Bible Study - Christmas (3) - Mary's Trust - Luke 1:26-38 - December 16, 2018

Bible Study – Christmas (3) – Mary’s Trust – December 16, 2018

This lesson three (3) in our series entitled “The Full Picture of Christmas.”

Our focus scripture is Luke 1:26-38.

Embrace GOD’S call on your life.

How old do you think the virgin Mary was when GOD called her to be the mother of JESUS? She was likely 13-14 years old. I understand that most young girls, during this and previous time periods, hoped that they would be the one chosen to carry and birth the promised Messiah. Yes, such a young age is much too young in today’s society but considering the lifespan in Biblical times this was acceptable. Let’s explore!

As you may recall Doctor Luke, a physician, was commissioned by a Christian named Theophilus to verify and make a record of the facts surrounding the birth, life, ministry, death, resurrection and ascension of JESUS. Luke wrote this account after the passion, resurrection and ascension of JESUS. All GOD intended for JESUS to accomplish regarding redemption from sin had been accomplished and opening the path between mankind and GOD had been accomplished by JESUS. All any person needed for salvation and deliverance from the consequence of sin had been established by GOD and fulfilled by JESUS.

Thus, we have Luke’s orderly account of the events of the Gospel according to Luke’s interviews with eyewitnesses and those who were ministers of the gospel (Disciples plus others who knew JESUS).

There is another aspect, which we will not address in this lesson and that is the political landscape at that time. The Jews were governed by the Romans. The Jews longed for their independence. The promised Messiah was their hope for escape.

JESUS’ disciple Matthew also wrote his account of the events surrounding JESUS. His account was written from the Jewish perspective.

Each Gospel, Matthew, Mark and Luke will reveal some nuances of the same or similar events. These three gospels are referred to as synoptic gospels or a summary or an overview of similar or the same events in the life of JESUS.

The Gospel according to John was written to give depth to the purpose and application of the ministry of JESUS. The Gospel of John is distinct.

In the opening verses of John chapter 1, we read:

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (JESUS)

2 He was with God in the beginning.

3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.

4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.

5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. (John the Baptist)

7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe.

8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.

The Apostle John reveals that like GOD, JESUS has always existed.

Some Bibles have a section which they entitle, “the Harmony of the Gospels” which reveals that which is the same and that which is different in the various Gospel writings.

One may ask, “why are there differences?” Many of us know, if we happen to witness an event and give an eyewitness account of what we saw or heard, our account may vary from other eyewitnesses. Why? It is because we see things from different points-of-view and perspectives. But taken together, we get to see the truth of an event and expose error.

Let’s read Luke 1:26-30:

26 In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth,

27 to a virgin engaged to a man named Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary.

28 And [the angel] came to her and said, "Rejoice, favored woman! The Lord is with you."

29 But she was deeply troubled by this statement, wondering what kind of greeting this could be.

30 Then the angel told her: Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

At a quick glance, when we read “in the sixth month,” we may think, “good I can calculate the approximate birthdate of JESUS!” We need to consider what the angel Gabriel was saying in relationship to another miracle event taking place in the life of Mary’s relative, Elizabeth, as we read in Luke 1:5-25:

The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold

5 In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron.

6 Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly.

7 But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old.

8 Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God,

9 he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense.

10 And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside.

11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense.

12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear.

13 But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.

14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth,

15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born.

16 He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God.

17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

18 Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.”

19 The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news.

20 And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.”

21 Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple.

22 When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak.

23 When his time of service was completed, he returned home.

24 After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion.

25 “The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.”

Why is this important? Mary was unaware that her cousin, who could not have children, was pregnant. Confirmation to Mary that GOD performs miracles. Keep in mind that Mary did not know this about Elizabeth until after Gabriel had told Mary she would be the mother of JESUS.

Elizabeth’s son, John the Baptist, was to be the forerunner or herald of JESUS. They were cousins.

A herald ran before a king to announce to that area, town or city that the king was about to enter. This was to allow time for the people in that area to prepare to receive and show honor to the king. John the Baptist was called by GOD to be the herald for JESUS. He was known as John the baptizer, because he taught that once a person repented from their sins, they were to follow their commitment to GOD by being baptized. Baptism is an outward expression to show that the person was serious about obediently serving GOD.

Back to the statement “in the sixth month” relates to the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy. Notice, the angel Gabriel spoke to Zachariah in verse 19 and he spoke to the Virgin Mary in verse 26. But notice a different response. We read that Zachariah heard what Gabriel said but said in verse 18 – “18 Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.”

Other words, “How can I be sure you are telling me the truth?” Contrast Zechariah’s reply with Mary’s reply as recorded in verse 34 – “34 Mary asked the angel, "How can this be, since I have not been intimate with a man?" In essence, I hear what you are telling me but since I am a virgin and plan to remain a virgin, and I know what produces a baby, how is GOD going to do this?” It was not, “oh that is impossible!” No, I know with GOD all things are possible, I just want to know, “how HE is going to accomplish this?” Legitimate question. Mary was willing but curious.

You can read that Mary was spunky and a willing servant of GOD. She was in right relationship with GOD and willing to accomplish what GOD had called her to do. Also, imbedded in her faith was that she would also trust GOD to explain this to Joseph. GOD always works out the details.

The angel spoke directly to the Virgin Mary. Generally, an angel tells the person he is approaching “Do not be afraid.” Such a greeting is missing.  Why do you think it is missing? Young Mary seems not to be alarmed. There seems to be a peace surrounding this encounter.

Often, when GOD has a plan for us, there seems to be an accompanying calm when HE calls us. Not always.

Scripture records that Mary was “engaged to a man named Joseph, of the house of David.” Notice the mention of the house of David. The Messiah would come through the lineage of King David. Yet, JESUS had no human father. But little Mary also came from the house of David. Generally, the genealogy of Mary is believed to be recorded in Luke 3:23-38. Thus, both Mary and Joseph came from the house of David which confirms prophesy.

Let’s read Luke 1:28-30:

28 And [the angel] came to her and said, "Rejoice, favored woman! The Lord is with you."

It seems that Gabriel was excited to give Mary this good news. What does ‘favored” mean? It carries the idea of “Grace.” GOD was pouring out HIS Grace onto her. This Grace anoints her to house GOD’S Only Son, JESUS. That was a blessing. The second blessing was “The LORD is with you.” Mary was about to experience what it means to be in the center of GOD’S will and purpose.

Before the passion of JESUS, it was rare and on special circumstances that the Holy Spirit indwelled the human body. Mary was going to experience the overwhelming joy of experiencing the presence of GOD in her life.

Elizabeth was to birth the prophet of the “Most High, “whereas Mary was going to birth the Son of the Most High.” WOW!!!

29 But she was deeply troubled by this statement, wondering what kind of greeting this could be.

Mary was deeply troubled by the statement Gabriel said to her. Gabriel dropped a heavy load onto Mary. As mentioned earlier, Mary knew she was a virgin and had no intentions of loosing her virginity until her marriage night. So, her trouble was pondering, “How would what she heard be accomplished?”

30 Then the angel told her: Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

Gabriel noticed her deep concern. It was a concern regarding, “How in the world is GOD going to accomplish this?” It was not whether or not GOD could accomplish it but how?

Gabriel recognizing her trying to figure it out told her “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with GOD.” In essence, Mary, GOD knows your heart and your love for HIM, HE will take care of it. All you have to do is to be willing and available. GOD’S Grace is sufficient.

This is GOD’S message to all HE calls to do HIS will. HIS grace is sufficient to accomplish HIS will and purpose.

As stated earlier, Mary’s question was based upon curiosity whereas Zechariah’s question was based upon skepticism.

Gabriel gave Mary a dissertation.

Let’s read Luke 1:31-34:

31 Now listen: You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will call His name JESUS.

32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.

33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.

34 Mary asked the angel, "How can this be, since I have not been intimate with a man?"

Mary knew how babies were produced. She went right to her real concern in verse 34.

So, Gabriel explains ----

Let’s read Luke 1:35-38:

35 The angel replied to her: "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the holy One to be born will be called the Son of God.

36 And consider your relative Elizabeth-even she has conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren.

37 For nothing will be impossible with God."

38 "I am the Lord's slave," said Mary. "May it be done to me according to your word." Then the angel left her.

Gabriel explained the process. Consider that since the power of the Holy Spirit can energize the egg of Mary to produce GOD’S Son, how much more can GOD energize the human spirit by HIS Spirit to produce Spiritual Children through the miracle of Spiritual rebirth.

Gabriel gave Mary a confirmation. He told her that Elizabeth was six-months pregnant. That is all Mary needed to hear. Mary, in essence said, LORD I believe all things are possible so here I am use me as YOU desire. I trust completely in YOU.

Mary never asked Gabriel for a sign but he gave her a sign – “Your relative Elizabeth is pregnant with a son.

WOW! What faith precious Mary had. Blessings!!!