The Announcement to Mary

1. The Angel’s Message

Luke 1:26–27 NIV

In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.

The setting for the announcement that changed history - A young (probably a teen) engaged (a commitment only broken by divorce) woman (few personal rights in her culture) in Nazareth (a city with a bad reputation). vs. 26-27

A. Three General Promises

Luke 1:28 NIV

The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

Luke 1:29–30 NIV

Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.

You are highly favored

God also loves us and brings us his favor - Romans 8:28

Romans 8:28 NIV

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:38–39 NIV

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The Lord is with you

God has also promised to always be with us Matthew 28:19-20

Matthew 28:19–20 NIV

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Luke 1:37 NIV

For no word from God will ever fail.”

No word of God will ever fail

With God everything is possible - Philippians 4:13

Philippians 4:13 NIV

I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

B. Three Specific Promises

Luke 1:31 NIV

You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.

You will have a son and call Him Jesus

Luke 1:32–33 NIV

He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

He will be a king forever

Luke 1:35 NIV

The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.

He will be the Son of God

2. Mary’s Response

Mary’s life had been completely disrupted by the angel’s message. Would she cling to her plans or submit to God’s plan?

Luke 1:38 NIV

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

A. Mary accepted the angel’s message without question

Mary’s submission to God was an extension of her worship

Luke 1:46–48 NIV

And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed,

Mary had experienced or heard of God’s faithfulness

Luke 1:49–51 NIV

for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

Mary knew God as a champion of the downtrodden

Luke 1:52–55 NIV

He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”

What is our response to God’s will?

Jeremiah 29:11–13 NIV

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

We must acknowledge that God has a plan for our life

We must pray for God to make His plan clear to us

We must seek Him and His plan above all else