In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name
Jesus.
Luke 1:26-31
Favor With God
Gabriel visited Mary, informed her she found favor with God, and surprised her with news that she would have a Son whose name would be Jesus. For many of us, this is where the Christmas story begins.
I have no doubt the news shocked Mary. After all, she was a virgin and engaged to Joseph. How could a virgin become pregnant? Seriously. How could this be?
This was just as miraculous as Elizabeth having a child at such an advanced age. Usually, the engagement period lasted about a year, and during that time, the bride-to-be lived with her parents. This engagement period erased most concerns about promiscuity and allowed families to prepare for the marriage event. Once engaged, the only way to break that engagement was to get a divorce. Essentially, an engagement was binding like marriage, and Mary was legally bound to Joseph.
Many believe Mary was somewhere between thirteen and fifteen years old.
Thirteen years old was the usual age when girls were betrothed or engaged, so we could safely assume she was thirteen. Either way, she was young.
Can you remember when you were thirteen? All I remember is being so naive. I didn’t know much about the world, but I do know if an angel visited me at thirteen, it would have scared me to death.
Favor Undeserved
There was nothing about Mary that earned any grace from God. That’s why it is grace. Scripture doesn’t describe her as theologically astute or some extraordinary Bible teacher and mentor to younger children. Mary was just a simple girl who loved God. She was doing what she always did as a thirteen-year-old, and her life was about to change forever.
Gabriel visited Mary and told her she found favor with God. When we look at this, we see Mary was not highly exalted above all others or had some special authority or power.
She was given grace, not authority.
Some exalt Mary above others because she was the mother of Jesus. Some even say that Mary is some kind of intermediary between God and man. However, there is nothing in Scripture that supports that thought. Jesus is the only mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5).
Basically, Mary was given much grace. Gabriel said, “Greetings, O favored one (one who is given much grace), the Lord is with you.” Grace is defined as something free and undeserved. In this case, it was certainly undeserved.
Who gets chosen to be the mother of Jesus?
Can you imagine Gabriel passing that news along to your daughter?
How would you respond?
Can you imagine Gabriel passing that news along to your fiancee?
Can you imagine Gabriel passing that news along to you?
How would you respond? Mary received something she didn’t deserve because God chose her. It was a fulfillment of Isaiah 7:4, and it was unmerited.
What a miracle. What grace!
Favor Given to Us
It’s always a miracle when God demonstrates His grace in our lives. Think about all the overlooked acts of God’s grace each day. I imagine we will never know or understand the true extent of God’s grace. What about the grace we do know? Grace that causes our hearts to beat. Grace that causes us to breathe. Grace that begs worship as a response. Grace protects us as we sleep at night. Grace provides a way through difficult times. Grace that saves us through His Son Jesus.
It’s amazing, and it’s undeserved.
Aren’t you glad you serve a God who provides grace? Take some time today and write down all of the undeserved acts of God’s grace in your life. I bet you’ll be surprised.