Lesson: Luke 1:26-40
Golden Text: “And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus” (Luke 1:31).
INTRODUCTION. All of the Old Testament prophesies regarding the coming of the Messiah focused on what was about to happen to a simple peasant girl who was probably a teenager. Mary was to learn that she had been chosen by God to bear His Son. He would be given the throne of His ancestor David, and He would have an eternal kingdom.
Background for the Lesson. Malachi, the last prophet of Israel prophesied during the 5th century. As a result, four hundred years passed without a message from God. The silence was finally broken when the angel Gabriel appeared to Zacharias, the elderly priest, while he served in the temple and revealed that he and his wife, Elizabeth, would have a son who would prepare Israel for the Messiah (see Luke 1:5-17). Zacharias didn’t believe Gabriel’s message, so God took away his ability to speak until what was prophesied by Gabriel came to pass (see Luke 1:20-22). After Zacharias finished his term serving in the temple, he returned to his own house (see Luke 1:23). Then Luke tells us that Elisabeth soon conceived and stayed out of the public for five months while commenting on what God was doing in her life (see Luke 1:24-25). Six months later, God sent Gabriel again, but this time to a young virgin who was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph. This is where our lesson begins.
III. GABRIEL’S ANNOUNCEMENT GIVEN (Luke 1:26-33)
A. Gabriel’s commission (Luke 1:26-27).
1. (vs. 26). Our lesson begins with “And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth.” The events in this week’s lesson occurred “in the sixth month.” This does not refer to the sixth month on the Jewish calendar, but to the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy with John the Baptist (see Luke 1:24, 36). At that time, “the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth.” Gabriel is one of two angels named in the Scriptures. The other angel named is Michael, the archangel (see Daniel 12:1; Jude 1:9). Gabriel, whose name means “man of God” or “ hero of God,” depending on the interpretation of the first part of his name, stood in the presence of the Lord and served as His emissary declaring His message to His people (see Daniel 8:16; 9:21; Luke 1:18-19). God sent Gabriel “unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth.” Galilee was the northernmost province of New Testament Palestine of which Nazareth was one of its cities. Samaria was between Galilee and Judea which included Jerusalem. Note: Galilee had a mixed population, so the Jews there had more contact with Gentiles and were less strict in observing the law. As a result, Judean Jews tended to despise Galileans. However, when referring to the Messiah, the prophet Isaiah foretold that Galilee would be the source of a great light that would enlighten the world (see Isaiah 9:17). The town of Nazareth was located in the hills of southern Galilee and is not mentioned in either the Old Testament or the writings of Josephus, the noted Jewish historian. Nazareth, to this time had played no major role in Israel’s history, and was despised by stricter Judean Jews because of its contact with Gentiles. In fact, even Nazareth’s neighbors despised this city. Nathaniel, who was from nearby Cana (see John 1:46; 2:1) once asked “Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?”
2. (vs. 27). Having previously been sent to Zacharias to announce that John the Baptist would be born (see Luke 1:11-13, 18-19), Gabriel was then sent “To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.” Gabriel came to a young girl named “Mary.” A very crucial fact about her is given right at the outset---she was “a virgin.” This would be essential to fulfilling her role in God’s plan. Isaiah had also prophesied that Immanuel (God with us) would be born of a virgin (see Isaiah 7:14). The fact that Mary was “a virgin” was so important that it is stated twice in this verse. The Greek word for “virgin” here is parthenos. Originally, this term described a girl who was of marriageable age; however, it came to signify a girl who was chaste (that is a virgin). This is clearly the way it is used by Luke. We are told that Mary was “espoused to a man whose name was Joseph.” To be “espoused” means to be betrothed or engaged. Mary was engaged to marry Joseph. Note: In a Jewish marriage, before the engagement could be finalized, negotiations took place between the groom and the bride’s family. In addition, the groom gave gifts to the bride and her family. In Jewish society, an engagement normally lasted one year and it was legally as binding as marriage. It was a legal contract that could only be broken by death or divorce (see Deuteronomy 24:1; Matthew 1:18-19). Typically, this arrangement was made when the girl was about twelve or thirteen years old. During this one year period of the engagement, the man prepared a house and the woman lived with her parents. Also during the engagement both partners were committed to each other and sexual intercourse was not to occur until after the marriage ceremony. Mary’s husband’s name was “Joseph, of the house of David.” This means that he descended from the royal line of David (see Matthew 1:6-16). This was important because the Messiah was to come from the line of David and inherit David’s throne (see II Samuel 7:12, 16). As a descendent of David, Joseph, although poor, was a legal heir to the throne of David. Both Mary and Joseph were descendents of David, but through different sons (see Matthew 1:6-16; Luke 3:23-31). Therefore Jesus’ legal right to the throne came through Joseph, while His actual right to rule came through Mary. Note: Most Bible scholars agree that the genealogy presented in Matthew 1:6-16 is Joseph’s and the one in Luke 3:23-31 is Mary’s.
B. Gabriel’s greeting (Luke 1:28). This verse says “And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.” The phrase “the angel came in unto her” would indicate that Gabriel entered Mary’s home and greeted her with the words “Hail, thou that art highly favoured.” His first word “Hail” was a common greeting, like our “Hello.” It literally means “rejoice.” Gabriel’s appearance and message would be the cause for great joy for this surprised girl. The angel went on to describe Mary as “highly favoured.” This phrase is only one Greek word and it means “endued with grace.” This description sees Mary as one who received God’s grace to an unusual degree. Grace is undeserved favor which tells us that Mary had done nothing to obtain the privilege and honor of being Jesus’ mother. She didn’t earn this by her virtue or merits. God had graciously and unconditionally bestowed His goodness upon her. Truly, there’s nothing like God’s grace, nothing! (see Psalms 84:11; Romans 3:23-24; 5:15; 15:15; I Corinthians 1:4-5; 15:10; II Corinthians 8:1-2; 9:8; Ephesians 2:8-9; 3:7; Titus 2:11; Hebrews 2:9; James 4:6). The angel went on to say “the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.” This was the reason that Mary was “highly favored”---the Lord Himself was with her. As a result, she was “blessed … among women.” The Greek word used here for “blessed” is not the familiar word “blessed” used in the beatitudes, makarios. The word used here is eulogemene. The difference is that the word for blessed in the beatitudes, makarios refers to happiness and the second word eulogemene, refers to a state of being praised or spoken well of. We get our word eulogy from it. Gabriel was saying that Mary was especially praised, or spoken well of among the women. Note: One may wonder why Mary was called “blessed.” The heart of the answer goes back to the promise given in Genesis 3:15, “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” Mary was the woman chosen of God to bear His son. She was the one through whom the Seed would come that would crush Satan’s head, giving him a fatal blow. It was a promise to be fulfilled through Mary’s Seed, Jesus.
C. Mary’s perplexity (Luke 1:29). Here Luke writes “And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.” As a girl growing up in a remote village, she was not prepared for the exalted greeting from Gabriel. We are told that “she was troubled at his saying.” Mary’s first response was astonished perplexity, mingled with fear. She was “troubled” or confused because of the angel’s “salutation” or greeting. The phrase “cast in her mind” translates a Greek word that means she reasoned or argued with herself. Mary didn’t understand what was happening. The heart of her problem was “what manner of salutation this should be.” The words “what manner” translate a Greek word that mans “what kind of” or “what sort of.” Mary wondered within herself what kind of greeting this was from the angel. This was not a typical greeting to a young Jewish virgin and Mary wondered what it meant.
D. The explanation (Luke 1:30-31).
1. (vs. 30). Before Mary could voice her fear and perplexity, Gabriel reassured her saying “Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.” With the words “Fear not” Gabriel was telling Mary to “stop being afraid.” Note: It is significant that when angels appeared in the Bible, they usually told the people to whom they appeared to stop fearing. These words had already been spoken to Zacharias who was a priest (see Luke 1:5, 13) and would later be spoken to Joseph (see Matthew 1:20) and the shepherds (see Luke 2:10). It was appropriate that the call to stop being afraid came before Gabriel provided any information. His message was of great importance, but the meaning could have been missed if Mary’s mind was distracted by fear. The angel needed first to calm her so that she could fully understand his words. Likewise, when we are anxious about our present circumstances or future prospects, we also need to calm our minds by reading God’s Word before we can receive His message of guidance clearly. Many decisions are made hastily while our minds are clouded by fear and before the Lord has had an adequate opportunity to make Himself heard. Gabriel said that the reason Mary was to stop being afraid was because she had “found favour with God.” As stated earlier, Mary didn’t earn her favor with God because of her righteous life, for that’s contrary to the clear teachings of the Bible (see Isaiah 64:6; Romans 3:23). Mary was chosen by God’s grace alone, not because of some special thing she had done.
2. (vs. 31). Gabriel continued to say “And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.” By saying “behold,” Gabriel wanted to draw Mary’s attention to his message of profound importance. That message which was the result of the special grace God had bestowed on Mary was that she would “conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.” These words echoed the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14 which foretold the birth of Messiah. God’s grace would allow Mary to conceive and give birth to a Child, whose sex and name God had already chosen. The Child would be a Boy and His name would be “Jesus.” This Greek name was the same as the Hebrew name “Jehoshua” or “Joshua.” It means “Yahweh (or Jehovah) is salvation” or literally “the Lord saves.” It indicated that through Jesus, God was bringing salvation. Note: In Bible times, names were very important and often had special meanings. For example, Jacob was given a Hebrew name that meant “he who grasps the heel” or “he who is a schemer.” Hannah named her child Samuel which means to be “heard by God.” Samuel was born in response to Hannah’s fervent prayers. Therefore, names had meaning. So it was with the Lord Jesus. The name Jesus means “the Lord saves” and would be a constant reminder of the divine mission that He came to fulfill. Gabriel didn’t tell Mary why the Child would be called Jesus, but later he told Joseph that He would be called Jesus because “he shall save his people from their sins” (see Matthew 1:21). Since Jesus had both Gentiles and Jews in His lineage (see Matthew 1:5-6, 16; Luke 3:23, 31-32) that made Him able to save both Jews and Gentiles, His people.
E. God’s plan for Jesus (Luke 1:32-33).
1. (vs. 32). In this verse, Gabriel begins to tell Mary God’s plan for Jesus. He said “He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David.” Gabriel had told Zacharias that his son, John the Baptist would be “great in the sight of the Lord” (see Luke 1:15). But of Mary’s Son, Gabriel simply said, “He shall be great.” Jesus’ greatness would be absolute, surpassing that of all others. Eventually, John the Baptist would acknowledge Jesus as “mightier than I” (see Luke 3:16) and “preferred before me” (see John 1:27). Jesus’ greatness would be seen in the title given Him. Gabriel said that He “shall be called the Son of the Highest.” In Genesis 14:18, the Lord is called “the most high God,” which speaks of His exaltedness and sovereignty. Thus, to be called “the Son of the Highest” was the same as being called the Son of God (see Luke 1:35). Gabriel continued to tell Mary God’s additional plan for Jesus. He said “the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David.” This speaks of the fulfillment of the promise given to David in the Davidic covenant. This was a permanent, unconditional covenant that was absolutely certain to be fulfilled (see II Samuel 7:5-16; I Chronicles 17:7-15). God had promised David a Seed whose kingdom would last forever. That promise had to be fulfilled just as all God’s promises must be. The promise will be fulfilled when Christ reigns in a physical sense from the throne of David during the millennial kingdom.
2. (vs. 33). Continuing with God’s plan for Jesus, Gabriel said to Mary, “And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.” The angel pointed out two more facts about Jesus’ kingdom. First, “he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever.” God gave the name “Israel” to Jacob (see Genesis 32:28), so the “house of Jacob” was another name for the nation of Israel. But Christ’s rule will extend beyond Israel. God promised Abraham that through his offspring all the people of the earth would be blessed (see Genesis 12:3). Note: The New Testament clearly teaches that by faith all believers in Christ are the children of Abraham and “heirs according to the promise” (see Galatians 3:29). Therefore, Christ’s kingdom will include multitudes of Gentiles, but Jerusalem will be its capital and Israel will occupy the most prominent place in it (see Micah 4:1-7; Zechariah 8:20-23). That the reign of Christ will be “forever” is clear from this verse. However, there will also be a literal and physical reign of one thousand years according to Revelation 20:6. The reign regarding the “house of Jacob” will begin in the millennial kingdom (see II Samuel 7:16: Revelation 20:1-6). This thousand year reign will finally give over to God’s eternal kingdom, the new heaven and new earth (see I Corinthians 15:24-28; Revelation 21:1-4). This is what Gabriel was referring to when he said “of his kingdom there shall be no end.” This statement also confirmed what the prophets had spoken (see Isaiah 9:7; Daniel 2:44; 7:27).
IV. MARY’S QUESTION ANSWERED (Luke 1:34-38)
A. Mary’s question (Luke 1:34). Hearing this startling news that she was going to bear a son left Mary amazed. She didn’t ask for a sign as Zacharias did earlier, but she did have a question. This verse says “Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?” This was a simple request for more information. In essence Mary wanted to know the method to be used for her to give birth. Mary reasoned that if she was to bear a son by normal means, there must be a father and the angel had not mentioned Joseph at all. Yet Mary said “I know not a man.” The word “know” was the usual way of speaking of sexual relations (see Genesis 4:1). She was not saying that she wasn’t married, but that she had never had sex with a man. Apart from this, she could see no way to conceive and give birth to a child. Note: Zacharias had asked Gabriel a similar question when he was told that he and Elizabeth would bear a child in their old age (see Luke 1:18). However, he was chastised by Gabriel for his unbelief and lost his ability to speak (see Luke 1:19-20). Mary didn’t doubt what the angel said, she simply asked for more information. She was not chastised, but instead Gabriel answered her question and even gave her a sign as we will see in the following verses.
B. Gabriel’s answer (Luke 1:35). Mary had asked for the method of how she would conceive and this verse says “And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” Gabriel clarified God’s method in Jesus’ conception by saying to Mary “The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee.” The Holy Spirit would enable Mary’s body to conceive apart from natural means. Note: The angel later reaffirmed the Spirit’s role in this when he explained to Joseph “That which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost” (see Matthew 1:20). The phrase “power of the Highest” refers to the power of the Holy Spirit. The word “overshadow” suggests the overwhelming presence and power of God that would surround this conception. Gabriel went on to say “therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” The word “therefore” refers to the results of the overshadowing of the Holy Ghost. As a result of this, the One born of this virgin birth would be “holy.” This means that He would be free from the original sin that infects all the sons and daughters of Adam. He would be absolutely righteous in all His ways, never sinning and always unyielding in His devotion to God. Another result of the presence of the Holy Ghost in this conception was that the Child “shall be called the Son of God.” Indeed, Jesus was eternally the Son of God; and now that divine son-ship would be recognized on earth, even while the Son took on human form (see Isaiah 7:14; Galatians 4:4). Note: This is what theologians refer to as the incarnation of Christ. When Jesus was born, God the Son took on human flesh and became a genuine member of the human family. By identifying with humans, Jesus was qualified to die in our place as God’s perfect substitute for the atonement of our sins.
C. Gabriel gives Mary a sign (Luke 1:36-37).
1. (vs. 36). Mary didn’t ask for a sign to strengthen her faith, but God gave her one knowing she might need it in the months ahead. Gabriel said in this verse “And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.” The sign was that her “cousin Elisabeth…hath also conceived a son in her old age.” The term “cousin” translates a word that refers to a relative or kinswoman, but it isn’t specific enough to indicate exactly how Elizabeth was related to Mary. Suffice it to say that she may have been Mary’s cousin as the Scriptures indicate. Elaborating further on the sign of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, Gabriel said that “this is the sixth month with her who was called barren.” In other words, Elizabeth who was considered too old to have children was now 6 months pregnant, and by God’s power she would bear a son. Hearing that her aged relative, who had been called barren was with child would strengthen Mary’s faith. Note: God’s sovereign ordering of events to strengthen Mary’s faith was remarkable. He chose to work in the life of a relative of hers, whom she knew and in whom she could confide. The miracle God performed for Elizabeth was similar to what He would do for Mary.
2. (vs. 37). Elizabeth’s pregnancy would demonstrate to Mary what Gabriel says in this verse, “For with God nothing shall be impossible.” This declaration by Gabriel may have reminded Mary of the Lord’s rhetorical question to Sarah: “Is any thing too hard for the Lord?” (see Genesis18:14). Note: God’s ability to do what seems humanly impossible is revealed repeatedly in Scripture. Jeremiah 32:17 affirms what God said to Sarah and adds that God is the Creator of the entire universe. Both Matthew 19:24-26 and Mark 10:25-27 state that with God, all things all possible, even spiritual regeneration or salvation. Romans 4:21 teaches that whatever God has promised, He is fully able to perform.
D. Mary’s humble response (Luke 1:38). This verse says “And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.” Mary responded to Gabriel’s message with complete submission saying “Behold the handmaid of the Lord.” This could also be vividly rendered “Look! The slave of the Lord!” The term “handmaid” could be translated “female slave,” because it signifies bondage to the will of another. Mary continued to say “be it unto me according to thy word.” In other words, this virgin girl quietly submitted to God’s plan agreeing to do whatever He wanted her to do. In making such a decision, Mary exposed herself to the possibility of disgrace and even divorce (see Matthew 1:18-19). Thankfully, God intervened to prevent that from happening (see Matthew 1:20, 24-25). The last part of this verse simply says “And the angel departed from her.” Once his mission was completed, Gabriel left Mary’s presence. Note: Great risks went along with Mary’s submission to God’s plan, for who would believe her explanation about her pregnancy? What would happen to her relationship with Joseph? What would happen to her good reputation? What kind of future laid ahead for her? Yet Mary was content to leave such questions to God. However, Mary should not be worshipped as one who is greater than humans or equal with God, but she certainly is a wonderful example of humble submission to the will of God. Are we willing to take risks as Mary did in order to accomplish God’s will? Think about it!
V. MARY VISITS ELIZABETH (Luke 1:39-40)
A. (vs. 39). After the angel left Mary, this verse says “And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda.” Sometimes those chosen by God for special tasks may lead lonely lives. They are often not believed. However, the angel had revealed one person who would believe and encourage Mary. So Mary journeyed “into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda” to visit Elizabeth. No doubt Mary made this journey of about fifty to seventy miles “with haste” or in a hurry, so that she and Elizabeth might rejoice in God’s goodness together. All we are told about where Elizabeth and Zacharias lived was that it was a city in the hill country of Judea.
B. (vs. 40). Our final verse simply says that Mary “entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.” After reaching the home of Zacharias and Elizabeth, Mary went into their home and “saluted Elisabeth.” This is another way of saying that Mary greeted her.
VI.
Conclusion.
Gabriel’s function was to prepare for the Son’s birth by
making announcements to the people involved. In this week’s lesson
we reviewed this special angel’s visit to the Virgin Mary prior to Jesus’
conception. Mary didn’t earn the privilege of becoming Jesus’
mother. God granted her that honor as and expression of His
grace. Gabriel revealed to Mary what she needed to know about her
impending pregnancy. The Holy Spirit would be the active Agent in
bringing God’s Son to the earth through Mary. When Mary understood
what God was going to do through her, she humbly accepted His will for her
life. None of us will ever have the same role to play as Mary, but
all of us can learn from her example of servitude and quiet submission to God’s
will.
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