· · · Overview · · ·
The truth of the Incarnation is vital for our salvation. John in his gospel says: “the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1.14). Paul writes: “Great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in flesh …” (1st Timothy 3.16). The writer to the Hebrews emphasises in chapter 2, verses 14-15 that, “as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.”
It was as a man that He redeemed men by the shedding of His blood at the cross.
Gabriel appears to Mary – (Verses 26–38)
It was in the sixth month of Elisabeth’s pregnancy that Gabriel was sent to Mary at Nazareth.
Gabriel’s Salutation – (Verses 26-28)
Mary’s heredity is first mentioned by Luke. Gabriel came to Mary who was of the house of David. Clearly there is a double link back to David the king through both Mary and Joseph. This is why we have two genealogies; Matthew taking up Joseph from the legal standpoint, and Luke taking up Mary. These are the only genealogies in the New Testament and are to prove the real humanity of the Lord Jesus.
Mary’s purity is also emphasised. She is called a virgin twice over in Luke 1.27, and there can be no doubt that this means a woman who has not had sexual relations with any man and who is still unmarried. Mary at this point was betrothed, she was promised in marriage but not yet actually the wife of Joseph. That she remained pure until after the birth of the Lord is also emphasised. Here, in verse 34, she says: “I know not a man.” In Matthew 1.18 she was found to be with child “before they came together,” and in Matthew 1.25 Joseph “knew her not until she had brought forth her firstborn Son.”
Mary’s acceptability is clearly stated by Gabriel in verse 28. She is highly favoured, and verse 30 further states that her favour is with God. She is truly blessed among women, the idea being, well-spoken of. Maybe we should pause to consider how we ourselves might be spoken of in heaven?
Mary’s consternation is evident in verse 29.
Mary became physically agitated and her mind was reeling wondering what this could mean.
Gabriel’s Communication (verses 30-33) She would conceive in her womb and give birth to a son. 3 matters are stated about this Son.
- He is to be called Jesus, “Jehovah the Saviour.”
- He is Son of the Most High.
- He is Sovereign over Israel and will reign forever.
These are 3 distinct Messianic truths about the child to be born.
Mary’s question is then raised, which enables further details to be furnished. “How shall this be seeing I know not a man?” – (verse 34)
Gabriel’s explanation (verses 35 – 37) must have been staggering to Mary.
Previously she had been told what would happen; now she is told how it will happen. The Divine Spirit was to come upon her. Note it is the action of a Divine Person. Here the work of the Holy Spirit is in view. In Hebrews 10.5, “Sacrifice and offering Thou wouldest not, but a body hast Thou prepared Me” attributes the work to the Father, and in John 1.14 “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” is the clear action of the Son. Thus Divine Persons together were involved in the incarnation. Then there is the operation of Divine power, “the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee.” This is no doubt a reference to the overshadowing of the Shekinah. The glory of God was going to protect and permeate this One who would be born. Compare the cloud that overshadowed in Luke 9 at the transfiguration and the overshadowing of the mercy seat by the cherubim in Hebrews 9. Thus at His Incarnation, Transfiguration and in the work of Propitiation, the Shekinah is present!
The conception was Divine, but the birth was perfectly natural and normal!
However, the Person presented from the womb was born Holy (“that which is begotten holy”) and called the Son of God. It is as if Gabriel anticipates the mystery of all this to Mary and gives her support to believe, through the confirmation of the conception of Elisabeth. Then Gabriel states absolutely, “with God nothing shall be impossible.”
Mary’s submission – (verse 38) “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.” Ultimately the Incarnation is a matter for faith and submission, and surely we rest today just where Mary rested!
Verses 39 – 45 record Mary’s visit to Elisabeth in the hill country of Judah, where she stayed for 3 months. At Mary’s greeting, two unusual events take place. The baby leaps in Elisabeth’s womb and, filled with the Spirit, she confirms the blessing of Mary and the certainty that what Mary has been told will be fulfilled.
Verses 46-56 bring out Mary’s praise to God for His grace towards her. Mary seeks to magnify God out of her joyful spirit and acknowledges here that God is her personal Saviour. She marvels that God should look on one so lowly as she is and appreciates the blessed place she will be given in the generations to come.
She records the attributes of God; He is mighty and holy and shows mercy to those that fear Him. He puts down, he exalts, he fills the hungry, he sends away the rich empty and he remembers His promises to Abraham and the fathers of the nation.