The Lord’s Servant

Answering the Call: A Journey of Faith

Bible Passage: Luke 1:30–38

Summary: In Luke 1:30–38, the angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will conceive the Son of God, emphasizing her obedience and faith in a life-changing calling.

Application: This passage encourages Christians to embrace God's call in their lives, reminding them that obedience to God can lead to profound transformation, even in the face of fear and uncertainty.

Teaching: This sermon teaches that responding to God's call requires faith and courage, just as Mary exemplified. It demonstrates the importance of seeking God's will and being willing to accept His plans for our lives, even when they challenge our understanding.

How this passage could point to Christ: Mary's acceptance of God's plan through the angel's message foreshadows Christ's ultimate submission to God's will, linking her obedient faith to the overarching narrative of Christ's incarnation and sacrifice.

Big Idea: Embracing God's call, like Mary, leads to transformation and fulfillment of His divine purpose in our lives, showcasing the beauty of faith amidst uncertainty.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the cultural and historical context of Mary's response to the angel, especially her understanding of prophecy. Use Logos to examine the Greek terms related to 'favor' and 'Lord' in this passage for insight into the text's nuances. This could deepen your understanding of Mary's character and the implications of her obedience.

The Setting

Luke 1:26–29 ESV

26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be.

The Call

Luke 1:30–31 ESV

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

The Promise

Luke 1:32–33 ESV

32 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, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

You could begin by exploring the angel Gabriel's message to Mary, highlighting her initial fear and doubt. However, it's crucial to emphasize Gabriel's reassurance and the promise of Jesus' greatness. Here, perhaps encourage the congregation to find comfort in God's sovereignty and promises when facing daunting tasks. Mary's trepidation can serve as a mirror to our own insecurities, and yet God's assurances through His word can transform our fears into faith.

The Question

Luke 1:34 ESV

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

Perhaps delve into Mary's profound question in response to the angel's announcement. Her inquiry demonstrates a natural human response to divine revelation. Emphasize that the angel's answer reaffirms God's omnipotence and the miraculous conception by the Holy Spirit. This passage could be used to teach that God's plans often transcend our understanding, urging believers to rely on His power, especially when His call defies human logic.

The Answer

Luke 1:35–37 ESV

35 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. 36 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. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Faith-filled Obedience

Luke 1:38 ESV

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.

Focus on Mary's ultimate response to the angel, encapsulating her faith and obedience. Her declaration, "I am the Lord's servant," exemplifies the submission and trust God calls us to embrace. Encourage your audience to view Mary's reaction as an inspiring model of faith. You might suggest that in accepting God's path, as Mary did, we find our true purpose and place within His grand narrative. This faith can lead to spiritual fulfillment amidst life's uncertainties.