The King is Coming

Gabriel Foretells Jesus’s Birth

Bible Passage: Luke 1:26–33

Summary: Luke 1:26-33: in this passage the angel Gabriel reveals to Mary the miraculous nature of Christ’s birth and God’s divine chose to make her the mother of the Son of God.

What we will learn: This passage teaches us about Jesus’ birth: that Jesus' conception and birth were not merely historical events but God intervening to alter the course of human history. This passages also emphasizes God’s sovereignty and the importance for us to trust all God’s promises in the Bible.

Application: Gabriel’s announcement can help us focus our attention on the hope and joy that Christmas brings, because this story reminds us that Jesus is coming again to set everything right.

Main Point: Christ is the Son of God and he will come again to consummate the Kingdom of God on earth.

1. Gabriel’s Marvelous Revelation

Luke 1:26-28

Explanation: Gabriel's announcement to Mary is the pivotal moment when God begins to fulfill His promise to send us a Savior. Gabriel showcases God's divine plan and the Holy Spirit miraculously brings Jesus’ conception in Mary’s womb.

Personal Question: What does Luke 1:26-33 reveal about the nature of Jesus' birth?

Illustration: Consider the story of Joseph from Genesis. Sold into slavery by his brothers, he faced trials that would make anyone question God’s control. Yet, looking back, he saw that God was orchestrating everything for good. In his final words to his brothers, he said, 'What you meant for evil, God meant for good.' This biblical truth teaches us that even in our darkest moments, God is working behind the scenes, ensuring His purposes prevail.

Scripture: As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” (English Standard Version, 2016), Ge 50:20–21.

Application: This passage and Gabriel’s marvelous revelation invites us to consider how God works through ordinary people, like you and me, to accomplish extraordinary events. For this reason, you and I should trust in God's timing and His ability to work through the normal events in our lives to fulfill His purposes and work all things out for our good.

2. Mary's Momentous Role

Luke 1:29-31

Explanation: Mary's initial reaction to Gabriel’s announcement in entirely understandable. She is an ordinary teenage girl and God is going to use her to fulfill his extraordinary plan for humanity. She humbles accepts her role, and yields to God’s divine intervention, although she knows it will bring heartache, false accusations, and even ostracizing from her community.

Illustration: A young woman faced a life-altering diagnosis. In her panic, she remembered Philippians 4:6-7, which speaks of peace beyond understanding. Despite the uncertainty, she chose to pray and trust in God’s plan. In moments of despair, she felt an overwhelming sense of peace. This experience reminded her that even in chaos, God holds everything in His hands. Her testimony encourages us to believe that God is ultimately in control, even when life’s storms rage.

Personal Question: What does Luke 1:26-33 reveal about the nature of Jesus' birth?

Application: Mary’s response reminds us that God uses ordinary, unlikely, and even humble people to fulfill His divine promises and work His will in our lives. This should encourage us to be open to God’s calling and submit to His will even when it means loneliness, rejection by our family and friends, and being misunderstood by everyone.

3. Jesus’ Messianic Reign

Luke 1:32-33

Explanation: Gabriel’s message doesn’t end with the first century, but he provides Mary with the long view. He reveals Jesus' divine nature and His ultimate role as King of Kings and Lord of lords in his eternal reign. Maybe discuss how Jesus, as the promised King, brings hope and salvation to a waiting world in the Kingdom of God.

Personal Question: What does Gabriel's message to Mary teach us about the long-term impact of Jesus' reign as King?

Scripture: Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (English Standard Version, 2016), Php 2:9–11.

Illustration: A tightrope walker performs gracefully high above ground, trusting the rope below. For us, life can feel like that tightrope; we often lose sight of the balance. However, unlike the walker who relies solely on his own strength, we have a loving God who controls every part of our journey. When we surrender to His guidance, we can walk with confidence, knowing He’s beneath us, ensuring we won’t fall despite the winds that sway us.

Application: Gabriel’s message should encourage us to take the long view as well. We live our lives with undying hope no matter what is happening because we know that Christ is coming again to establish the Kingdom of God and earth and we are going to be citizens under his reign. We should live daily with anticipation and assurance that God is in control and righteousness (as well as salvation) will result at his return and His reign. Reflect and meditate on His providential control as He exercises His sovereignty. If you will do this, the Holy Spirit will give you the strength and faith to handle every challenge you face.

Conclusion: As a child, I lost my favorite toy. I was devastated and couldn’t understand why my parents didn’t have a better grasp on things. Eventually, I learned they had a plan to surprise me with an even better gift. This simple experience mirrors our relationship with God. When we lose something dear, we often forget that God has something greater in store. Trusting in His wisdom, even when we don’t see it, reveals His control over every aspect of our lives.

How this passage points us to Christ Jesus: Jesus fulfills God's promise to send us a Messiah, a Savior, and a King. The Old Testament Scriptures prophesied His coming and this passage highlights the decisive moment in history when Jesus came to this earth, was born, and that He revealed himself as the Son of God.