Mary and Gabriel

The angel Gabriel came to the virgin Mary at her home in Nazareth, greeting her with, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” (Luke 1:28 NKJV)

Mary was a young woman from a poor, nondescript family, engaged to Joseph, the carpenter. She was going about her own business when the angel showed up at her doorstep. Luke tells us she was troubled at Gabriel’s proclamation, wondering what he was talking about. She certainly didn’t see herself as a favored one nor understand what made her blessed among women. What was this man talking about? 

She kept her thoughts to herself, however, and he continued. He told her to not be afraid, for she had found favor with God. She was going to conceive a son and they would name him Jesus, and He would be the Messiah.

I’m sure her mind was swirling with questions, but all she asked was how that could be since she was a virgin. 

The angel explained to her that the Holy Spirit would come upon her and overshadow her and that’s how she would become a mother. Then he told her that her cousin Elizabeth had conceived in her old age and was in her sixth month of pregnancy. He concluded with “For with God nothing will be impossible.” (v. 37)

Mary responded to all this incredible information by simply replying, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” (v. 38)

Mary was a young, uneducated woman. But she accepted Gabriel’s announcement with a willing heart. 

May we, too, follow God willingly wherever He leads us.

Read about Mary in Scripture: Luke 1:20-38

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