Mary's Perspective

Reading Text:

Isaiah 7:14-16 “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. He shall eat curds and honey when he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. For before the boy knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land whose two kings you dread will be deserted.”

Introduction:

At what age does a girl get married?

According to the internet the average age for a woman to get married is 28-29 yrs old and for the man it is 30-31.

By way of comparison: in the 1920’s the average ages for marriage were between 20-24 yrs old.

That’s a vast difference.

What was the average age a woman got married in Jesus’ day and age?

The accepted ages were between 12-16; with the guideline being determined by her coming into “woman-hood” by normal monthly cycles.

The cultural formalities for marriage were:

A man’s interest for a woman, or arrangement between families, would be the start.

Then if they had interest in one another there would be a betrothal or engagement period.

A payment was made to the father of the woman by the Fiance.

Generally their engagement would last about a year before the celebration and ceremony.

During this time the soon to be husband would prepare a place for their lives together and would return for her when it’s ready.

Hence the parables about the bridegroom coming to get the bride and to be ready.

The process of marriage had begun for Mary and Joseph. They were in the betrothal period.

payment was made, he was preparing for their lives together.

Transition:

The information of a normal wedding is important for us to understand. We can’t view Mary and Joseph’s betrothal as we would view a couple of 30 year olds being engaged.

It is entirely different now compared to what marriage was back then.

The birth of Jesus is recorded throughout the gospels; but today we read Luke chapter 1 .

The Lord starts with:

I. The Setting. (:26-:28)

Luke 1:26-28 “In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!””

Transition:

The angel Gabriel presents himself to Mary, and we are provided the:

A. Time (:26)

Luke 1:26 “In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,”

The time frame is the Sixth Month; which would be around August or September.

Since John was born on Passover, the 15th day of Nisan (the 1st Jewish month), Jesus would have been born six months later on the 15th day of Tishri (the 7th Jewish month).  The 15th day of the 7th month begins the Feast of Tabernacles (Lev. 23:34-35), also known as Sukkot.  Jesus was born on the 1st day of the Feast of Tabernacles!  In the year 5 BC, this fell in the month of September.”

The feast of tabernacles is:

One of Israel’s three great annual festivals, celebrated at the time of the agricultural harvest, in gratitude for Yahweh’s present and historical provisions.

The people during this season were:

Recalling all He had provided.

Appreciating all He is providing.

Looking foreward to what He will do.

- Paying honor to YHWH.

The time and season is for us to read and piece together His perfection. His planning, His providing, and to praise His love!

God’s timing is perfect!

God is being worshipped by way of celebration and fellowship. He provided for everyone's needs.

The day the festival began He provided for humanities spiritual need.

The need for Regeneration!

Connection:

At Christmas we have that same opportunity to praise Him as all Israel did for the festival!

Transition:

God promised this provision many years before and is now, by the proclamation of Gabriel to Mary, revealing the:

B. Fulfilled Prophecy (:27)

Luke 1:27 “to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary.”

The statement of a “virgin”

This is a direct reference to the Isaiah 7 passage.

Announcing the arrival and fulfillment of the Messiah.

A name given to the one God chose. Mary!

Mary:

A chosen vessel for the Lord’s will.

Connection:

If you know Christ as Savior your occupied by the Holy Spirit which makes you a vessel for God!

Transition:

Through Gabriel came:

C. A Greeting (:28)

Luke 1:28 “And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!””

Up until this moment Mary was insignificant to the world; but she is mentioned here, and she has found favor with God.

? How can one find favor with God?

Let’s use Daniel as an example:

Daniel 9:22-23 “He made me understand, speaking with me and saying, “O Daniel, I have now come out to give you insight and understanding. At the beginning of your pleas for mercy a word went out, and I have come to tell it to you, for you are greatly loved. Therefore consider the word and understand the vision.”

Gabriel came to Daniel and He told him: you are greatly loved!

finding favor with God seems to be attached to His love for us.

The Angel proclaimed Mary is the one loved by God. (she found favor through Gods love for her).

He greeted her and encouraged her by telling her that God the Lord is with you.

“Lord”

That word Lord in this sentence means:

“someone who is in a position of authority.” (Lexham Theological workbook)

- In this case the one with all authority!

This greeting would instill confidence, and then would be supported by letting her know that the one in position of all authority is also the one in control.

(In short: Trust God even though you may not understand it all right now).

Connection:

Each of us are loved by God and should be reminded through these passages that we find favor in His love (nothing of our doing, only His) He is in control even though we may not understand it all right now.

Transition:

Mary was fulfilling the prophecy of the virgin who carries the messiah and births Him into the world.

This is big news for the world; but it is huge, life changing for Mary and Joseph.

Next is:

II. The Announcement. (:29-:33)

Luke 1:29-33 “But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 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 father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.””

Transition:

Mary’s response seems normal. She was:

A. Troubled (:29)

Luke 1:29 “But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be.”

Mary wasn’t just bothered or concerned. The text states: she was “Greatly Troubled”.

This term troubled reveals what she thought about this announcement:

“Shocked/Confused”

Transition:

Think about this for a moment:

An angel appears.

Calls you “O Favored One”

What would your brain do?

You ever had that feeling of uncertainty when someone important comes looking for you?

Me neither. :)

My principal called over the loudspeaker: “Will David Wilson please come to the office?”

I rarely got in trouble so I knew it must have been for an award or something.

Are you kidding? The whole school witnesses you doing the walk of shame down to the principals office.

On that walk, your mind goes crazy and begins re-playing the last few days and preparing you for what may be Discussed.

I believe this is the mindset of Mary:

(obviously she isn’t in trouble if she is “favored”)

- Shocked that a Celestial being is in front of her calling her by name and addressing her as the “Favored One”.

- Confused about what this greeting from an Angel means.

Gabriel addresses her shock to let her know:

B. Don’t Worry (:30-:31)

Luke 1:30-31 “And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.”

Gabriel is making sure through the shock she understands a few things:

Have no fear for why an Angel is visiting you.

You are favored.

When your delivering important information you want the recipient to be coherent enough to understand what is being said.

If it is the message you want to make sure they are giving you their undivided attention.

Gabriel presents his message for Mary.

Luke 1:30-31 “And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.”

Transition:

He calmed her down enough to knock her socks off. She would bring the promised Messiah into the world.

Jesus wouldn’t be the child of Joseph’s blood, He would be God’s son!

God in the flesh walking among His creation.

Since she took it so well he continued with:

C. His Purpose (:32-:33)

Luke 1:32-33 “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 father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.””

The type of person He will be is:

“great” - Of great importance, He would embody greatness.

This is going to be the person that everyone wishes they could be.

He is the Son of the Most High.

He will be different than all.

Acts 7:48 “Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made by hands, as the prophet says,”

His dwelling isn’t of Men.

Jesus’ home isn’t here on Earth. Hey will live as though He is passing through.

- As should we!

A demon revealed His Kingship:

Mark 5:7 “And crying out with a loud voice, he said, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.””

The demon acknowledged Jesus, His authority and rule!

He pleaded with Him, not to torture him.

A demon pleaded with a man to holdback from torturing.

Transition:

Jesus’ life was the true embodiment of God to this world. Every aspect of His life can is God living among His creation.

This is the calling and commissioning of Mary to the Lord’s will.

She evaluates it and we have:

III. Mary’s Response (:34-:38)

Luke 1:34-38 “And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” And the angel answered 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 called holy—the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.”

Transition:

It entered the thought process that Mary wasn’t married yet and that she hadn’t consummated her marriage to Joseph. So...

A. Her Question (:34)

Luke 1:34 “And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?””

Explain this process to me for getting pregnant.

I’m going to need a little more details.

Too many times we need to understand everything that God does.

That is kind of pompous.

We aren’t that important!

We would do well to be careful enough to have a proper perspective of us in relation to God! (It should be a humble one).

He is God, we are not, and we are nothing in comparison to Him.

Transition:

Sometimes the best way for us to explain what God does, or even understand it, falls into the special category:

B. Miracles (:35-:37)

Luke 1:35-37 “And the angel answered 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 called holy—the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.””

Gabriel gives Mary two miracles:

The Holy Spirit will cast a shadow over you!

This is how the Lord is found to be in her womb.

A shadow.

Not sure about you; but that makes no sense!

That’s why it falls under the term: Faith - We believe it, can’t explain it and should’t try.

That’s one the second is:

2. Elizabeth is far past conceiving a child; but has had a child 6 months ago.

She was already declared barren!

If Elizabeth can have a miracle baby, you can too.

Don’t doubt God!

He is outside of every natural law. He is all powerful!

Transition:

Mary asked for understanding about the scenario. Gabriel provided her with 2 miracles.

Elizabeth had a child even though she was deemed barren, so it is not impossible for Mary a much younger girl to give birth!

God is asking of her the same thing that He asks of us every day:

C. Submission (:38)

Luke 1:38 “And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.”

Mary responded to Gabriel.

He is God’s messenger.

He is delivering a call on Mary’s life:

- Birth the Messiah and be His Fleshly mother.

She says:

“I am your servant”.

She starts with a humble heart and mind submitted to God and His will. Whatever He allows she will have joy in being used by God!

Eli has a word to say about talking with God when He calls:

1 Samuel 3:4-9 “Then the Lord called Samuel, and he said, “Here I am!” and ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down. And the Lord called again, “Samuel!” and Samuel arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.”

Eli gave the best outline to follow when he instructed Samuel on how to address the Lord when He calls.

1 Samuel 3:9 “Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.”

Samuel obeyed Eli and presented into the Lord’s hands.

- Mary submitted and believed the Lord’s will for her life.

Think of all that she would have to endure.

- Divorcement from Joseph!

- Shame to her family!

- Embarrassment to the man she loved!

- The hardship she would have to endure as a single mom and ridicule from the community.

The selfish person would obey their own will instead of God’s.

Just to avoid a hard life.

Mary’s Lord is calling on her for this job.

She had faith in God:

This means that no matter what could happen she will be His vessel.

The physical vessel of Jesus

The spiritual vessel of God the Father

The submitted vessel to the Holy Spirit.

Transition:

Mary wanted to be used and was ready for service to the Lord.

Conclusion:

God first provides the setting for the messiah.

The season is perfect for praising Him for all that He has done, what He is doing and all He will do in the future.

How willing are you to be His vessels filled with the Holy Spirit and committed to be His conduits to the lost in this world?

Even though we may not understand the whole picture, do we trust He knows what He is doing, and with confidence believe it?

Sometimes it is confusing and maybe shocking when God reveals truth to us.

Don’t worry, or be concerned about all the details.

He is in control and may be calling you and commissioning you to His work.

How are we to respond?

The way Mary did:

Humbled, Honored, and willing to believe and live, trusting all that God said!

If you have questions: ask them to God.

?What if God doesn’t send an angel to tell you what His will is for you?

Obey His revealed will:

Desire to know Him deeper

Which you do through:

Prayer

Reading = since it provides you understanding of who He is.

Cheerfully serving in any capacity that you can.

This is the category of:

Willing and able.

Enjoying fellowship among believers and not to neglect the opportunities.

Mary was humbled before the Lord and presented Her life to His will.

Is this what we do?

Or are we more focused on our desires and business while there is a whole world that doesn’t know the Love of God?

We have the true gift of Christmas and we are expected to share it!

** Know through Mary that God is all powerful, all mighty, all knowing, and He made a promise to us; that He kept. Because of His love!

Pray.