Scripture to Read: Luke 1:28-33
It is hard for us to imagine an angel showing up at our place and saying, “Greetings, favored one!” No wonder Mary was perplexed (troubled). She kept wondering why she would receive such a greeting. Being called “favored one” should have calmed any fear Mary may have had, but we read in Luke 1:30 that Gabriel says, “Do not be afraid,” so Mary definitely felt some fear. The word “favored” means “grace,” which speaks of unearned favor. When Gabriel called Mary “favored one,” the word indicated that there was nothing in Mary that earned her this acknowledgment. God is showing us that Mary was just like us, a sinner. Mary needed God’s grace, just like all other sinners. God chose to show Mary His favor, not because she deserved it, but because God chose to give it. God chose to give all mankind His favor through our Lord Jesus Christ. Everyone who chooses to receive God’s favor by surrendering to Christ as Lord is forever a child of God the Father. Gabriel told Mary God’s plan for her and how God would use her to give birth to the King of all kings. God used Gabriel to tell Mary that Jesus is the Son of God, the Messiah that had been prophesied about throughout the Old Testament. Jesus was and is the One True King of a kingdom that is eternal. Mary received incredible news from one of God’s archangels. This incredible news is just as miraculous today, which is why we must share this news with everyone we know.
Challenge & Application
· How would you react if you had an archangel show up to bring you a message from God? What would you tell others?
· God performed an ever-greater miracle by filling us with His Holy Spirit. How are you proclaiming how God has changed your life?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!