DELIVERED FROM SIN
Luke 1:26–38
We are approaching the time of the 2024 celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus. We need this reminder because many societal pressures entice us to neglect the true message of Christmas — that God sent Jesus to deliver people from sin by defeating Satan and restoring the relationship between sinful humans and a holy God.
During this season of the year the greatest gift we can give someone is the message of Jesus as the only Savior of the world.
Favor (26–30)
God sent an angel named Gabriel to Nazareth with an important message for all the world and human history. The name Gabriel means “strong man of God.”
By application, any believer can be a strong person of God during our upcoming Christmas celebration by communicating the good news of the birth of the only Savior.
The recipient of the heavenly message was a lowly virgin named Mary. The angel declared God’s favor in Mary’s life due to the presence of God in her life. The Lord was with her, and the presence of God also resides within each believer today.
The Christmas message proclaims that people may have favor with God because of the reason Jesus came to earth — to deal with our sin problem.
God is always with us as God was with Mary.
Announcement (31–33)
Gabriel communicated to Mary the name she was to give her son — Jesus. The name “Jesus” comes from the Hebrew name “Joshua.”
It means “savior,” “deliverer” or “God saves.” The very name of Jesus communicates that God sent His Son to earth on a mission.
Jesus would be recognized as great and known as the Son of the Most High — a title of deity. Although the title “Messiah” does not occur in this passage, Jesus will occupy the throne of David. He will reign over God’s people forever, and His Kingdom will have no end.
Virgin Birth (34–38)
Many liberal New Testament scholars question the virginal conception of Jesus. Mary, however, was actually the first person to question it. “How can this be, since I have not had sexual relations with a man?”
Gabriel answered her question. “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.” In other words, what is impossible from a human perspective is made possible by the Holy Spirit.
The term “overshadow” occurs in the Old Testament referring to the Shekinah glory (or tented presence of God) in the tabernacle (Ex. 40:35).
Notice the twofold description of Mary’s Son. Mary’s Son will be holy and will be called the Son of God.
The angel reminded Mary of her relative Elizabeth who experienced a miracle different from virginal conception but a conception foretold by God’s servants. Elizabeth conceived in her old age.
Our focal passage concludes with the encouraging words of the angel. “Nothing will be impossible for God.” Mary willingly submitted her life to God’s plan.
When have you seen God do more than you thought possible?
By Mark Rathel
Pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in DeFuniak Springs, Florida
