Studying with our teens things concerning the birth of Christ, we ask – how did God convince Mary that He was doing something marvelous through her? Mary is told – you will conceive in your womb, and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus (Luke 1:31). Further, she is told – the Holy Spirit shall come upon you and the power of the most High will overshadow you (Luke 1:35). This news is a lot for a young lady to absorb. How was she convinced?
Mary was convinced through the word of God.
Jesus would be the Son of God (Luke 1:35), the King of an eternal kingdom (Luke 1:32,33), and the child of a virgin. All these ideas fulfilled prophecies from the book of Isaiah (7:14; 9:6,7). Additionally, an angel brought the news to Mary, an act in itself which showed she was receiving a message from the Lord.
Mary was convinced through the power of God.
The Lord was already working a miraculous work with Mary’s relative, Elizabeth, who would bear John the Baptist in her advanced years (Luke 1:36). Hearing about this and being already acquainted with Old Testament history, Mary would likely recall God’s past powerful events (such as providing Sarah a baby in her old age, parting of the Red Sea, plagues of Egypt, etc).
Mary was convinced through the nature of God.
Gabriel, the angel, says to her, “nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37). Scripture affirms again and again, “Nothing is too hard for the Lord” (Gen.18:14; Jeremiah 32:17,27). Jesus Himself taught his disciples that complete spiritual submission is possible with God (Matt.19:26).
Mary was convinced through the compassion of God.
The big purpose of bringing Jesus into the world was “to save his people from their sins” (Matt.1:21). The life and sacrifice of the Lord is divine proof of his love and mercy for us (Rom.5:8-11).
Do you have constant doubt? Do you believe, yet lack a deep conviction toward God? Why not study and meditate upon the word of God and reflect carefully upon the power and compassion of Him who loves us and gave Himself up for us?
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