When God decided to chose someone in order to accomplish His greatest work, we can much assume it would not be done the way we think it should. That is certainly true when we study this historical fact in our passage.

In verse 26 we see that it begins with the conjunction “And” in KJV; or “Now” in NASB, NKJV. This means this is a continuation and a contrast to the preceding story about Zacharias and Elizabeth, as choice of God to give birth to John was miraculous but logical. Both were in the priestly line and Zacharias was actually working at the Temple when it occurred. However, the choice of God on Mary to give birth to Jesus, from a human perspective, it is the most illogical choice that could be made.

In our human perspective, Mary was an unlikely candidate to produce the Son of God. God could have selected of all the women, and Mary of Nazareth would not have been high on the list of anyone. Mary would never been the choice of the religious leaders or political leaders, but in God’s wisdom, Mary is the right choice; Mary is God’s choice. In comparison when Gabriel appeared and announce the news, Zacharias responded in doubting unbelief but Mary responded differently in trusting faith.

GOD HAD CHOSEN THE BETROTHED YOUNG VIRGIN MARY TO GIVE BIRTH TO THE SON OF GOD AS GOD SENT THE ANGEL GABRIEL TO TELL MARY.

The writer Luke was fascinated as he probably takes notes directly from narration of Mary. Imagine, when Doctor Luke was sitting and he listening to Mary as she gave him complete details of what happened. Luke wrote down all the things that Mary had shared.

We have here an account of the mother of our Lord; though we are not to pray to Mary, yet we ought to praise God for her.

Three narrative scenes of the Virgin who gave Birth:

I - APPEARANCE OF GABRIEL TO MARRY – v.26-27

The angel Gabriel appears to Mary. The angel “Gabriel was sent from God.” Now, Gabriel was sent by God to a place for about 90-100 miles away from Jerusalem. Angels carry out the sovereign plan of God because they are subject to sovereign will of God. Notice, Gabriel did not identify himself to Mary, unlike what Gabriel did with Zacharias (Luke 1:19).

Six facts we learn from the text:

A. The Personal Choice of God on Mary – v.26a

Luke 1:26a “And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God”

The angel Gabriel was sent from God comes to Nazareth in the sixth month after Elizabeth’s conception, or about three or four months before the birth of Elizabeth’s child.

The prepositional phrase “from God” indicating that the motion to choose Mary originated from God.

May was God’s choice. This was not a choice of an angel or a human being. Mary never praying about this, neither she was looking for this thing, neither she never dreams of it. This angel is sent by God, not to the palaces of the great, but to a poor servant, the wife of a carpenter.

Mary response was a humble acknowledgement of this reality that God had chosen her.

Notice the words, “Gabriel was sent from God”, possibly some of us would envy Gabriel, because of these most exalted of all errands. But the true greatness lies, not in the dignity of our calling, but in the right discharge of its duties-not in the loftiness of our talents, but in the use we make of our talents.

B. The Place when Mary was called – v.26b

Luke 1:26b “unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,”

Galilee was the most northern part of Palestine. Galilee was bounded on the north by Lebanon and Syria, on the west by Phoenicia, on the south by Samaria, on the east, according to Josephus, by Jordan and the sea of Tiberias; yet from the gospel books it appears, that a part of the country north of the sea, and eastward of Jordan, was reckoned Galilee. Galilee therefore comprehended the possessions of the tribes of Issachar, Zebulun, Naphtali, and Asher. It was divided into upper and lower Galilee, whereof the former was called Galilee of the Gentiles (Matthew 4:15) because it bordered upon the Gentile nations, and was partly inhabited by them. Josephus tells us that the whole country was exceeding populous and very fruitful; that the number of its towns and villages was great; and that even in the lesser towns there were no less than fifteen thousand inhabitants. Since Joseph and Mary were both from the family of David, whose patrimonial property was in Bethlehem, it seems as if the family residence should have been in that City and not in Nazareth, for we find that, even after the return from captivity, the various families went to reside in the cities to which they originally belonged (Numbers 11:3). However, it is probable that the holy family moved to Galilee for fear of arousing the jealousy of Herod, who had usurped that throne to which they had an indisputable right (Luke 2:39 “And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.”). Therefore, by staying out of the way, they avoided the effects of their jealousy.

The city of Nazareth was in southern Galilee, which was located about 65-70 miles north of Jerusalem. The morals and religion of Nazareth have a terrible reputation. The guileless Nathaniel asked, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46), having respect to its proverbially bad name. But the Lord selects His own places as well as persons. The town so named (now en-Nazirah) was situated in a valley among the hills that rise to a height of about 500 feet on the north of the Plain of Esdraelon. The valley itself is richly cultivated. Mary residence is Nazareth. It is a three days’ journey from Jerusalem, about twenty miles from Ptolemais, and eighteen from the Sea of Galilee, six from Mount Tabor, about six from Cana, and nine from Nain. The name, as stated on Matthew 2:23, was probably derived from the Hebrew Netzer (= a branch).

The developed reputation as being a city of losers for Nazareth. The Son of God comes to humble the proud and honor poverty, weakness, and contempt. God chose the least of places. God does some of His greatest work in the lives of down and out people who live in down and out places, that was what Luke wants to show Theophilus. God really delights in choosing and using people who come from the wrong side of the tracks.

We can relate on this. Perhaps, we do not have an impressive pedigree and we do not have an impressive background or resume. But God loves to use us as that kind of person.

C. The Prediction of a Virgin who would give birth – v.27a

Luke 1:27a “To a virgin”

The prophet Isaiah predicted, a little over 700 years before this happened that it would be a virgin who would give birth to the Son of God (Isaiah 7:14). At last, the time has come to give a son to a virgin, a savior to the world, a patron to humanity, a sacrifice to sinners, a temple to Divinity, and a new beginning for the new world.

There is one argument of liberals who attack Isaiah when they claimed that the Hebrews word “virgin” (almah) may refer to a young woman who is about to get married. This Hebrew word was used for Rebekah and is translated “maiden” in Genesis 24:43 (NASB). However, if we carefully look at Genesis 24:16, Rebekah was specifically stated as a “virgin.”

Proofs that Mary was a virgin based from this text of Luke:

1. Rendered Greek word that was uses for Virgin.

The Greek word (παρθενον) that Luke uses for virgin, is a word that refers to one who has never had sexual intimacy with a man. In the Greek New Testament, it is used 15 times and in each case that is the meaning (Matthew 1:23; Matthew 25:1, 7, 11; Luke 1:27a, 27d; Acts 21:9; I Corinthians 7:25, 28, 34, 36, 37, 38; II Corinthians 11:2; Revelation 14:4)

2. Response to Gabriel by Mary, proves she was a Virgin (Luke 1:34)

Luke 1:34 “Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?”

Expectedly, Gabriel would have to point out to Mary if she were lying that she does not have any sexual intimacy with a man. Why would Mary respond this way?

3. Reaction to given situation by Joseph, proves Mary was a Virgin (Matthew 1:18-25)

Matthew 1:18-25 “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. ¹⁹Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. ²⁰But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. ²¹And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. ²²Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, ²³Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. ²⁴Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: ²⁵And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.”

Joseph at first think that Mary had been with a man because he intended to put away Mary privately, but after having conversation with the angel who appeared to him in a dream, Joseph had changed his mind because he was now convinced that Mary was really a virgin.

4. Record of given testimony of Doctor Luke, proves Mary was a Virgin (Luke 1:3-4).

Luke 1:3-4 “It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, ⁴That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.”

Since Luke was a medical doctor, he knows absolutely the entire medical world would question the issue of Mary’s virginity, since there would never be another pregnancy like that of Mary. Therefore, when Doctor Luke uses the word “virgin” that is exactly what he wants to emphasize.

Mary was morally pure as a young lady. Truly, Mary was a virgin, because God always uses clean, pure vessels for His divine purpose and for His glory.

D. The Period of Mary’s engagement – v.27b

Luke 1:27b “espoused to a man whose name was Joseph”

The word “espoused” KJV; “engage” NASB”; bethrothed" ESV, literally means Mary, a virgin betrothed (Matthew 1:18; Matthew 1:23) ['betrothed' memneesteumeneen (G3423)] to Joseph and had promised to Marry Joseph. Now, the normal period for this Jewish engagement was about a year and this engagement time period was taken very seriously by the Jewish world. It was customary among the Jews, for persons that married to contract before witnesses some time before. And as Christ was to be born of a pure virgin, so the wisdom of God ordered it to be of one espoused, that to prevent reproach he might have a reputed father, according to the flesh.

If pregnancy occurred during this time period of engagement, the woman would be put in a very difficult situation, because not only the woman would suffer some scandal, but also the woman could be put to death sentence.

If we based from human perspective, after Mary married Joseph was the ideal time for Mary to get pregnant. But God is not interested in man’s ideal time, because God is interested in His own perfect time and sovereign plan, regardless of how it looks to anyone and how anyone thinks about it.

E. The Possible race of Mary was Jewish – v.27c

Luke 1:27c “of the house of David”

There is a question among Biblical scholars whether or not “descendants of David” refers to Joseph or Mary or both. Just as both Zacharias and Elizabeth were in the Aaronic priesthood (Luke 1:5), it is possible that both Joseph and Mary were in the Davidic line. Mary was born into a Jewish family and was raised as a Jew. Mary and Joseph are both, a descendant of David, Certainly, verse 32 identifies the fact that the baby born would be in the Davidic line. Joseph was a descendant of King David, though now in low circumstances. It is of the greatest importance to prove that Christ was lineally descended from David, this being one of the characteristics of the Messiah; but certainly this cannot be inferred from the genealogy of Joseph, because he was only the reputed father of Christ in the flesh.

F. Proper name of the Virgin was Mary – v. 27d

Luke 1:27d “and the virgin's name was Mary.”

The virgin's name was Mary, [Maryaam (H4813)] – equivalent to "Miriam" in the Old Testament.

The name Mary was a common Jewish name. In the New Testament, there are at least six and some say seven women name Mary.

What the name Mary means, is not certainly known. Many people have guessed, that the name Mary means “exalted one.”

Mary was a plain, common, ordinary Jewish lady who would become the most blessed and honored young woman in all of history.

If you are a plain common person, God is interested on you, because you are the person God loves to use. God used Mary in God’s mighty way.

II – ANNOUNCEMENT OF GABRIEL TO MARY – v.28-33

Gabriel speaks to Mary. Through the revealed holy Word, God always revealed His will to the people of God. We can see here that the angel Gabriel went to Mary to reveal the holy Word of God and the will of God to Mary.

Gabriel came and gave Mary two commands:

A. The Commands to rejoice – v.28

Gabriel commands Mary to rejoice.

The word “Hail” KJV; “Greetings” NASB; ESV; “Rejoice” NKJV, in Greek χαῖρε (chaire) means to rejoice, be glad, to be cheerful. Since the verb is an imperative, which means it is a command.

Two reasons why Gabriel said to Mary “Rejoice”:

1. Mary has the favor of God – v.28a

Luke 1:28a “And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured,”

Hail is similar to, “Peace be with you” or “Joy be with you.” it seems the angel is saying “May you enjoy all possible blessings!” Similar expression is applied to other. “Hail”, is the salutation used by our Lord to the women after His resurrection.

Gabriel come and speaks to Mary “rejoice” because you have favor of God.

Gabriel says, “thou that art highly favoured” or “Much favored” As chosen in preference to all women on earth, to be the mother of the Messiah. Not the mother of God, because that is blasphemy.

Mary was “highly favored” being the mother of the long-awaited Messiah - the mother of the Redeemer of mankind. Similar expressions are applied to others, “thou art hightly favoured, or, hast found favour with God, is no more than was said of Noah, Moses, and David.

The word “favoured” used here indicates the act of the free grace of God upon Mary. The word “highly favoured” [kecharitoomenee (G5487)] this verb only once used elsewhere and is the same as that which is translated “hath made us accepted” in Ephesians 1:6. Mary had not earned this nor did Mary deserve this; it is purely by grace of God. Zacharias and Elizabeth were described as righteous, and blameless in all commandments of God, but nothing is said like that about Mary. Mary received the pure grace of God and was chosen by god to experience the undeserved.”

Mary has been chosen by God to experience the undeserved, unmerited grace of God in a very special wonderful way.”

2. Mary has the presence of God – v.28b

Luke 1:28b “the Lord is with thee.”

Gabriel come and speaks to Mary “rejoice” because you have presence of God.

The word "is" is not in the original, and the passage can be translated as "the Lord" is "with you" or "the Lord be" with you ", which implies the angel's prayer for all the blessings of God descend and rest on Mary.

The word “the Lord is with thee,” Gabriel is saying to Mary, “you are about to receive the most convincing proofs of the peculiarity of God favoring you.” Similar expression is applied to others “the Lord is with thee” was said to Gideon (Judges 6:12).

Listen, the Lord is specifically with you. That is exactly Gabriel said “The Lord is with you.” There are two reasons why every believer may rejoice. It is God’s desire for every believer in Christ to continually experience the grace of God. We don’t deserve the grace of God; we cannot earn it and we do not merit it. Moreover, we have the presence of God. Oh, what amazing grace we have! Gabriel says “Blessed art thou among women.” That is, you are favored more than everyone else. This is equivalent to saying "you are the happiest of women." The expression, "Blessed among women," is Old, Testament language for "Most blessed of women." The words “Blessed art thou among women” are omitted in many of the best Manuscripts. Similar expression is applied to other “Blessed shall she be above women” was said of Jael (Judges 5:24).

Mary not initially rejoices as she responded, which the angel Gabriel had commanded Mary to rejoice. Mary was troubled. There was mind racing on Mary. The appearance of the angel did not troubled Mary, but it was the statements and words of the angel that troubled Mary according to verse 29 “And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.”. Actually, the angel tells Mary to rejoice because she is the recipient of God’s grace and Mary becomes greatly troubled.

The writer Luke chooses a rare Greek word for “troubled” KJV; “perplexed” NASB; “greatly troubled” ESV, διεταράχθη (G1298 dietarachthē) which emphasizes that Mary was very agitated by the saying of Gabriel and not in a real positive way. The word “considered” NKJV; “ponder” NASB; “discern” ESV; “cast in her mind” KJV, means Mary was trying to mentally reason this out make a balanced sense of what the angel tells her.

B. The command to fear not – v. 30-33

Luke 1:30 “And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.”

Gabriel commands Mary to not be afraid.

We notice that the angel called the virgin by the name Mary here. Mary had not told the angel her name; but God knew her name obviously. God knows the name of all men; we know that according to the book of Numbers if we read it. Mary has found favor with God, that is why she has the reason not to be afraid. Again, the word “favor” is the word grace.

In “finding” something, there are different Greek words that are used. The Greek word used here is the one that means you have just found something for which you are not even looking. Even you are not thinking or looking about something, God, in His amazing grace has chosen to give you something.

If you are the recipient of the grace of God like Mary, you do not have the reason to be afraid of heaven or heavenly messengers. You have the reason to be greatly afraid, if you are out of favor with God.

Eight amazing blessings would be experience if we found the favor of God:

(Mary would experience eight amazing blessing because of finding the favor of God)

1. The Virgin Mary would conceive a child - v.31a

Luke 1:31a “And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb,”

The word “conceive” (συλλαμβανω) that the writer Doctor Luke uses is means to bring together in the “womb,” the stomach area the formation of a child. The word here “conceive” is the same word that has been used in the Septuagint to refer to the normal conception of a baby (Genesis 4:1, 17). This is very important for us to see that God is the One who forms in a mother. Therefore, if someone try to abort a baby, that person is destroying something specifically a baby that was formed by God. That is the word “conceive” that Doctor Luke uses here.

2. The Virgin Mary would give birth to a son – v.31b

Luke 1:31b “and bring forth a son,”

The gender is specified because of the noun “son.” The child will not be a girl, but identified a boy.

3. The Virgin Mary's son would be named Jesus – v.31c

Luke 1:31c “and shalt call his name Jesus.”

“Jesus” is the specific name of the son, according to what Gabriel says. Gabriel is saying to Mary, your Son will be God’s salvation and Savior. Matthew says that the specific name “Jesus” means He will save sinners (Matthew 1:21 “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.”; Luke 2:21 “his name was called Jesus, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb”; John 1:29 “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”). Gabriel announces that Mary shall bear a son Jesus (“Joshua”, Saviour).

4. The Virgin Mary’s son would be great – v. 32a

Luke 1:32a “He shall be great.”

Mary’s son would be a the extreme “mega” level. Paul talks about this as he writes, He is our “great God and Savior, Christ Jesus” (Titus 2:13 “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;”). By being "great" it is understood that Jesus Christ will be distinguished or illustrious; shall be great in sanctity, great in doctrine, great in miracles, great in power, great in wisdom, great in dominion on earth and in heaven. Behold the greatness of the man Christ Jesus: first, because that human nature that had to be born of the virgin had to unite with the Divine nature. Secondly, Consequently, that human nature must be called in a peculiar sense the SON of the Most-High God because God would produce it in her womb without the intervention of man. Thirdly, Jesus Christ will be the eternal Head and Sovereign of His Church.

"He shall be great." These words had been said by the same Gabriel, "He shall be great;" to John the forerunner of Jesus Christ, but it was immediately added, "in the sight of the Lord" (Luke 1:15) - an explanation highly suitable in the case of a mere servant, but omitted, with evident purpose, in this present case regarding the Son of God.

5. The Virgin Mary's son would be the Son of the Highest – v. 32b

Luke 1:32b “and shall be called the Son of the Highest:”

The superlative adjective “highest” used here means Gabriel is telling Mary that, your Son will be the Most-High Person of the Heavens and Earth. Jesus will literally be the Son of God. Jesus truly God-Man. God, who is infinitely exalted; called the Most-High, because He is exalted above all his creatures on earth and in heaven.

It is noticeable that this name “Son of the Highest” applied to our Lord by the angel, appears afterwards as uttered by the demoniacs (Mark 5:7).

6. The Virgin Mary's son would inherit the Davidic Throne – v. 32c

Luke 1:32c “and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:”

The Davidic Throne was given specifically to Jesus by the Lord God, as David's linear successor in the kingdom. This refers to prophetically when Israel will have a specific land and Kingdom and Mary’s Son will be the ruler and will reign as King in charge of it. David is called his father because Jesus descended linearly from him. See Matthew 1: 1. The promise to David was that a man "should not fail" to sit on his throne, or that his throne should be perpetual. - 1 King 2: 4; 1 Kings 8:25; 1Ki 9: 5 ; 2 Chronicles 6:16 , and the promise was fulfilled by exalting Jesus to be a Prince and a Savior, and the perpetual King of his people.

7. The Virgin Mary's son would rule Israel forever – v. 33a

Luke 1:33a “And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever;”

The apparent promise “he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever” is that promise of a kingdom restored to Israel such as the disciples expected even after the Resurrection (Acts 1:6). It needed to be interpreted by events before men could see that it was fulfilled in the history of Christendom as the true Israel of God (Romans 9:6; Galatians 6:16).

The phrase “the house of Jacob,” the same as the “family” of Jacob, or the descendants of Jacob, refers to all who belong to the twelve tribes, all the Israelite people. This was the name by which the ancient people of God were known, and it is the same as saying that he would reign over His own church and His people forever. It does this by giving them laws, defending and guiding them; and this he will do forever in the kingdom of his glory. Some theologians’ comments that the phrase “He shall reign over the house of Jacob” that which all true believers are included.

The angel Gabriel is saying to Mary, this baby that you will give birth will become the ruler of the Kingdom of Israel and your baby will be the Messianic King of Israel.

8. The Virgin Mary’s son would rule over everything forever – v. 33b

Luke 1:33b “and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”

Gabriel is saying to Mary that her son will be the King of the house of Jacob forever in heaven. Jesus Kingdom is the only kingdom that will never end; Jesus is the only King who will never give up His diadem and robe, and who will never die. "He", the only King who can defend us from all our enemies, sustain us in death and reward us in eternity. Oh, how important, then, to have an interest in his kingdom! The angel Gabriel is saying to Mary, it is not enough that your son would rule Israel forever as King of Israel but also your Son will rule over everything forever in heaven and on earth. No other King has ever had the highest authority and everlasting power, but your son will have it, for He is the King of kings, Lord of lords, above everything.

Revolutions can destroy the kingdoms of the earth, but the powers and gates of hell and death can never destroy or damage the kingdom of Christ. The Kingdom of Jesus Christ is the only domain that will never have an end. The angel seems to refer here to Isaiah 9: 7; Isaiah 16: 5; Jeremiah 23: 5; Daniel 2:44; Daniel 7:14. All the prophecies speak of the glory, extension and perpetuity of the Messiah’s kingdom, stretching even into eternity, was one of its brightest prophetic features (See 2 Samuel 7:13; Psalms 72:17; Psalms 89:36, etc.; Daniel 2:44). The kingdom of grace and the kingdom of glory form the endless government of Christ.

III – ANSWER OF MARY TO GABRIEL – v.34-38

Mary responds to Gabriel. Gabriel was talking to a young lady and this is mind-boggling to Mary. Mary responded in verse 34 “Luke 1:34 “Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?” Literally Mary answer is “how can this be because “I Know not a man.” Since Mary was only contracted to Joseph, and not yet married, she knew that this conception could not have taken place yet; and she modestly asks by what means the angel's promise will be fulfilled to regulate her conduct accordingly.

Mary, really had never been involved physically intimate with any man, which is the way this normally works. Probably, Mary knew that God powerfully had miraculously opened barren wombs before for a man and woman that happened to several characters in the Old Testament, but there had never been nor will there ever be another virgin conception. It is impossible, that is what Mary is saying to Gabriel.

At first when we take a loot and read the answer of Mary in verse 34, it seems has similarity to the answer of Zacharias in verse 18 “And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.” However, once we have close examination we will find out that they are totally different answers. The response of Zacharias questioned the credibility of the angel because he wanted to see some sign, while on the other hand the response of Mary questioned the ability of herself to give birth for a son because she was a virgin and has no sexual intimacy with any man.

Listen, it is a sin to doubt God (Romans 14:23); but it is human to doubt self. Absolutely, it is wrong to question the credibility of the power of God and His Word, but it is normal to question the ability of one’s self.

Three answers of Gabriel to the questions of Mary:

A. Gabriel said that the Holy Spirit will come upon Mary – v.35a

Luke 1:35a “And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee,”

Gabriel answered Mary and told her that the Holy Spirit is going to work a miracle. Another aspect of the Spirit’s work, as quickening the dead chaos into life (Genesis 1:2), as being the source of life to all creation (Psalms 104:30). This conception will take place suddenly, and the Holy Spirit himself will be the great operator. As God created the world out of nothing, God also will create His own child in Mary’s womb. The Holy Spirit, the power of God, is to beget the child. The verb “come upon” is a passive verb. Gabriel is telling Mary that she would not have anything to do with this God’s working miracle, except be the recipient of the grace of God.

B. Gabriel said that the Holy Spirit will overshadow Mary – v.35b

Luke 1:35b “and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore, also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.”

The phrase “therefore, also that holy thing shall be born” [The “to” (G3588), Child “gennoomenon” (G1080), holy “hagion” (G40)], an expression denoting the singularity and consequent sanctity of this birth.

The result of this miraculous power acts of God, Gabriel is speaking to Mary, that she will give birth to a “holy child” (verse 35 “holy thing which shall be born of thee”) who is the Son of God (verse 35 “shall be called the Son of God”).

This is spoken in reference to the human nature of Christ, and this passage proves, beyond controversy, that "one" reason why Jesus was called the Son of God was because He was begotten of a supernatural way. Jesus is also called the "Son of God" because of His resurrection, Romans 1: 4; Acts 13:33, compared to Psalm 2: 7.

Gabriel is saying to the Virgin name Mary that is how she as a sinful woman, can give birth to a holy baby without a sinful nature or sinless. It is the Holy Spirit who will overshadow this entire process. The miracle-working power, of the Most High will overshadow you, to accomplish this purpose, and to protect you from danger. As there is a clear allusion to the Spirit of God on the face of the waters, to make them prolific, Genesis 1: 2, I am more firmly established in the opinion advanced in Matthew 1:20, that the rudiments of the human nature of Christ were a real creation in the womb of the virgin, by the energy of the Spirit of God.

The truth is Gabriel said to Mary that even her kinswoman, her cousin Elizabeth has conceived and is in her sixth month (verse 36 “And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.” The word “who was called barren” is to distinguish Elizabeth from some other known Elisabeth, who had been blessed with children. Perhaps this is the reproach that Elisabeth speaks of, Luke 1:25, her common name among men, among the people who knew her, Elisabeth being the barren one.

It says, “And behold, thy cousin” it is rather, “relative” [sungenees (G4773)]; for how nearly Mary and Elizabeth were related the word does not decide. Though Elizabeth was of the tribe of Levi (Luke 1:5) and Mary from the tribe of Judah, although Mary was a descendant of David by the father’s side, and Elizabeth a daughter of Aaron, they might be related by their mothers. Because the law, (Numbers 36:6) forbidding heiresses marrying into another tribe. And so other persons continually intermarried; particularly the families of David and of Levi. The intermarriage which had taken place in olden times between the house of Aaron and that of David (Exodus 6:23; 2 Kings 11:2) show that this might be quite consistent with Mary relationship to Elizabeth

Now, this is the work of the same power and energy through which Mary will conceive. Therefore, God has given you a proof and a guarantee, in what God has done for Elizabeth, of what God will do for Mary; therefore, May must have faith in God. Probably, this was the first time Mary heard of Elizabeth. She had isolated herself and would have had no way of knowing about it. But we observe this would certainly become a confirmatory evidence of the moving power of God and His providence.

The words appear to the title, “Son of God,” rather on the supernatural birth than on the eternal pre-existence of the Son as the Word that was “in the beginning with God and was God” (John 1:1), and we may accept the fact that the message of the angel was so far a partial, not a complete, revelation of the mystery of the Incarnation.

C. Gabriel said that nothing is impossible with God – v.37

Luke 1:37 “For with God nothing shall be impossible.”

The phrase “For with God nothing shall be impossible” or “nothing shall be impossible for God.” Is one of the most powerful statements in the whole Bible regarding the power of God. That is reminding him, to his encouragement, what had been said to Abraham in the same case (Genesis 18:14 “Is any thing too hard for the Lord? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.”) The future tense used here [adunateesei (G101)], "will be impossible", is designed to express an enduring principle, “With God nothing has ever been, never will be, impossible.” These are Words of the same importance with which the Lord spoke to Sarah, when he predicted the birth of Isaac. Since Mary clearly perceived this allusion to the promise about the birth of Isaac, her faith must have been considerably strengthened as she reflected on God's intervention in that case.

The laws of nature, science, religion, Satan and man could not limit and bound God. God has the power and able to do whatever God wants whenever God wants. This truth is one of the great encouragements and motivation for us when we pray.

After Gabriel got finished saying all these things, Mary’s answer to Gabriel was not “Let’s see some sign that proves all these things you told me.” Mary response was in verse 38 “And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.”

We must, as Mary here, guide our desires by the word of God. The word “handmaid of the Lord” is translated “bondslave of the Lord” NASB; “servant of the Lord” ESV.

Mary is saying “here is the servant…” This was an expression of resignation to the will of God and faith in the promise. To be the "servant of the Lord" is to be submissive and obedient, and it is the same as saying, "I give all the credit to everything that is you said to me and I am perfectly ready to obey all the commandments of the Lord and fulfill all the purposes of God’s grace regarding me." Mary believed what the angel had told her concerning her conception, and wished for it, not regarding the inconveniences to which she might be exposed thereby; as well knowing that the power of God could easily protect her. It seems that in the instant of this act of faith, and the willful obedience, the conception of the immaculate humanity of Jesus took place; and it was DONE to him according to His word. Mary can say “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word”, as her Son Jesus said afterwards, when His time of agony was come, “Not my will, but Thine be done.”

Again, in verse 38 says, the angel Gabriel departed from Mary.

Mary was simply asked by Gabriel to trust that God was capable of the impossible. Now, friend that is what you are asked to believe. You know that you are a sinner and you have to be honest to admit that. You are asked to believe also that all your sins will be washed and forgiven by God if you repent from all your sins and trust Jesus Christ, the child of Mary, the Savior, the Son of God, by then you will be saved and assured of eternal life (John 3:16). Salvation is totally by God’s grace and not by works, would you accept it or believe it.

Maybe you are a sinner who has done horrible things. Perhaps you have had an abortion, maybe you are a drunkard, maybe you have been immoral, maybe you have been a liar. Why not repent from your sins and come to God, believe on Jesus Christ who paid all your sins. God will save you 100% assurance, for with God nothing is impossible. If you will reject Jesus Christ you will be condemned to HELL.