Announcement of Jesus' Birth--Luke 1:26-38

The story of the announcement of the birth of Jesus in Luke 1:26-38 is strikingly similar to the announcement of the birth of John the Baptist in Luke 1:5-25. These announcements are very similar to the announcements of Ishmael (Genesis 16:1-6), Isaac (Genesis 17:15-22; 18:1-15; 21:1-7), Samson (Judges 13:2-25), and Samuel
(1 Samuel 1:1-20).

1. The narrator introduces the parents--1:5-10, 26-27
2. The angel Gabriel appears to the parents--1:11,19, 28
3. The angel Gabriel says to the parents: "Do not fear"--1:13, 30
4. The wife will bear a son--1:13, 31
5. You shall call him John or Jesus--1:13, 31
6. He shall be great--1:15, 32
7. Zechariah's question: "How shall I know?" Mary's question: "How shall it be?"
1:18, 34
8. The angel Gabriel's answer: I have been sent to announce this to you; and The holy spirit will come upon you--1:19, 35.

I. The Narrator introduces the parents Joseph and Mary--Luke 1:26-27.
a. In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth. 1:26.
b. Mary was a virgin engaged to Joseph. 1:27.

II. The Angel Gabriel announces to Mary that Jesus will be born--Luke 1:28-31.
a. Gabriel states that Mary is "favored" and "The Lord is with you." 1:28. The declaration: "The Lord is with you," is a common assurance throughout scripture. See for example: Exodus 3:12; Joshua 1:5; Judges 6:16; 1 Samuel 16:18; 17:37; 18:12, 14, 28. The language in 1:28 is very similar to Zephaniah 3:14-17.
b. But Mary was very perplexed over this announcement. 1:29.
c. The angel Gabriel assured her: "Do not be afraid." Then he promises her that she will have a son and call him Jesus. 1:30-31.

III. The Angel Gabriel describes Jesus using FIVE terms--Luke 1:32-33 [which is
clearly based on 2 Samuel 7:9, 13, 14, 16).
a. He will be GREAT.
b. He will be called "the Son of the Most High." This is a royal term denoting an earthly king. See 2 Samuel 7:14; Psalm 89:25-27.
c. God will give him the throne of David.
d. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever.
e. Of his kingdom there will be no end.

IV. Mary questions Gabriel, and Gabriel assures him Jesus will be born--Luke 1:34-38.
a. Mary does not believe this will happen because she is a virgin. 1:34.
b. Gabriel declares that the Holy Spirit will come upon her, Mary will conceive and give birth to Jesus, who will be called "Son of God" and "holy." 1:35.
c. Gabriel tells Mary that Elizabeth is old but conceive and will have a son. Both of these births are possible because: "Nothing will be impossible with God." This assurance is miraculous, and occurs often in scripture: see for example Genesis 18:14; Jeremiah 32:27; Job 42:2; Zechariah 8:6. 1:36-37.
d. Mary concedes. She says: "Let it be with me according to your word." Then Gabrial departed. 1:38.

This is a powerful, uplifting, encouraging story. I hope this will encourage YOU.

Share YOUR insights and ideas with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis