Luke 1:26-38 "Announcement of the Coming King"

"Mary’s Faithful Response to God’s Miraculous Plan"

In this passage (Luke 1:26-38), the angel Gabriel appears to Mary, announcing that she will conceive and give birth to Jesus, the promised Messiah. This narrative highlights God’s sovereign plan of salvation and Mary’s humble submission to His will.

Key Verses

1. Luke 1:28 (NASB 1995): "And coming in, he said to her, 'Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.'"
2. Luke 1:31 (NASB 1995): "And behold, you will conceive in your womb and give birth to a son, and you shall name Him Jesus."
3. Luke 1:37 (NASB 1995): "For nothing will be impossible with God."
4. Luke 1:38 (NASB 1995): "And Mary said, 'Behold, the Lord’s bond-servant; may it be done to me according to your word.'"

Key Words

1. Favored one: Reflects God’s grace toward Mary.
2. Son of the Most High: Title affirming Jesus’ divine nature.
3. Kingdom: Indicates Jesus’ eternal reign.
4. Bond-servant: Shows Mary’s humility and willingness to obey.

Key Characters

1. Gabriel: The messenger of God who delivers the announcement.
2. Mary: A humble young woman chosen by God to bear the Messiah.
3. Jesus: The promised Savior and Son of God.

Message to the Original Audience

This passage from Luke reassured first-century Jewish readers that God’s covenant promises to David (2 Samuel 7:12–16) were being fulfilled through Jesus. The announcement emphasized God’s faithfulness and the miraculous nature of His salvation plan, calling the audience to recognize Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah.

1. God’s Covenant with David (1 Chronicles 17:10–14; 2 Samuel 7:12–16): Gabriel’s declaration ties directly to God’s promise that a descendant of David would establish an everlasting kingdom. Jesus, as the “Son of the Most High,” fulfills this prophecy, assuring the audience that God’s plan remains steadfast.
2. The Promised Messiah (Isaiah 9:7; Daniel 7:13–14): The announcement that Jesus’ kingdom would have no end confirmed the prophecies of an eternal reign marked by justice, peace, and divine authority.
3. God’s Sovereignty and Wisdom (Daniel 2:20): The unfolding of these events displayed God’s control over history, as He raises up His chosen King and ensures His purposes are accomplished.
4. The Son’s Submission to the Father (John 6:38): Jesus’ mission to fulfill the Father’s will reveals the unity and faithfulness of the Godhead in bringing salvation.
5. An Invitation to Trust in God’s Goodness (Psalm 34:8; Proverbs 3:5–6): Mary’s humble acceptance of God’s plan is an example of trusting and “tasting” the goodness of God. This would encourage the audience to follow Mary’s faith and lean not on their own understanding but on God’s promises.
6. The Work of God Requires Faith (John 6:29): Mary’s response to Gabriel reflects the essential act of faith—believing in God’s work and trusting in His Word, which the original audience was also called to do.

This passage brought assurance that God’s eternal salvation plan, rooted in His promises to David and foretold by the prophets, was now unfolding in the person of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It called the audience to place their faith in God’s faithfulness, power, and sovereignty.

Applications for Believers Today

1. Trust in God’s Sovereignty: Just as God’s plan for Mary seemed impossible, we can trust His plans for our lives.
2. Embrace God’s Grace: Mary’s favor was not earned but given by God’s grace; believers, too, are recipients of unmerited grace.
3. Submit to God’s Will: Mary’s response models humility and faith, inspiring us to obey God even in uncertainty.
4. Believe in God’s Power: The reminder that "nothing will be impossible with God" strengthens our faith in His ability to work mightily.