Change of Plans -- Chosen for a Purpose

An Angelic Announcement — (Vs. 26-38)

Vs. 26-27

Both Joseph and Mary hailed from the Royal line of David but were living as commoners in the corrupt city of Nazareth in Galilee.

If you will remember, Nathanael said to Philip, “can anything good come from Nazareth?

But in the midst of this corrupt, gentile over run city, we find a man and woman who were about to be used in a mighty way by God.

Luke begins here in Verse 27 by telling us that Gabriel was sent to a virgin espoused to a man named Joseph.

Joseph was a man chosen by God. Not just any man but a “JUST” man the Bible says.

The word “JUST” means to be in accordance to God’s laws: to be correct, righteous, innocent.

Joseph was a man who was living for God! He sought out God’s will for his life and sought to live according to His will.

The life that Joseph was living made him a prime prospect for God’s masterful plan. Not just any man would do but a just man would definitely do! And in Joseph, God found the exact qualities He would need to bring this master miracle to fruition!

A man who not only talked the talk but also walked the walk.

A man who would be there for his spouse through thick and thin no matter what came their way.

A man who would understand that this thing God was about to do was bigger than him and his ego; bigger than the thoughts, the ill will, and the dejection that would come from the crowds once the news of Mary’s pregnancy broke.

A man who would be willing to lend his parenting skills to a child who biologically would not be his.

A man who would raise the one and only Son of God as his own.

These were qualities God was looking for and He found them in this man named Joseph.

Not only did God need a special man but He also needed a special woman!

He found this in a wonderful young lady named Mary!

Vs. 28

Gabriel tells Mary here that she is “highly favored!”

The phrase “highly favored” means — to pursue with grace, to compass with favor and to honor with blessings!

Here was a young woman who had found grace in the eyes of the Lord.

And the thing I found most interesting when studying this phrase is that the Vines dictionary said that this phrase means more than simply grace.

Grace is a free gift but favor may be deserved or gained.

What that tells us is that the life that Mary was living had caught the attention of God.

Not only was Joseph was a just man, but it also seems that Mary was a just woman!

Another way we can know that is the fact that Gabriel tells Mary here “the Lord is with thee!”

What greater statement could be said of a person?

This phrase reminds me of Job!

God had put a hedge of protection about Job and undoubtedly, God had also placed a hedge of protection about Mary, because she also sought to live a life dedicated to God.

Because of this life of servitude she had chosen to live, Gabriel tells her here that she’s found favor in the eyes of God and that she is blessed among women!

John Phillips — Ever since Eve, God had been looking for a woman upon whom He could bestow His favor and trust, one upon whom He could bestow the highest of honors, the honor of becoming the virgin mother of God’s incarnate Son. City after city, century after century, woman after woman, God was looking for someone sweet enough, strong enough, and spiritual enough to give birth to the Christ. The search was over! The woman had been found!

Charles Stanley — She was an ordinary girl with extraordinary, godly character that gave her an uncommon faith. Completely trusting in God, in every way Mary was a good and faithful servant.

Now, before we move on, I couldn’t help but to also think of Gabriel for just a second. Out of all the multitudes of heavenly hosts, only one angel named Gabriel was given the highest calling of sharing the coming news of a Savior with the residents of this world.

Later on, there would be other heavenly host who announced the Savior had been born but just one special messenger was chosen to share this wonderful news with the mother and father to be!

What an honor and privilege had been bestowed upon this special messenger named Gabriel!

Could you imagine getting that call?

“Gabriel, come here! I’ve got a very special job for you! It’s time to deliver the news that I’m about to do a special thing on earth! It’s time to deliver my people from their sins! And there’s only one way that can be done. Through the precious blood of my Son! No need to share all the details just now. I just simply need you to go and share the good news with mother and father to be!”

Could you imagine Gabriel’s excitement at the opportunity of eternity (this was not just an opportunity of a lifetime but of eternity)!

What an honor!

Now, look on down with me as the Angelic Announcement continues!

Vs. 29-33

Luke 1:29 NLT

29 Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean.

In Matthew’s gospel, Gabriel tells Joseph that His name shall be called Jesus because He shall save His people from their sins!

And exactly how is this going to happen?

Not through the normal means of conception but God’s about to do something that hasn’t ever been done before!

Something that was prophesied some 700-800 years ago by the mighty prophet Isaiah, God’s master plan is about to be put into action!

He shall be great and shall be called the Son of the Highest...

Isaiah 9:6b — the government shall be upon his shoulder: And his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

The Lord shall give unto Him the throne of His father David and He shall reign over the house of Jacob forever and of His kingdom there shall be no end!

Vs. 34-35

Mary asks Gabriel how this is going to take place seeing as she’s a virgin.

Don’t mistake her questioning here for doubt rather simply an explanation of how it’s going to work.

Gabriel gives her an explanation and the thing that stands out to me most is that Gabriel says, “that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.”

This phrase can also be translated “holy one.” It refers to the quality of God who is transcendentally distinctive, unique, majestic, perfect, and pure.

This baby is going to be different than any baby who has ever come before or who will ever come after!

Chuck Swindoll — “Because Jesus was born of a woman, He was fully human; because He was conceived by the Holy Spirit He was at the same time fully God. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that the Virgin birth isn’t important!”

“Mary, the process that is about to take place inside of you is nothing short of a miracle! It’s never happened before and it will never happen again!”

Now, look on down with me in Verses 36-38.

Vs. 36-38

“Oh, and by the way, God did another miracle in your cousin Elisabeth. She has also conceived a child in her old age and her son will be the forerunner for the Messiah! You see Mary, with God nothing shall be impossible!”

Mary’s response here in Verse 38 proves to us that there was no hesitation or doubt in her reception of Gabriel’s information.

Behold thy handmaid (maid servant) of the Lord. Let it be unto me according to thy word!

Does it sound like there’s any doubt in that statement to you?

Not an ounce!

Just a young lady who understands the blessing that’s being offered unto her and a desire to serve her God to fullest of her ability!

I don’t think Mary understood the magnitude of the situation but I believe her desire to serve and understanding that she didn’t deserve the blessing that was being bestowed upon her, she knew full well.

And I believe this once in a lifetime opportunity is what propelled her to say, “yes Lord, I’ll do it” despite the challenges that she would undoubtedly face!

Challenges: Joseph, mocking of others, possible rejection of family, possibility of being stoned to death.

The opportunity to be a blessing for all ages to come overcome the fears of what the world might think or do to her!

With God, all things are possible and Mary believed and trusted in this promise above all else!

And we will see this belief next here in the Unanticipated Appointment in Verses 39-45.

An Unanticipated Appointment — (Vs. 39-45)

Blessed is she that believed!

Because you have believed, you shall receive!

Can I tell you the process is still the same today?

If you will believe in the one and only Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, you shall receive forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Ghost to comfort and guide you in all things!

Mary believed and Mary received!

And because of the blessing that she received, Mary makes An Announcement of Appreciation in Verses 46-56.

An Announcement of Appreciation — (Vs. 46-56)

Vs. 46-47

With body, soul and spirit Mary would praise God for the gift He had given her!

Vs. 48-49

No one can do what God can do, Amen!