December 14, 2015
Scripture Reading: Luke 1:26-29
26In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
29Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.
Questions for Reflection:
Where was Mary from? Nazareth was a small community in northern Israel. It was an agrarian, rural community with a population that may have rivaled New Harmony, Indiana. Into this humble, little town, God sends an angel with world-changing news. (For more information on Nazareth, read this article.)
What do we know about Mary from this passage? The Jewish marriage process would include a betrothal period that would be a legal ceremony including the signing of a contract between the groom and the bride’s father. The groom would also pay a bride price, in order to have the right to marry the bride. Mary was likely 12-14 years of age at the time that the angel appeared to her. How did the angel greet her? What does Luke record as Mary’s response?
I love that Luke records that Mary was “greatly troubled” by the angelic greeting. We often paint the heroes of faith as having it all together and knowing all the answers. Mary doesn’t know what to do with this greeting and that’s okay. There are times that we are learning something or growing in our faith. It’s okay to be confused, unsure, even scared. God is not afraid of our questions or doubts. If you’re doubting or confused, it’s okay. Continue to trust God. Lean into Him. Perhaps He is up to something that will change your life and even change history.