Too often, we rush and we fail to slow down and consider the common sense of a Bible passage - in context. Like a learner in a reading class, let's break down a passage to see if we can comprehend it better. | Luke 1 (NASB): 34 But Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” |
- Why is Mary's virginity important?
- Is the Holy Spirit a part of God? Another God? God?
- What does the word overshadow indicate in verse 35?
- Will Elizabeth's pregnancy during her old age provide some comfort to Mary in her young age?
- What does the angel mean when he says, "Nothing will be impossible with God"?
- Describe Mary's response to the entire message from the angel.
Let's Think:
Gabriel, the angel, tells Mary that the Holy Spirit and the Most High will be involved from the very beginning - that is, from conception and throughout the boy's life. Again, there is no need for Mary to fret about His safety. Instead, she must trust in God and obey His instruction.
In fact, there is another child, a cousin, he announces. Elizabeth is also miraculously expecting, but her family grows through the seed of her husband, Zechariah. As much as it might bring comfort to Mary, not being alone in her expectation of a child, Mary's pregnancy is different. Scripture makes a point to let us know that Mary is a virgin. This is to fulfill Old Testament prophecy concerning the coming Messiah, but it is also to ensure that we understand that Jesus could not physically be the Son of Joseph or any mortal man. He is to be the Son of God.
"Nothing is impossible with God." That's an understatement, but one of which we must always remind ourselves. God uses the unlikely vessel of a virgin girl to deliver His Son to the world. That's not something we should overlook in a study about our Savior.
Mary responds to the entire message from the angel in humility. Calling herself "the Lord's bondservant" indicates that she knows her place in the plan and that she concedes to the mission. What a huge responsibility! What a huge thing for a young newlywed to accept after being surprised with just a few minutes of talking with this unexpected visitor! Am I as willing to accept God's marching orders as Mary? What must I do to be more receptive of my Christian duties?