The Angel Gabriel Has Some Shocking News for Young Mary
“Greetings, you who are highly favored!” (Luke 1:28)
Back to Luke’s narrative, our story switches from foretelling the birth of John the Baptist to foretelling the birth of Jesus. Just as the angel Gabriel gave exciting news to Zechariah and Elizabeth, the angel reappears to give Mary some surprising news too.
In addition to his two appearances in the book of Luke, Gabriel also shows up in the Old Testament. He comes twice to Daniel in spiritual visions. Daniel, incidentally, also receives divine insight about the coming Savior.
There’s another similarity, however, between Mary and Daniel. When Gabriel comes to Mary, he calls her highly favored, for she has found favor with God.
Centuries earlier, Gabriel came to Daniel and told him he was highly esteemed. To make sure Daniel didn’t miss this proclamation, the angel repeated this description of Daniel being highly esteemed three times.
Mary surely knows about Daniel: his faith, godly commitment, and accomplishments, as well as his grand visions of the future. For her to view him as highly esteemed makes sense.
Yet for Mary, a young teenager, being greeted by an angel proclaiming God’s favor to her would be a shocking revelation.
At this stage in her life, she’s done nothing worthy of receiving God’s favor. But isn’t that what’s wonderful about God’s grace? We can’t earn it, and we don’t deserve it.
In addition to being highly favored, Gabriel also confirms that God is with her. Imagine that. Mary has God’s favor, and he is with her. This goes beyond anything she may have ever hoped for or expected to occur in her life.
Gabriel’s words, of course, surprise Mary. Luke writes that she was deeply perplexed at what the angel had told her and how he had greeted her.
He then says, “Don’t be afraid.”
Gabriel said the same thing to Zechariah. In both cases we can imagine that Mary and Zechariah were frightened at the unexpected appearance of an angel, a supernatural being, coming to deliver God’s words to them.
But I’m not sure how much Gabriel’s assurance to not be afraid would have calmed Mary (or Zechariah).
Then, to make sure she doesn’t miss it, Gabriel tells her a second time that she has God’s favor.
She is about to receive some amazing news. Though we know what this prophecy will be, Mary doesn’t. Not yet.
How does God view us? Might he see us as highly favored or highly esteemed?
If an angel visited us, would we be afraid like Mary (and Zechariah)?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, may we see ourselves as you see us. Open our eyes and our ears to receive what you tell us, even if it’s perplexing or unexpected. May we not be afraid at your revelation.
[This devotional is taken from the December 4 reading from The Advent of Jesus.]
Celebrate Christmas in a fresh way with The Advent of Jesus. It’s a forty-day devotional that prepares our hearts to celebrate the arrival of Jesus in an engaging read. Begin your Advent journey now and gain a greater sense of wonder for the season.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.