The Birth Of Jesus Announced
THE BIRTH OF JESUS ANNOUNCED
LUKE 1:26-35
Notice how the angel gently leads Mary as he explains God’s plan.
Verses 26-38 tell the story of the Virgin birth. Read Matthew 1:18-25, and it must immediately be obvious that the New Testament asserts that the birth of the Lord was miraculous. There is no “controversy” as some are ready to assert. The narrative must be accepted as true or rejected as false. And if the Christian faith began thus in deception or in subterfuge it is difficult to see how Christianity can defend its validity, or the New Testament retain its authority. Read Luke’s account with care, lingering over 1:35, and it will be seen that he agrees entirely with Matthew. John, by implication, says the same (John 1:14). Let it also be remembered that it stands proven, especially from his second book, that Luke was a careful and painstaking historian. While Paul was imprisoned in Caesarea (Acts 24; 25) he had two years to pursue his researches and to question witnesses. In this account there stands obviously what the apostles believed and what Mary stated.
1:39-45 present a vivid picture of Mary. She too was one of the remnant, and was chosen for her faithfulness—not doubting for a moment the promise of God (1:45). The “blessed” Virgin has sometimes been denied her proper due of reverence and regard by those rightly anxious to avoid the attribution of divine honors to a human person. She had to face the malice and slander of men (John 8:41). When God entrusts one of his servants with a task it is seldom easy. It is always glorious.
The significance of the Virgin birth is deep. God thus demonstrated a connection with humankind and a discontinuity with it; or, in other words, that the Messiah was one with those he came to save but unique in his heavenly origin. And strong support of that unique entrance into the human state is given by the fact that the human life which follows was like no other life. It is “a touchstone of faith in the mystery of God incarnate” (V.C. Grounds). Can effective faith survive its rejection?
Note 1:26: Nazareth was the original home of Mary, not the adopted home, as one might assume from Matthew 2:23. 1:28: “O favored one,” said Gabriel. The Latin version translates “O full of grace,” and on this appellation has been based the teaching of her mediatorship. However, these words imply the reception of “grace” or favor, and not the ability to bestow it.