- Versers 31-33, 35. How many features of the person and mission of the promised Child can be discerned in the Words of the angels? Make a list of them.
- His name will be Jesus
- a son, "his father David"
- conceived by "The Holy Spirit" and the "power of the Most High"
- the holy One
- the Son of the Most High
- the Son of God
- will be Great
- will be given the throne of his father David
- will reign over the House of Jacob forever
- His kindom will have no end.
2. Contrast Mary's reception of the angel's message with that of Zechariah. Cf. verse 45. What did Mary's response involve? Are you prepared similarly to ask the Lord to fulfill His word in you?
Mary's first reaction seemed similar to that of Zechariah on the surface, "How can this be, since I have not been intimate with a man?", but her reaction is natural because nobody would expect a virgin to have a baby. Her case was much more difficult than that of Zechariah who and whose wife were of old age. But Marry believed and obeyed ("I am the Lord's slave, may it be done to me according to your words"). She is obedient and humble in her reponse.
Sometimes I am often hesitate to want the Lord's word fulfilled in me because of the following thoughts:
- I don't even know God's will
- God's will would put me into an situation I don't want to be in such as being a missionary with limited income etc.
My mind tells me that God's will is good, perfect and pleasing, but I lack the courage and trust to be as obedient as Mary.
May God have mercy on me and grant me the kind of faith Mary had when she heard the news.
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