Sermon notes
The private meeting recorded in these verses between Mary and the archangel Gabriel is the introduction to the greatest chapter in human history. The time for the fulfillment of God’s great purpose to provide a Redeemer for fallen men and so fulfill His earliest promise to that effect, Gen 3:15.
It is a most unlikely setting for such an encounter. In one of the poorest and most despised regions of Israel, Nazareth in Galilee, one of the greatest of God’s angels communicates to Mary a wonderful message from God. Cp v48. The substance of his message is that she is to be the object of the greatest miracle the world has seen and be the virgin mother of the incarnate God who was to appear as Jesus the Saviour—as Joseph was shortly to learn, Matt 1:21.
I A GREETING TO THINK ABOUT.
Cp v26-29.
The angel’s words of greeting to Mary occasioned deep and sober thought on her part. As a revelation of the will of God they were worthy of such careful consideration. What a contrast this forms to the manic obsession with pleasure and wicked self-indulgence that characterizes the Christmas season.
- She had obtained grace. Here is an experience that is rooted in the grace of God. It was a great favour on His part that she should now be told these things, and more so, that the purpose of God should be worked out in her life.
- The promised presence of God. This is an important pre-cursor to all that will follow. God is where any revelation of Christ is made and He is specially to be found where there is a servant of His ready to do as He requires.
- Blessed among women. Mary’s position was one of tremendous grace and favour. In many ways it was uniquely so but she was not exalted to a position ‘above women’.
- A troubling effect. What she saw disturbed her thoughts. What she heard agitated her mind. She was compelled to analyze and deliberate. Gabriel > the mighty one of the mighty God. She knew who he was. Cp v19. There was a revelation of the power of God here. Such a state of mind is important preparation for what was to follow. Careful sober thought is proper when considering the birth of the Saviour.
II A GRACIOUS REVELATION OF THE SAVIOUR.
- Grace underscored, v30. This was personal grace—by name. It was sufficient to remove fear and give confidence before God.
- Mary’s role outlined, v31. The grace of God to Mary and to the world, brought her to this great work. It is a miracle of Divine grace that produced and Saviour for sinners; it is grace that produces Christ in a sinner. Cp Gal 4:19, Col 1:27. There is an implicit promise here that Mary’s work would result in the safe delivery of the Saviour.
- The Saviour’s work, v32-33.
Great. The purpose of God for the Saviour is greatness. He is to have the pre-eminence in all things, Col 1:18. Every act of service for God is to be to this end. Cp Jn 3:30.
The Son of the Highest, v32, 35. His deity is never too be forgotten. He is God manifest in flesh, 1Tim 3:16. He is Emmanuel, God with us’ Matt 1:23. He is the Holy One of God, Luke 4:34.
The heir to David’s throne. He is not the heir to the throne of God! He is to inherit David’s throne in Jerusalem. Cp Ps 2:6, Jer 33:14-17.
He will rule over the nation of Israel. The reference to Jacob supposes the reunification of the nation/kingdom. His rule over Israel will not end as other kingdoms come to an end.