Coming of the King 2: Preparing for the King
For Meditation
This week we are exploring the passage famously called the Annunciation, or in layman’s terms, the story where Gabriel announces to Mary that she will be the mother of Jesus. It’s a familiar story, but one that still bears wisdom.
This week we’ll be exploring two themes - the first of which is understanding the weight of this message. Gabriel’s message tells us much about the identity of this coming King that will be born to Mary. We’re reminded that, truly, the whole of Christianity hangs on this moment and this coming person. This is the long-awaited Messiah and Son of God.
Secondly, we’ll look at Mary’s response to Gabriel, and how she models to us such true and abiding faith through it. First, she exhibits thoughtful, inquisitive questioning, but then displays a deep, humble surrender. In doing so, she models what true faith looks like - honest questioning, but ultimately, trusting and obeying.
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Luke 1: 26-38
26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He 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, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”
34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.”
38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
