*Luke 1:26-56
The angel Gabriel tells Mary she will conceive and bear the Son of God, and Mary visits her relative Elizabeth who is also pregnant.
- Gabriel’s Visit to Mary:
- The passage begins with the angel Gabriel being sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin named Mary who is pledged to be married to Joseph, a descendant of David.
- Gabriel greets Mary, telling her she is highly favored and that the Lord is with her, which greatly troubles and perplexes her.
- Gabriel’s Announcement:
- The angel reassures Mary, telling her not to be afraid, for she has found favor with God.
- Gabriel announces that Mary will conceive and give birth to a son, whom she is to name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His ancestor David, and He will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; His kingdom will never end.
- Mary’s Response:
- Mary questions Gabriel, asking how this will happen since she is a virgin.
- Gabriel explains that the Holy Spirit will come upon her, and the power of the Most High will overshadow her. Therefore, the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.
- Mary’s Submission:
- Mary humbly accepts Gabriel’s message, saying, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.”
- Gabriel departs from Mary after delivering the message.
- Mary Visits Elizabeth:
- Mary travels to a town in the hill country of Judea to visit her relative Elizabeth, who is also miraculously pregnant with a son in her old age.
- When Mary greets Elizabeth, the baby in Elizabeth’s womb leaps for joy, and Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit.
- Mary’s Song of Praise:
- Mary responds with a song of praise known as the Magnificat, exalting God for His mercy, strength, and faithfulness to His people.
- She declares God’s favor upon her and praises Him for His mighty deeds and the reversal of fortunes for the humble and oppressed.
- Mary’s Stay with Elizabeth:
- Mary remains with Elizabeth for about three months before returning home.
Luke 1:26-56 teaches us to trust God’s plan, even when it seems impossible. When the angel told Mary she would give birth to Jesus, she didn’t fully understand, but she chose to believe and praise God. This reminds us that God can do amazing things in our lives if we trust Him. Even when we feel unqualified or unsure, He is with us. Like Mary, we should have faith, say “yes” to God’s plans, and give Him praise for all He does.
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.