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Divine Announcement to Mary

In the town of Nazareth, during the reign of Herod the Great around 2/1 B.C.E., an event of monumental significance unfolded in the life of a young virgin named Mary. The angel Gabriel, sent from God, appeared to her with a message that would alter the course of history. Gabriel greeted her, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” (Luke 1:28). Mary’s initial perplexity at this salutation was soon clarified as Gabriel announced, “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 1:30-31). This divine revelation not only informed Mary of her role in bearing the Messiah but emphasized that this conception would be miraculous, stating, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore, the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God” (Luke 1:35). This profound interaction underlines the honor bestowed upon Jesus even before His birth, as He was designated the Son of God, destined to inherit David’s throne.

Mary’s Prophetic Praise

In response to Gabriel’s revelations, Mary’s heart overflowed with a prophetic song that has come to be known as the Magnificat (D.A. Carson, R.C. Sproul, John Piper). This song not only praises God but also reveals the spiritual insight granted to her. She proclaimed, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed” (Luke 1:46-48). Mary’s song continues to outline the actions of God: scattering the proud, dethroning the powerful, exalting the humble, filling the hungry, and sending the rich away empty (Luke 1:51-53). This song, rich with Old Testament imagery, underscores the continuity of God’s salvation history and the honor that Jesus, even in the womb, brought to those who were faithful.

The Visitation: Mary and Elizabeth

Following Gabriel’s departure, Mary hastened to a Judean town in the hill country to visit her relative Elizabeth, who was also experiencing a miraculous pregnancy foretold by an angel (Luke 1:39-40). Upon Mary’s arrival, the unborn John the Baptist leaped in Elizabeth’s womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:41). This moment highlights the honor given to Jesus before His birth, as even in utero, He was recognized by John. Elizabeth exclaimed with prophetic insight, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” (Luke 1:42-43). The interaction vividly illustrates the divine recognition and honor of Jesus, acknowledged by His precursor, John.

Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months, likely departing just before John’s birth (Luke 1:56). This extended visit allowed Mary to share this period of divine favor with Elizabeth, who was in the later stages of her pregnancy. The timing was providentially appropriate, as both women were part of God’s salvific plan, supporting each other as they prepared to introduce these pivotal figures into the world.

Divine Honors Bestowed

Thus, the narrative of Jesus’s early honor is interwoven with prophetic fulfillments and divine interventions. From Gabriel’s message to Elizabeth’s prophetic greeting, every detail in these accounts emphasizes the extraordinary nature of Jesus’s mission and the divine honors that were bestowed upon Him even before His birth. These events, deeply rooted in the promises of the Old Testament, affirm the continuity and fulfillment of God’s salvific plan, manifested through Jesus Christ, who was revered and honored as the promised Messiah from the very outset.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is the CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored more than 220 books and is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).