Lesson #7: Birth Announcement of Jesus (Luke 1:26-56)

THE BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT OF JESUS 

Luke 1:26-56

It is clear that the events surrounding the pronouncement of John and Jesus were truly remarkable and unique. For a period of four hundred years, no prophet had emerged to make any announcements. This is why the announcement of the birth of the greatest prophet was so significant, as it marked the end of a long period of silence and anticipation. However, what followed was even more extraordinary. Just a few short months after the announcement of the birth of the greatest prophet, came the announcement of the long-awaited Messiah. This was the fulfillment of a prophecy that had been made centuries earlier, giving hope to many who had been waiting for the arrival of their savior. The significance of these events cannot be overstated. They marked the beginning of a new era, one of hope and anticipation for the future. The arrival of the prophet and the Messiah gave people a renewed sense of purpose and direction, and set the stage for a new chapter in their history.

1:26-33 – Favor with God

1. V. 26 - Gabriel - We were introduced to Gabriel when he appeared to Zechariah in the temple. Before that, Gabriel spoke to the prophet Daniel (8:15-26; 9:21-27), and now Gabriel appears to Mary.

   • Gabriel announces the humanity and deity of Jesus in Luke 1:30-33.

   • Nazareth - The people in Judah disdained the Jews in Galilee because of their interaction and close proximity to Gentiles. Yet, here we see God sending Gabriel to announce to a lowly Galilean that she will be the mother of the Most High God (1:32)

2. V. 27 - Mary - A Jewess of the tribe of Judah, a descendant of David. We know she was young, betrothed to Joseph (a carpenter, Matt. 13), and a virgin (Lk. 1:27; Isa. 7:14). We also know that the two of them were not wealthy, according to their offerings at the temple in Lk. 2:24.

3. V. 31 - Jesus Christ - Jesus—GK.  Jeshua/”Joshua” – “Jehovah-Savior.” Christ—GK. Messiah; Hebrew, Mashiach; “Anointed One”

• Isaiah 9:6 - The Hebrew term for "Wonderful" means "extraordinary" and is often translated as "miracle" or "miraculous." It is typically used to refer to God or His work. The Hebrew term for "Counselor" is related to the word for "design" and denotes wisdom qualities essential for a just ruler. The phrase "Mighty God" could be translated as "Divine Warrior," emphasizing Jesus' power to carry out all He intends to do. The phrase "Everlasting Father" has no precedent in the Old Testament and appears to refer to Christ's compassion for helpless people, as well as His guidance and correction of His followers. Lastly, the phrase "Prince of Peace" indicates the circumstances that Christ's ministry will bring about, which is lasting peace.

1:34-45 – Nothing Is Impossible With God

1.  Virgin Birth – The virgin birth is a miracle. The word “virgin” is the Greek word Parthenos – no sexual relations. Many critics come out against the bible and Jesus because they don’t believe in miracles. Therefore, the virgin birth is something of a pagan myth to them.

2. Over 700 years prior to Christ’s arrival, Isaiah prophesied these words, “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and we will call Him Immanuel (7:14).”  Therefore when Jesus came on the scene, He was the long-awaited Messiah who would be the One to fulfill all messianic prophecies that existed prior to His coming.

3. The Old Testament has approximately 200 predictive prophecies by many of its prophets who foretold of the coming Messiah. Specifically, Psalm 2:7 says, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father.”  For example, Christ not only fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy of the virgin birth, but He also singlehandedly fulfilled every significant predictive prophecy of the anticipated Messiah foretold by the prophets. For instance, Christ was born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), came from the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:10) as a direct descendant of King David (2 Samuel 7:16), and happened to be born exactly 483 years after the destruction of the temple in 444 B.C. as was prophesied by the prophet Daniel (see 9:24).

V. 35 – Son of God

1. “And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.” (vs. 35)

2. According to this Messianic passage, God declares Christ to be the begotten Son of God from all eternity.  

1:46-56 – Mary’s Praise to God

1. “Magnificat” (Latin) – “Glories” – A Jewish psalm of praise to God. It echoes that of Hannah’s prayer in 1 Sam. 2:1-10 when she received a vision that she would give birth to Samuel (the priest and prophet). In verses 51-54, Mary is prophetically laying out what the Messiah will do.

 APPLICATION

• Do your prayers have the kind of faith of Zechariah?

• Do you have this kind of intimacy like Mary does with God?