Journey to Bethlehem – Mary
“You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus.” Luke 1:31
Introduction:
The next critical event in the Journey to Bethlehem occurred in the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy. The angel Gabriel appeared to a young woman named Mary. She was a virgin and pledged to be married to a carpenter named Joseph. In those days an engagement was as legally binding as marriage itself. The news the angel shared with Mary not only changed her life, but also the history of the entire world.
In-depth:
- God Sent the angel Gabriel to Mary in Nazareth, a town in Galilee.
- Gabriel Greetings. You are filled with grace. The Lord is with you.
- Mary She was greatly troubled and wondered what it all meant.
- Gabriel Do not be afraid. You have found favor with God.
You will have a baby. Name Him Jesus.
He will be great and be called the Son of the Most High.
God will give Him the throne of David. He will reign forever.
- Mary How can this be since I am a virgin?
- Gabriel The Holy Spirit will come upon you.
The power of the Most High will overcome you.
That is why the baby will be called holy, the Son of God.
Your relative Elizabeth also is pregnant in her sixth month.
For nothing is impossible with God.
- Mary I am the Lord’s servant. May it be done to me as you have said.
Conclusion:
Gabriel communicated similar messages to two different people both of whom responded with questions. Zechariah ended up being unable to speak for 9 months; Mary received an explanation. What’s the difference?
It all came down to faith! Zechariah asked, “How can I be sure of this?” He expressed doubt that it could happen given the couple’s advanced age. He lacked faith. Conversely, Mary asked, “How can this be since I am a virgin?” She never doubted God’s message, but merely wondered how it would happen since she was a virgin. In faith Mary replied, “I am the Lord’s servant.”
Prayer: “Lord, I sometimes doubt that You can do the impossible. My faith is so small and weak. I forget just how powerful You are. You can do anything and everything that I ask or imagine. You delight in doing the impossible. I want to increase my faith. Help me in my unbelief. You can do anything. Nothing is impossible for You. Amen.”
© 2013 Steven A. Lake
Dr. Steve Lake is a retired educator with over 30 years experience in the American public schools. He has served in a variety of position, including teacher, elementary school principal, junior high principal, Associate Superintendent, retired from public education as Superintendent of Schools in Lincolnwood, IL. He has his Bachelors, Masters and Doctor of Education degrees from Northern Illinois University. For the past 25 years Steve has attended and been a member of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington and Northfield, IL. At Willow Creek Steve has taught adult classes on spiritual gifts, life purpose, and spiritual disciplines. He has ministered overseas in Angola, Zambia, Honduras, Germany, and Russia. Steve is co-founder of Designed to Serve, a ministry that equips Christians to live out their unique God-given calling. Steve is married and has two adult children who are married.
