1. The Background for Gabriel’s Annunciation
26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. Luke 1:26-27 (ESV)
The contrast of the announcement for John in a worship service with the announcement for Jesus in a humble setting sets the tone for perspective of His ministry.
14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 (ESV)
2. The Greeting of Gabriel’s Annunciation
28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. Luke 1:28-29 (ESV)
The greeting emphasized God’s grace for Mary and His presence with Mary.
3. The Message in Gabriel’s Annunciation
30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Luke 1:30-33 (ESV)
Gabriel’s message is basically a fulfillment of the prophesy given my Nathan to David in 2 Samuel 7:12-14 or 1 Chronicles 17:11-14.
4. The Question about Gabriel’s Annunciation
34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” 35 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. Luke 1:34-35 (ESV)
The idea of overshadow can be pictured in the Shekinah cloud that rested on the tabernacle. Exodus 40:34-35
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 (ESV)
5. The Sign of Gabriel’s Annunciation
36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” Luke 1:36-37 (ESV)
6. The Response to Gabriel’s Annunciation
38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. Luke 1:38 (ESV)
Mary’s response reveals both obedience and a submissive spirit.
19 . . . You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV); 1 Corinthians 7:23