The Life and Ministry of Jesus

The Life and Ministry of Jesus

Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” Luke 1:26–28

Remember, Mary was somewhere between the ages of twelve and fourteen. She was unread and inexperienced. She was not cosmopolitan. She did not own a TV. She did not have a computer. Knowing this, how do you suppose she felt? I think Mary felt like fainting! We can be sure that Gabriel’s buoyant greeting—“Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you”—was most necessary. Gabriel’s salutation, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you,” was a dual declaration.

First, Mary was the recipient of special divine favor. She was specially graced. Her humble estate and matching humility of soul made her the ideal receptor of God’s greatest favor. God bypassed Judea, Jerusalem, and the temple and came to a despised country, a despised town, and a humble woman. ¹

Personal Encouragement

The Word of God is our daily visitation from God. It proclaims God’s truth for us to hear and receive. His Word tells us that we are favored people, called, chosen, and adopted. His Word gives us every reason to rejoice, everyday!

The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him. Psalm 28:7

When the Lord is with you, there is every reason to rejoice.

A Prayer

Lord, thank You for not looking to the mighty, but to the humble, to do Your work.