Today I am departing from my usual practice of looking at a psalm early in the week. Instead, since this Wednesday is March 25th, and that date is the Feast of the Annunciation, I thought we would look at the Scripture associated with that holy day. The Annunciation is a very important event in the salvation of mankind, so let’s take a closer look at this.
The word “annunciation” comes from the Latin word “annunciatio”, which means announcing or announcement. This is what occurred when the angel Gabriel came to the Virgin Mary and announced to her that she had found favor with God, and would bear His Son. Gabriel is one of the three archangels, and was frequently the one who brought important messages from God to mankind. His presence signals a major moment in redemptive history. He was sent by God to the Virgin Mary who resided in Nazareth (vs. 26-27). Mary was a young woman who was betrothed to a man named Joseph, who was of the house of David.
The angel Gabriel greeted Mary with the statement that she was highly favored by the Lord, and that she was blessed among women (vs. 28-29). She was a recipient of God’s grace, and chosen for a unique role. Mary was troubled by this statement. She was not afraid, but was wondering what this type of greeting was.
Gabriel proceeded to tell Mary that she would conceive and bear a Son, and that this Child would be the Son of God. He continued by describing His eternal throne and reign (vs. 30-33). The archangel gave five truths about this Child that Mary would bear. First was that His Name would be Jesus, which means God saves. This identified His mission, that He is the Savior. Next was that He would be great, not just great among men, but is inherently great. This child would be the Son of the Highest, a clear declaration of His deity. He is the eternal King who will be given the throne of His father David (Isaiah 9:6-7). This is a literal, future, and earthly kingdom. Finally, His reign is eternal. It is Davidic, Messianic, and eternal.
Mary then asked the angel a question, as to how this would happen since she was a virgin (vs. 34). Unlike Zachariah (Luke 1:18-20), Mary did not doubt God’s words to her. She just asked how she would conceive since she was a virgin. Zachariah didn’t believe God could do it. Mary trusted that He could, but wondered if there was something she should do. She asked in faith, seeking understanding.
Gabriel then explained this miracle (vs. 35-37). This act would be creative, not sexual. The same God who created life in Genesis 1 would now create life in Mary’s womb. Jesus would be fully God, fully man, and without sin. The Virgin Birth is essential because it avoids Adam’s sin nature (Romans 5:12). The Savior needed to be sinless in order to be the sacrifice for sin. The Virgin Birth also fulfilled prophecy (Isaiah 7:14), and it established His divine sonship.
Those who cast doubt on the truth of God’s Word, the Bible, will often doubt the Virgin Birth, and the fact that Mary was a virgin when she conceived Jesus. However, if Mary was not a virgin, then she would have been a liar about what she said happened. She would have been unfaithful to Joseph. Then Jesus would have been illegitimate with no divine nature. He would have been a crazy man who claimed to be the Son of God. We cannot accept Jesus without believing in the Virgin Birth. Apart from the Virgin Birth, Jesus would have been just another man, and unworthy of anyone’s faith.
The angel Gabriel gave Mary a little boost for her faith, by telling her about Elizabeth (vs 36-37). This was a confirmation, not because she doubted, but because it would strengthen her faith. By visiting her relative she could strengthen her faith, and also have a safe place to stay till her parents and Joseph would accept her news.
Mary then accepted this news and gave her consent (vs. 38). By doing so she forever changed her life. Being found pregnant before marriage was much, much more serious at this time than it is today. Betrothals or engagements were as binding as marriage, and any unfaithfulness could bring the penalty of being stoned. When Mary accepted this from God, she knew the cost, but trusted God anyway. She accepted the shame, the misunderstanding, the social rejection. She also accepted the weight of raising the Messiah. Mary yielded herself to God completely, and trusted Him. She yielded to God’s will without conditions and trusted His Word above her own understanding.
As we close, we can look at the Blessed Virgin Mary as one of the greatest examples and models of faith and trust in God. Can we respond to God’s Word with her spirit of submission? “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” That is the heart posture of a mature believer. The Blessed Virgin Mary’s humility is a model for all who serve the Lord. Also, do we trust God’s power when His promises seem impossible? God delights to work where human ability ends.
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