The Life and Ministry of Jesus
But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” Luke 1:29–33
Mary would become the mother of the promised Messiah whom she would name Jesus (“Jehovah is salvation”). Note that Gabriel affirmed both the deity and the humanity of Jesus. As Mary’s son, He would be human; as Son of the Highest (Luke 1:32), He would be the Son of God (Luke 1:35). “For unto us a Child is born [His humanity], unto us a Son is given [His deity]” (Isa. 9:6).
The emphasis is on the greatness of the Son, not the greatness of the mother. Jesus came to earth to be the Savior of the world, but He also came to fulfill the promises God made to the Jewish fathers. Today, Jesus is enthroned in heaven, but it is not on David’s throne. One day Jesus will return and establish His righteous kingdom on earth. 1
Personal Encouragement
How does Jesus minister to you in His humanity? How does Jesus minister to you in His deity? What would your life be like today, if Jesus never came to earth?
And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21
Because He came to earth, I can go to heaven.
A Prayer
Lord, thank You for coming and dying for me, to save me from the penalty of my sins.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
