A Life-Changing Announcement
God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. Luke 1:26–27
“Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” That may be the most famous hello in biblical history.
Henry Ossawa Tanner, The Annunciation
Imagine Mary’s shock, dismay, confusion when the angel Gabriel appeared to her. Was Mary going about her daily chores when Gabriel arrived, or was she awakened from a deep sleep? The Bible doesn’t say. Luke, however, tells us, “Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be” (Luke 1:29).
The Greek verb translated “greatly troubled” in verse 29 means “to agitate greatly, trouble greatly, to disturb wholly.”[1] Luke doesn’t use the word anywhere else in his gospel, and no other New Testament writers use it at all. Think about all the other shocking events these men wrote about, especially the betrayal and crucifixion of Jesus. All heart-stopping, but apparently not diatarasso.
Gabriel immediately tried to calm Mary by saying, “Do not be afraid, Mary.” He then repeated that she had “found favor with God” (v. 30). The word translated “favor” refers to “the merciful kindness” of God, which he pours out on those who love him and desire to serve him.[2]
God didn’t send Gabriel to judge or condemn Mary. He came to deliver the announcement every Jewish girl dreamed of—she had been chosen to give birth to the long-awaited Messiah (vv. 31–33).
As the meaning of Gabriel’s announcement settled over Mary, her agitation evaporated. By the end of the angelic visit, Mary was ready to serve the God who had showered his favor on her: “I am the Lord’s servant. … May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38).
Gabriel’s visit to Mary is often called The Annunciation, a fancier word for announcement. And maybe such a momentous declaration deserves the title. It changed Mary’s life and all of our lives too.
We are all recipients of a life-changing annunciation: God the Father fulfilled his promise and sent Jesus, his son, as the Messiah—not only for Jews but also for anyone and everyone who will accept him as Savior and Lord.
Mary responded with humility and obedience. What is your response?
Dig Deeper
The phrase “a descendant of David” in Luke 1:27 and “throne of his father David” in verse 32 refer to the covenant promises God gave King David. Compare 2 Samuel 7:12–16 and Luke 1:32–33. How was Jesus the fulfillment of those promises?
In what way is Gabriel’s promise to Mary—“the Holy Spirit will come on you”—also a promise for all who accept Jesus as Lord and Savior? See John 15:26–27, 16:13, Ephesians 1:13–14.
“For no word from God will ever fail,” Gabriel tells Mary (Luke 1:37). What does that promise mean to you at this point in your faith journey?
Denise K. Loock
[1] “G1298 – diatarassō – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (niv).” Blue Letter Bible. Accessed 31 Oct, 2024. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1298/niv/mgnt/0-1/.
[2] “G5485 – charis – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (niv).” Blue Letter Bible. Accessed 31 Oct, 2024. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g5485/niv/mgnt/0-1/.