![]() ![]() Her name does not appear there, but women’s names were not normally included in genealogies. While Joseph’s genealogy in Matthew 1:1-16 shows Jesus’ connection to the royal Davidic throne, Mary’s genealogy is spelled out in Luke 3:23-38. What Was Mary’s Lineage, and Why Is That Important? In her willingness to fully surrender in obedience, she cooperated with God’s plan to bring the Messiah into the world. In her response, Mary acknowledged God’s sovereignty. ![]() May your word to me be fulfilled.” In “‘Let It Be’: Mary’s Radical Declaration of Consent,” Karen Swallow Prior wrote that the angel offered “an invitation to Mary to give a very modern turn to a very pre-modern event: verbal consent.” In ancient Middle Eastern cultures, justice toward women was not prevalent, so this verbal consent was “quite remarkable,” Prior said. Mary’s response was simple yet profound: “I am the Lord’s servant. Saying “yes” to this privilege would be an immense decision. Though likely not fully understanding how this supernatural conception would happen, Mary’s song of praise shows she knew about Messianic prophecies and promises ( Luke 1:54-55) and Gabriel said she was going to carry the Messiah in her womb. The angel asked Mary to trust God’s message about her own son, saying, “No word from God will ever fail.” She was carrying a son “in her old age”-in her sixth month of pregnancy ( Luke 1:5-25, 36). To further help Mary understand the coming miracle, Gabriel shared good news about Mary’s barren relative, Elizabeth. Christian historians suggest Mary was 15-16 years old when Jesus was born. The angel patiently explained the supernatural conception: the Holy Spirit would come upon her, or work within her, and the power of the Most High would “overshadow” or hover over her.Īccording to Jewish customs at the time, young girls could enter betrothal as early as age 12. Mary asked, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” As a chaste virgin ( v. Gabriel told Mary she would conceive and bear a son ( Luke 1:26-33), and the baby’s name would be Jesus, which means “Savior,” from the Hebrew root meaning “the Lord is Salvation.” Gabriel said this child, the Son of God, would reign in an eternal kingdom. When Gabriel appeared to Mary, she was initially “greatly troubled,” but the angel shared a wonderful surprise. Gabriel-one of God’s holy angels who stands in His presence-was entrusted to deliver important messages on God’s behalf. What Were the Angel’s Words Concerning Mary? Fleshing out these insights fosters not only appreciation for Mary, but also God’s preparations for His Son’s mission. In essence, God chose Mary because she was of the right lineage, she was from Nazareth, she was engaged to a man whose lineage set up a trip to Bethlehem, she was a virgin, and she was a young woman of good character. ![]()
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