Luke 1:26-38 & Matthew 1:18-25, Announcement to Mary and Joseph

The Announcement to Mary, Luke 1

• The setting

• Her engagement

• Her genealogy

The Appearance of the Angel, Luke 1:26-29

• His words

• Her fears

The Explanation of the Angel, Luke 1:30-38

• The meaning of the event

• Three big problems (and the solutions)

o Problem of conception—the power of God

o Problem of Joseph, the faithfulness of God

o Problem of Nazareth—the sovereignty of God

The Announcement to Joseph, Matthew 1:18-25

• He has the problem of appearance.

• The problem connected with his character

• The problem is his affection for Mary

• The solution is the Word of God

Observations

• God allowed a period of utter confusion before He gave Joseph the answer

• God did not explain the situation to anybody but Joseph and Mary

• The purity of Jesus was preserved

Actual Birth Account—Observations

• The birth of Jesus illustrates the sovereign control of God over events.

• The circumstances of His birth prefigured humiliation and condescension.

• God’s blessing is to those in right relation to Him.