Sermon Talkback—December 21, 2008
Stable Instability—Luke 1:26-38
Gabriel’s Two Missions
When Gabriel appeared to Mary, he was on his second mission; he first appeared to Zechariah in the preceding chapter. The angel appears to the priest Zechariah when it is his turn to enter the temple to burn incense. The elderly priest was frightened by his encounter with the angel, and, due to his lack of belief in the message that his elderly, barren wife would conceive, he was struck dumb by this messenger. Unlike her husband, the priest’s wife, Elizabeth knows that the conception is the Lord’s doing (1:25).
Now, Gabriel is on another mission from God. This time he is visiting a less-likely recipient of God’s message—a young woman who is a virgin. Unlike the introduction of Zechariah, whose priestly titles and connections were listed (1:15), Luke first gives this virgin’s name, instead of her lineage, the lineage of her betrothed. She seems insignificant compared to Zechariah, who was of such importance that he was entitled to enter the temple of God. The angel called Zechariah by name while he initially called Mary, the “favored one.” There is no indication that Mary had made any particular requests to God. It seems from verse 29 that Mary may not even be certain that the angel is speaking to her: “But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.” As if the angel had read her mind, Gabriel then addressed her by name: “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God” (1:30).
Announcements of Two Sons
The announcements of the births of two sons: John (1:13-15) and Jesus (1:30-33) reveal the difference in what each son will accomplish. One will prepare the way for the Lord, and the other is the Son of God himself, who will reign on the throne of his ancestor David.
The name “Jesus” gives a glimpse of the salvation that he will bring. In Matthew 1:21, it reads, “She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Although Luke does not include this explicit reference, he does associate Jesus with salvation when Zechariah is able to speak again (1:69).
Zechariah and Mary
While Mary is understandably perplexed, “How is this possible?” she did not exhibit unbelief like Zechariah. Zechariah wanted proof and thus was silenced. Mary only had confusion because she was a virgin. It is likely that Luke’s emphasis on Mary’s virginity serves to demonstrate the fulfillment of Isaiah 7:14. It also seems like Luke’s account has been at least influenced by Isaiah’s wording, especially when the authority given to Jesus by Luke’s account is compared with the everlasting rule recorded in Isaiah 9:6-7. Gabriel’s answer to Mary’s question is both revealing and confounding. Somehow the baby’s conception is due to the Holy Spirit of the Most High. The baby will be holy, the Son of God.
Mary and Elizabeth
Gabriel announces to Mary that her elderly and barren cousin Elizabeth is indeed pregnant. No doubt Mary, who is still awestruck that God would choose her to bear his Son, is indeed amazed to hear that the childless plight of her beloved cousin is now over. The angel’s words sum up the story of both birth announcements: “For nothing will be impossible with God” (1:37).
1. Mary’s response to Gabriel is marked by humility. While she has been told that she is the favored one of God, she addresses herself as a servant (1:38, 46-49). How might we act in humility in the eve of the birth of Christ?
2. In what ways are we called out of the generally stable and comfortable lives that we lead to the uncertain and instability of the cost of discipleship that Jesus expects?
DN/12/21/08