Luke 1:26-38: The Annunciation
Luke 1:26-38 – The Annunciation: God’s Plan Unfolds
In the Gospel of Luke, the Annunciation is one of the pivotal moments in the story of Jesus’ birth. It marks the moment when the angel Gabriel visits Mary to announce that she will conceive and bear Jesus, the Son of God. This passage offers rich insights into God’s plan for salvation, the role of Mary in this plan, and the profound faith required to accept such an extraordinary calling. We often read it in our Lessons and Carols services or during Sunday morning readings during the season of Advent. It's profound and moving. Let’s dive into Luke 1:26-38 and explore its significance verse by verse.
The story of Jesus’ birth captures our imagination each year. Mary’s bold faith and willingness to listen and to be a vessel of God’s grace and faithfulness is a model to us all.
Luke 1:26: Gabriel the Angel Was Sent by God
“In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth.”
The Timing: The phrase “in the sixth month” refers to the time when Elizabeth, Mary’s relative, was six months pregnant with John the Baptist. Luke is placing Mary's story within a broader timeline, connecting the parents' stories as well as the kids.
The word "angel" means messenger. Angels are sent by God to either tell the will of God to others or to do the will of God. Here, the angel is sent to tell Mary. The message that follows comes at a moment set by God, which emphasizes God's sovereignty over history and reminds us of God's perfect timing. As Paul says in Galatians, "at the right time" God sent Jesus.
The Setting: Nazareth was a small, obscure town in Galilee, far from the centers of political or religious power in Jerusalem. The choice of this humble town serves as a significant part of Luke’s theme of God’s preference for the lowly and the humble. Remember, shepherds will soon be an audience.
Luke 1:27: The Virgin’s Name Was Mary
“To a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.”
Mary’s Background: Mary is introduced as a virgin who is betrothed to Joseph, a descendant of David. This is crucial because it links Mary and her son to the royal lineage of David, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecy that the Messiah would come from David’s line (2 Samuel 7:12-16). Mary's conception and Jesus' birth will be miraculous in nature and from divine intervention. Notice the links in the chain here: this is about God keeping a promise to Abraham and David or "Israel." In Mary's song of praise, which follows, she exclaims her excitement that God is keeping covenant through her. She is a vessel through which God's grace and covenant-keeping flow. Her theological astuteness is powerful.
Mary’s Role: Mary is portrayed as a humble young woman, betrothed in the traditional Jewish manner, which was a legally binding commitment, but not yet a formal marriage. Her willingness to submit to God’s plan reveals her character and faith.
The word “angel” means messenger. As seen in this photo, angels announce God’s will on earth often to unsuspecting people.
Luke 1:28: The Lord is With You!
“And he came to her and said, ‘Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.’”
Gabriel’s Greeting: The angel Gabriel’s greeting is significant. “Favored one” (literally “highly favored”) indicates God’s special grace upon Mary. The phrase “the Lord is with you” echoes the divine assurance often given to chosen individuals in Scripture, such as Moses or Gideon, to emphasize God’s presence and support. In her Magnificat, Mary seems to borrow from Hannah's song of praise, demonstrating her vast knowledge of her faith tradition. Mary would be familiar with this greeting.
Mary’s Reaction: While the angel greets Mary with divine favor, the immediate reaction of Mary will show her humble and astonished nature. The favor she receives is not one of personal merit but a manifestation of God’s grace.
Luke 1:29: Mary Was Perplexed
“But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.”
Mary’s Confusion: Mary’s initial reaction is one of confusion and bewilderment. This humanizes her and shows that, even though she was chosen by God, she didn’t fully understand the significance of what was happening. She is in the process of understanding. Later we find that Mary "pondered these things in her heart often." She kept them as memories and likely shared them with Luke as he wrote them down for his gospel. She is laying out her process of discovering God's unfolding will for her life.
Reflection: Luke’s portrayal of Mary as “pondering” suggests a thoughtful response. Her questioning is not out of disbelief but rather curiosity and seeking understanding. It’s a reminder that faith often involves processing and reflecting on God’s unexpected call. It's okay to not fully understand one's faith or one's beliefs. It's okay to figure it out as you go along. Sometimes we feel called to undertake a work or take an action, not fully realizing every step along the way. Sometimes faithfulness is simply taking the right next step. Mary is willing to take the next right step as it unfolds in front of her.
Luke 1:30: Do Not Be Afraid
“The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.’”
Fear and Comfort: Divine and supernatural encounters often bewilder people. As with many biblical encounters with angels, Mary's initial fear is addressed with a reassurance, "Do not be afraid!" Why should she not be afraid? She's found favor.
This is a key verse for Christians. As a minister, I speak with people who are facing life's end or who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness. Death stirs many emotions. So many of us wonder, "Have I done enough? Do I have faith? What does God think of me? What will happen when I die?" And the angel preaches the gospel to us, "Do not be afraid. You have found favor, grace with God." Let this word settle over you. God favors you with grace, love, compassion, and joy.
Favor with God: The mention of “favor with God” again highlights that Mary’s selection for this monumental task is an act of grace rather than merit. God’s favor is a gift, not earned, and Mary’s role as the mother of the Messiah will be central to God’s salvation plan. As I say, we are loved on purpose for a purpose.
Who could have imagined that the story of Jesus would start in a stable and lead to magnificent statues and remembrances around the world, showing that his kingdom influences the hearts and minds of millions and millions each day, generation to generation?
Luke 1:31 : You Will Name Him Jesus
“And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus.”
The Announcement: The angel reveals that Mary will conceive a son, and his name will be Jesus. The name “Jesus” (Yeshua) means “the Lord saves,” a clear indication of the child’s purpose. Jesus’ name points directly to his role as the Savior of the world.
The Prophetic Role: This announcement signifies the fulfillment of God’s long-awaited promise of the Messiah. The mention of the name also underscores the importance of the child’s mission: to save and redeem people.
Luke 1:32: He Will Be Called Son of the Most High
“He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David.”
Titles and Role: Jesus will be “great,” a title fitting for the Messiah, but more specifically, he will be “the Son of the Most High,” identifying him as divine. His connection to David establishes Jesus as the fulfillment of the messianic prophecy—he will inherit David’s throne and reign forever. As Psalm 89 recounts, God will be faithful to David: I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to my servant David: ‘I will establish your descendants forever, and build your throne for all generations.
Reign of Jesus: The reference to David’s throne signals that Jesus is the long-awaited King, whose reign will not be temporary, but eternal. This declaration emphasizes the divine authority and kingship of Jesus. The pressing question in the gospels is WHAT KIND OF KING IS JESUS? As a toddler, Christ intimidated Herod, and at the age of 33 he stood before Pilate and was asked, "Are you king of the Jews?" After the resurrection, in Acts 1, the disciples ask him, "Are you now going to restore the kingdom?" Even at the triumphal entry, they give him a military welcome.
Luke 1:33: His Kingdom Will Not End
“He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
Eternal Kingdom: This declaration highlights the nature of Jesus’ kingdom. Unlike earthly kingdoms, which rise and fall, Jesus’ reign will be eternal. The kingdom of God, inaugurated through Jesus, will never end, offering hope to believers that the reign of Christ is unshakable.
In Luke 17:20-21, Jesus addresses this issue by stating that his reign, the kingdom of God, is the Lord's influence in the hearts and minds within people. “Once Jesus was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming, and he answered, ‘The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed; nor will they say, “Look, here it is!” or “There it is!” For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you.’”
Because Jesus' reign is inside people and is not made of wood and stone, it can never be ruined like the Tower of Babel or topple like the walls of Jericho.
Luke 1:34: Mary said . . .
“Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I am a virgin?’”
Mary’s Question: While Mary is receptive and willing, she still asks a logical question. Given her virginity, she wonders how such a thing can happen. This question is not an expression of disbelief but an inquiry into the practical details of the miraculous conception.
Faith and Understanding: In the preceding passage, Zechariah asks a question but in a way that is understood to be a sign of disbelief. Mary asks in a way that isn't understood in that way. One can be faithfully curious. Mary’s question shows a balance of faith and curiosity. She trusts God’s plan but seeks understanding, emphasizing the importance of seeking clarity in our own faith journey.
Mary’s journey was one of step-by-step faith. It unfolded for her. She asked questions to understand and was given enough to make a decision in the moment. Likewise, our task is not to understand the whole path, but to take the next right step.
Luke 1:35: The Power of the Most High
“The angel said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God.’”
The Divine Conception: The angel explains the miraculous nature of the conception. It will be by the power of the Holy Spirit, not through human means, affirming that Jesus is the Son of God. This doctrine of the virgin birth is a cornerstone of Christian belief, marking Jesus as both fully divine and fully human.
The Holiness of the Child: The child will be holy, set apart for God’s purpose. The phrase “Son of God” emphasizes the divine nature of Jesus, distinguishing him from all other humans.
There are many titles given to the Messiah. In this blog post I address why Jesus is called the Son of Man and the Son of God.
Luke 1:36: Elizabeth and Mary
“And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren.”
Sign of Assurance: The angel gives Mary a sign of God’s power and faithfulness. Elizabeth, too, has conceived a child despite her old age and infertility. This miracle serves as a confirmation that with God, nothing is impossible. It also shows that God is working in multiple ways to fulfill promises. Mary, take heart and believe! You are not alone!
Luke 1:37: Nothing Will Be Impossible with God
“For nothing will be impossible with God.”
God’s Omnipotence: This verse is one of the most powerful in the passage. It serves as a reminder that God’s power knows no bounds. What seems impossible to humans is possible with God. Truly we will see the truth of this phrase throughout Jesus' ministry, his death, and his resurrection.
Luke 1:38: Your Will Be Done
“Then Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’ Then the angel departed from her.”
Mary’s Submission: Mary’s response is one of humble acceptance. She declares herself the “servant of the Lord,” showing her willingness to submit to God’s plan, no matter the cost. Her response is a model of faith and obedience. Similar to Isaiah's response (Isaiah 6:8), "Who will go? Whom shall I send?" And the prophet responds, "Here am I. Send me!" Surely we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses!
The Moment of Acceptance: By saying “let it be with me according to your word,” Mary fully embraces the calling God has given her. Her consent to become the mother of the Savior of the world reflects profound faith and trust in God’s plan. I often wonder if this was a point of her teaching with her son Jesus. Did she teach him to always be open to what God's will is, even when it is difficult? "Let it be with me according to your word," sounds very similar to the words spoken by Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, "Nevertheless, not my will but your will be done." Thank God for how parents can pass on the faith to their children!
Conclusion: The Annunciation’s Relevance for Us
The Annunciation is more than just the announcement of Jesus’ birth—it is the moment when God’s grand plan for salvation begins to unfold. We see Mary's humble acceptance of God's will, the importance of faith, and how trusting in God is good, even when it may seem difficult or hard to understand.
