Luke 1:26-55
We can follow Mary and Joseph on their thoughtful journey to wonder and devotion.
A. Thoughtful
Luke 1:29 “troubled, wondered “ “Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean.” – Luke 1:29
Wondered – To make an audit, accounting term adding things up intensely rational.
There’s a contrast between Mary’s “doubt” and Zechariah’s “doubt”.
“Zechariah said to the angel, ‘How can I be sure? …I’m old…’ Then the angel said, ‘since you didn’t believe, you will be silent,’” – Luke 1:18-19
“There is a kind of doubt that is the sign of a closed mind, and there is a kind of doubt that is the sign of an open mind. Some doubt seeks answers, and some doubt is a defense against the possibility of answers. There are people like Mary who are open to the truth and are willing to relinquish sovereignty over their lives if they can be shown that the truth is other than what they thought. And there are those like Zechariah who use doubts as a way of staying in control of their lives and keeping their minds closed. Which kind of doubt do you have?” – Timothy Keller Hidden Christmas
B. Journey
1. Learning
“Mary asked the angel, ‘But how can this happen? I am a virgin.’” – Luke 1:34
Mary shows doubt as a sign of an open mind. Tell me more. Keeping the conversation going. I want to learn more.
2. Receiving
Mary accepts the message from God, delivered by the angel.
“Mary responded, ‘I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.’” – Luke 1:38
3. Exercising Faith
Mary’s song expresses a wholehearted faith in response to God’s message.
“Mary responded, ‘Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!’” – Luke 1:46-47
Mary has connected the message from God delivered by the angel with the promise God gave Abraham. – Luke 1:50–55
C. Wonder
“Mary responded, ‘Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me.’” – Luke 1:46-49
“Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.” “Christ in you, the hope of glory,” – Colossians 1:27
D. Devotion
“Mary responded, ‘I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.’” – Luke 1:38
Servant – a person devoted to another, committed to serving, trust and obey, moving in the direction of the guidance of another, (in alignment with)
What should we do?
1. Read the story, found in Luke 1.
2. Search out answers to your questions.
3. Pray, asking God for guidance.
4. Take a next step in your journey.
5. Share the journey with someone in your church family.