Scripture to Read: Luke 1:28–33
It is hard for us to imagine an angel appearing at our doorstep and saying, “Greetings, favored one!” Just like Mary, most would be perplexed (troubled). Mary kept wondering why she would receive such a greeting. Being called “favored one” should have calmed any fear Mary may have had, but as we read in Luke 1:30, Gabriel says, “Do not be afraid,” so Mary felt fearful in that moment. The word “favored” means “grace,” and grace is God’s unearned favor. When Gabriel called Mary “favored one,” the word indicated that there was nothing in Mary that earned her this greeting. God is showing us that Mary was just like us, a sinner in need of His grace. God chose to show Mary His favor, not because she deserved it, but because God chose to give it. The Good News is that God chose to offer all mankind His favor through our Lord Jesus Christ. Everyone who chooses to surrender to Christ as Lord receives the fullness of God’s favor and 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 “Son of the Most High.” God had Gabriel tell Mary that Jesus is the Son of God, the Messiah prophesied about throughout the Old Testament. Jesus was, and is, the One True King of a kingdom that is eternal. Mary received good news from one of God’s archangels. This good news remains just as miraculous today, which is why we must share it with everyone we know.
Challenge & Application
How would you respond if an archangel appeared bringing 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!