I AM THE LORD'S SERVANT
Luke 1:26-56
Key Verse 1:38
"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her.
INTRO: In recent passages, Matthew 24 and 25, we have been studying about Jesus’ second coming, the signs of the end of the age and how to prepare for this event. In last week’s passage and in this week’s passage we go back to take a look at the events surrounding Jesus’ first coming, Christmas day. These passages also have to do with preparedness or readiness. So we can think about how prepared and ready we are to really welcome Jesus.
How prepared are we as a world (Phil 2:9-11), as the body of Christ (Matthew 24-25), as a nation (Rev 7:9;13:7), as a congregation (1Cor 12:24b-26)? How ready are we as a as a family (Zechariah and Elizabeth), and as an individual (Mary)? Are we prepared not only to accept Him as our Lord and King, but also ready to give a believing response to His plan for our lives? Mary was ready and so she could be the instrument through which God sent the Savior into the world. Because of her belief and obedience, she became the most blessed woman in all history.
Phil 2: 9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
HYPERLINK "http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+7:9&version=NIV" Revelation 7:9 After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.
HYPERLINK "http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+13:7&version=NIV" Revelation 13:7 He was given power to make war against the saints and to conquer them. And he was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation.
1Corinthians 12: But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
When, where and to whom did God send the angel Gabriel?
26In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." 29Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God.
The angel greeted Mary with very encouraging words, yet, why was she “greatly troubled”?
Mary was “greatly troubled at his words.”
v.29 says that she “wondered what kind of greeting this might be.” V.30 also indicates that she was afraid.
When our life is not going the way we want it to, we cry out for God to intervene in our lives and make it better. But when we have a good thing going, we don’t want God to intervene because we think things can’t get any better and we want to enjoy a good thing.
In Mary’s case, she had a good thing going. She was pledged to be married to Joseph, which meant that they would be married very shortly. Most likely her future wedding day and her marriage were on her mind and she was busy preparing many things. So when Gabriel appeared to her and greeted her, she probably thought that somehow this message was going to interfere with her own plans or foil them altogether. Sometimes God’s favor does not look desirable from a human perspective.
Isaiah 55:9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
What message from God did Gabriel bring to Mary? (31)
31You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.
What did the angel foretell about the Savior to be born? (31-33)
31You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."
1) You are to give him the name “Jesus” ;
He would save His people from their sins. Jesus means Immanuel, which means “God with us.”
He is the promised Savior who came to save us from sin and death.
2) He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High;
He is God in flesh. Through knowing Jesus, we can know God. He would have the power of God.
His greatness is different than worldly greatness. He has power and authority, but He gave these things up to obey God. In accordance with God’s will, He laid down His life for all sinners. This is true greatness.
3) the Lord will give him the throne of his father David;
He is the King who will reign over all. He would be the descendent of King David.
1Chronicles 17:10-12 10 and have done ever since the time I appointed leaders over my people Israel. I will also subdue all your enemies. " 'I declare to you that the LORD will build a house for you: 11 When your days are over and you go to be with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom. 12 He is the one who will build a house for me, and I will establish his throne forever.
Jesus represents God and man. He is spiritual royalty and physical royalty.
4) he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; and
He will be the King of the Jews. The “House of Jacob” is an idiom for all believers. Jesus is the King for all peoples of the world. He is to rule the hearts of all believers, all who trust in Him, those who are Abraham’s descendents by faith.
5) his kingdom will never end.
His kingdom is everlasting and eternal. The kingdoms of this world are temporary. Jesus came to build His kingdom first in the hearts of men.
*Here, we can see who Jesus is. He is the Savior, the Son of God, the eternal King.
What question did Mary ask the angel? (34)
34"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"
She wondered how this would happen since she was a virgin.
How did the angel answer her question?
35The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[ HYPERLINK "http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%201&version=NIV" \l "fen-NIV-24921c" c] the Son of God. 36Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. 37For nothing is impossible with God."
The angel said that Mary would be with child by the power of God. The angel also told her that Elizabeth, her relative, who was said to be barren is six month’s pregnant. And he added, “For nothing is impossible with God.”
Why did she get a favorable explanation for her question, whereas Zechariah (in the previous passage) was silenced? (18-20)
Mary’s question was not one of unbelief as was Zechariah’s. Mary’s question was inquiring about the method by which this would take place. She believed, but didn’t understand, so she asked for and explanation. Zechariah asked in vs. 18, "How can I be sure of this?” He asked for a sign out of his unbelief. In v.20, the angel said, “…because you did not believe my words…”
What was Mary’s response to the angel’s explanation? (38)
38"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her.
What does this show us about her?
The Lord’s servant: A servant has no rights. A servant is the one who serves the Lord’s purpose. Mary knew her position as the Lord’s servant. She humbly submitted to God and entrusted her life to Him. Before the angel visited her, her plans were set to prepare for and enjoy a happy marriage, but now, all the plans about this were up in the air. However, Mary willingly sacrificed all things to serve God’s purpose. This was her beauty.
May it be to me as you have said: We can see her absolute faith and obedience. She believed that what the angel said would come true. She believed in the power of God’s word absolutely. Because of her faith, she could be chosen as the mother of Jesus. Most importantly, this shows that in her heart and soul and mind, she was ready to serve God’s purpose for her life. She could recognize the value and the blessedness of God’s favor. She didn’t go home and pray about it before responding. She was ready right then and there and could give an immediate response. Do we have this faith and readiness to serve God’s purpose for our lives?
Why did Mary decide to visit Elizabeth instead of going to her immediate family or to Joseph for comfort and support?
39At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth.
The angel told Mary in v.36 that Elizabeth, who as said to be barren is in her sixth month. She had also experienced the power of God and God’s favor. Mary knew that Elizabeth would be able to understand her situation better than anyone. Elizabeth and Zechariah would also be able to provide a spiritual environment for Mary. Mary realized this and so to protect by her and the baby, she went to this spiritual family. Spiritual people can understand spiritual things. In order to be protected and grow spiritually, it is very important to surround ourselves with believing people, who have also experienced the grace, love and power of God. Others will not understand the value or the blessedness of the Lord’s calling.
What happened when Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting? (41)
41When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
On her long journey to Elizabeth’s house (~80miles), Mary may have faced many difficulties, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Yet, how do you think Elizabeth’s blessings and encouragements helped her? (42-45)
42In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!"
Even before Mary told her anything, Elizabeth began to prophesy about what God would do through Mary. This was probably very encouraging to her and reassured her that she made the right decision in coming to Zechariah and Elizabeth’s house. She said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!” Mary just had a long and difficult journey and these words refreshed her. She was so encouraged that she sang a song.
Elizabeth also honored Mary by saying, 43”But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?”
Elizabeth was filled with joy that the mother of her Lord visited her.
The Lord blessed Mary because she went to this spiritual couple, Elizabeth and Zechariah, who could encourage her and reassure her of God’s love and sovereignty. They could also share with her what the Lord had done for them.
When we accept God’s sovereignty and serve His will, He blesses our lives more than we can imagine.
Compare Mary’s response in v. 29, when the angel first greeted her, to her response in vs. 46-47?
29Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.
46And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord 47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
She was greatly troubled when she first heard the angel’s greeting because she didn’t know what it meant and how it would affect her plans. But now, after accepting God’s will and plan for her life, she said, “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” She submitted her life to the Lord and she became so joyful.
What made the difference?
They key is in vs. 45. 45Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!"
Without believing there’s no way we can be ready to serve God’s will. We must believe in God’s authority, power and love.
Look at vs. 46-56. What does Mary’s song teach us about the blessedness of having a readied heart and giving a believing response to God’s purpose for our lives?
46And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord 47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name. 50His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. 51He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 52He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. 53He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. 54He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful 55to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers." 56Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.
Mary realized she was not worthy of such a blessing, but she was so thankful to God for being mindful of her humble state. She received this privileged to be called ‘blessed” by all generations because of her faith and obedience. She could see God as her Savior and as the Mighty One, who had done great things for her. She could see His righteousness and His sovereignty, His justice and his mercy that extends to all who fear Him. She could also see God’s faithfulness in sending the Messiah, the Savior of the World, as He promised to Abraham and his descendents. She realized God’s mercy on all peoples and His great love to send a Savior to them. Her eyes were opened to God’s personal love for her as well as to His love and plan for all peoples. When we accept God’s sovereignty with a believing heart, and are ready to be used by God at any time and in any way, He is so pleased and opens our spiritual eyes to see his bigger plan and purpose, even our unique place in His world salvation history.
*We pray that many women like Mary may be raised up, who know the value and blessedness of God’s favor and who have readied hearts to give a believing response to His plan and purpose for their lives.
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