The Angel Visits Mary

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

Trusting God’s plan even when it does not make sense

Overview

Mary was a young woman living in Nazareth when the angel Gabriel appeared to her with a message that would change everything. She would become the mother of the Son of God. This was not what she had planned for her life. It was not what anyone would have predicted. But Mary’s response is one of the most beautiful examples of faith in all of Scripture.

Key Verse

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” — Luke 1:38a (NIV)

The Story

  • The angel Gabriel was sent by God to Nazareth, to a virgin named Mary who was engaged to Joseph.
  • The angel said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
  • Mary was greatly troubled and wondered what this greeting meant.
  • The angel told her not to be afraid. She would conceive and give birth to a son. He would be called Jesus. He would be great and would be called the Son of the Most High.
  • Mary asked, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”
  • The angel explained: “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.”
  • Then the angel shared that her relative Elizabeth, who was thought to be too old to have children, was already six months pregnant. “For no word from God will ever fail.”
  • Mary’s response: “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.”

What Made Mary’s Faith Remarkable

This message would have been shocking for several reasons. Mary was engaged but not yet married. Being pregnant outside of marriage would have brought shame and possibly severe consequences. The angel’s message upended her plans. Yet she trusted God.

Her question — “How will this be?” — was not doubt. It was a request for information. She did not say no. She asked how.

Discussion Questions

  • How do you think Mary felt when the angel first appeared?
  • Have you ever felt like God was asking you to do something that did not make sense to you?
  • What does Mary’s example teach us about saying yes to God?
  • What is one thing God might be asking you to trust Him with right now?

Prayer

Father, give me the faith of Mary — the courage to say “I am Your servant” even when I do not understand the plan. Help me trust that Your word will not fail. Amen.

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