Mary’s Yes: A Story of Trust and Joy (Luke 1:26–56)
Before Jesus was born, God set everything in motion through quiet moments and ordinary people. One of the most powerful moments in this story is when a young woman named Mary receives a life-changing message from an angel. What follows is a beautiful example of trust, courage, and joy.
Let’s take a closer look at this amazing event.
An Angel Visits Mary
Mary lived in a small town called Nazareth. She was a young woman engaged to a man named Joseph. One day, the angel Gabriel appeared to her. Understandably, Mary was frightened—but Gabriel quickly told her not to be afraid.
He brought an incredible message: God had chosen her to be the mother of Jesus, the Son of God. He would be a King whose kingdom would never end.
This was not just a surprise—it was a miracle.
Mary’s Honest Question and Gabriel’s Answer
Mary didn’t doubt the angel’s message, but she had a practical question: “How can this happen? I’m not married yet.”
Gabriel explained that the baby would be born through the power of the Holy Spirit. He also told her something encouraging—her relative Elizabeth, who was very old and had never had children, was now expecting a baby too.
Gabriel ended with these words: “Nothing is impossible with God.”
Mary’s response was full of quiet strength. She said, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said happen to me.” She didn’t have all the answers, but she trusted God completely.
Mary Visits Elizabeth
Soon after the angel’s visit, Mary traveled to see Elizabeth. When Mary arrived, something amazing happened—Elizabeth’s baby jumped inside her womb! Elizabeth was filled with joy and praised Mary for believing what God had told her.
This moment between the two women is full of encouragement and shared faith. It’s a reminder that God often brings people together to support each other in life’s biggest moments.
Mary’s Song of Praise
In response to everything that had happened, Mary sang a beautiful song. It’s often called the Magnificat, and it’s one of the most powerful songs in the Bible.
In her song, Mary praised God for His goodness. She spoke about how God lifts up the humble and helps those who trust Him. She remembered how God had been faithful to His people in the past and believed He would continue to be faithful.
Even though she was young and facing an uncertain future, Mary focused on God’s strength, mercy, and love.
What We Can Learn Today
Mary’s story is more than just a part of the Christmas story. It offers important lessons for us today:
- God uses ordinary people. Mary wasn’t rich or famous—she was simply willing to say “yes” to God.
- Faith isn’t about having all the answers. Mary asked honest questions but chose to trust anyway.
- We need each other. Mary and Elizabeth encouraged each other in their faith.
- Praise brings peace. Mary’s song shows us how praising God helps us stay focused on His goodness.
Mary’s “yes” to God changed the world. Her story encourages us to trust God, even when the path ahead is unclear. When we say yes to Him, we become part of something far bigger than ourselves.
Luke 1:26-56 (WEB)
1:26 Now in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man whose name was Joseph, of David’s house. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 Having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, you highly favored one! The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women!”29 But when she saw him, she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered what kind of salutation this might be. 30 The angel said to her, “Don’t be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 Behold, you will conceive in your womb and give birth to a son, and shall name him ‘Jesus.’ 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever. There will be no end to his Kingdom.”34 Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, seeing I am a virgin?”35 The angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore also the holy one who is born from you will be called the Son of God. 36 Behold, Elizabeth your relative also has conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing spoken by God is impossible.”38 Mary said, “Behold, the servant of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.”Then the angel departed from her.39 Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Judah, 40 and entered into the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 She called out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 Why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the voice of your greeting came into my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy! 45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of the things which have been spoken to her from the Lord!”46 Mary said,“My soul magnifies the Lord.47 My spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior,48 for he has looked at the humble state of his servant.For behold, from now on, all generations will call me blessed.49 For he who is mighty has done great things for me.Holy is his name.50 His mercy is for generations and generations on those who fear him.51 He has shown strength with his arm.He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.52 He has put down princes from their thrones,and has exalted the lowly.53 He has filled the hungry with good things.He has sent the rich away empty.54 He has given help to Israel, his servant, that he might remember mercy,55 as he spoke to our fathers,to Abraham and his offspring forever.”56 Mary stayed with her about three months, and then returned to her house.