s history to focus on the announcement of our Savior. What a contrast — from Joshua leading the armies of Israel to our Jesus (Greek for “Joshua”) to be born as a helpless babe.
A Message Sent (26–29)
God reveals His will. He speaks both directly and indirectly — here through prophets, there through signs and wonders. Rarely in Scripture do we read of an angelic visitation. Even less frequently do we see the messenger named. In this passage, Gabriel (mighty one of God) is the chosen communicator to deliver the message regarding the Messiah. Readers should not be surprised by this, as Gabriel also brought a messianic message to Daniel (Dan. 9:21, 24–27).
Mary was the chosen vessel to carry, birth, nurture, agonize, grieve and ultimately worship Jesus the Messiah. How appropriate a song like “Mary, Did You Know?” to ponder her experience as an untouched young woman set apart to fulfill God’s purpose. Who but God could have known that the woman who bore the promised seed (Gen. 3:15), the virgin who would conceive (Isa. 7:14), would come from the region of Galilee (Isa. 9:1–7) and give birth to her firstborn son in Bethlehem (Mic. 5:2)?
The Message Delivered (30–33)
God keeps His promises. God began revealing His redemptive plan back in the garden, indicating that the seed of the woman would bring deliverance but at the price of suffering, bloodshed and death. God also promised Judah (Gen. 49:10) and David (2 Sam. 7:16) that from their descendants would come the everlasting King (Isa. 9:7).
As we read Luke’s and Matthew’s Gospel accounts together, we see that both Joseph and Mary were visited by angels. Both of them were told to name the boy “Jesus,” meaning “salvation.” Both were told the baby would not be by physical union but by supernatural conception.
Questions Answered (34–37)
God answers our questions. “But wait,” you may say. “What about Zechariah? He was unable to speak after he questioned God’s messenger.” This is true but the priest should have been intimately aware from Scripture that God had made previously infertile women fruitful with children. Consider Sarah (Gen. 18:10–12), Rachel (Gen. 29:31; 30:22) and Hannah (1 Sam. 1:2, 19–20). Had God not heard their prayers? Why would Zechariah question God’s ability to provide a child to an infertile couple?
Mary’s question was different. Never in the Torah, prophets or writings had a virgin been supernaturally impregnated to give birth to God Incarnate. The promise had been given centuries before but it had never been fulfilled. Gabriel explained that a supernatural event would take place by which Mary would give birth to the Son of God.
Willing Submission (38)
God receives glory through obedience. Through Mary’s simple statement she communicates her absolute surrender to the will of God: “I am the Lord’s slave. … May it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Later she confesses her need for a Savior. She recognizes her place in history and she gives God glory for His greatness, His goodness and His grace (1:46–55).
As we celebrate our Savior’s birth may we consider ourselves slaves like Mary. When Jesus’ brothers came to faith they considered themselves His servants. “My mother and My brothers are those who hear and do the word of God” (Luke 8:21).
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