God s promised Messiah is Jesus Christ, His Son.

Session 4 Promise Kept God s promised Messiah is Jesus Christ, His Son. LUKE 1:26-38 Many of us decorate our homes for Christmas. We make sure trees, ornaments, and lights are strategically placed in just the right spot. Most of us have a favorite decoration an ornament that reminds us of a special person or event, a manger scene, or a soldier nutcracker. For some, it doesn t feel like Christmas until our favorite item gets displayed or we hear a certain song or participate in a specific tradition. What is your favorite Christmas decoration or tradition? What are some Christmas decorations or traditions that help you keep the focus of Christmas on Christ? Date of My Bible Study: 37

UNDERSTAND THE CONTEXT LUKE 1 2 In Luke 1:11, a heavenly visitor made an earthly appearance, bringing good news. Appearing first in Daniel 8:16, the angel Gabriel appeared again on two separate but intertwined visits (Luke 1:11-20,26-31). While most angels work anonymously, the Bible reveals the names of two archangels: Michael and Gabriel. Michael served as guardian of the people of Israel (Dan. 10:13,21; 12:1) and commands the forces of God against the dragon in a war in heaven (Rev. 12:7-9). Gabriel delivered messages from God (Dan. 8:16; 9:21; Luke 1:11,26). At his first appearance recorded in the New Testament, Gabriel informed Zechariah and Elizabeth they would have a child, even though they were past childbearing age (Luke 1:5-25). This baby, who would be known as John the Baptist, would be a Nazirite (Num. 6:1-21; Luke 1:15) and a forerunner to the Messiah, helping prepare the hearts of the people (1:16-17). Zechariah and Elizabeth faithfully served the Lord (1:6). He served as a temple priest, while she was a descendant of Aaron (1:5) and a relative of Mary (1:36). Zechariah was overwhelmed by Gabriel s message, expressing disbelief (1:18). Demonstrating the power and authority of God, Gabriel silenced Zechariah s voice until after the official naming and circumcising of John on the eighth day (1:59-67). Six months later, in his second New Testament appearance (1:26-38), Gabriel visited a young woman named Mary, a descendant of David. Though hesitant at first, her response was different than Zechariah s, for Mary responded with faith. Through Mary, God would fulfill His long-awaited promise the promise of a Savior (2 Sam. 7:12-13; Isa. 7:14; 9:7) as first witnessed by the shepherds (Luke 2:1-19). Notice the angel s description of Jesus in Luke 1:32-33. What does this teach about Jesus relationship with believers? 38 Explore the Bible Personal Study Guide

EXPLORE THE TEXT THE GREETING (LUKE 1:26-29) 26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you. 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. VERSES 26-29 If you were to deliver a message that eventually would reach the entire world, how would you deliver your announcement? Social media would probably be the choice of many people today. But what about God? In delivering the birth announcement of His Son, God used His divine messenger, the angel Gabriel. Six months after announcing Elizabeth s pregnancy (Luke 1:13), Gabriel made another visit. Instead of stopping at Jerusalem, the center of Jewish life and worship in Israel, the angel visited the lowly town of Nazareth, located in Galilee. Archaeologists believe Nazareth had a population of about four hundred residents during Jesus time. Jews who lived there were often met with ridicule by other Jews. For example, when told that Jesus was from Nazareth, Nathanael questioned if anything good could come from there (John 1:45-46). The lack of respect given Nazareth was probably due to the unpolished dialect of its residents, lack of culture, and small size. Out of all the places that God could select, Nazareth of Galilee seemed the least likely destination, but it was here that God sent His appointed messenger. God often uses places and people that many would overlook (Isa. 57:15; Luke 1:52). Twice in verse 27 Mary is called a virgin, underscoring the fulfillment of the messianic prophecy regarding Jesus birth (Isa. 7:14; Matt. 1:18; Luke 1:35). The importance of the virgin birth of Jesus cannot be overstated. It testifies of both His deity and His being without sin (Heb. 4:15). Not only was Mary a virgin, but she was pledged to be married to a man named Joseph. In Mary s day, engagements consisted of a public ceremony before witnesses. The couple was considered legally married but did not live or sleep Session 4 : Promise Kept 39

together. Although the woman continued living with her parents until the wedding day, the man had legal responsibility for the woman. Only death or divorce could break the engagement (Deut. 22:23-30). Both Mary and Joseph were descendants of David, but unlike David, they were poor peasants (Luke 2:24), supported by Joseph s work as a carpenter (Matt. 13:55). Out of these humble beginnings, God s promises made centuries earlier were fulfilled through Mary, reminding all believers that God will always keep His promises. In the eyes of God, Mary found undeserved, unmerited grace. Mary could rejoice because the Lord gave her the gift of His intimate, personal presence. God s gift of grace wasn t for Mary alone, but through Jesus God would offer grace to all. While Mary serves as an enduring example of faith, humility, and service, God s choice of her to bring Jesus into the world does not make her an object of worship. How did Mary respond to Gabriel s message? She was greatly troubled or perplexed, as anyone would be who received such a message from God s angels. The divine message from God s divine messenger stirred up confusion in the young teenage girl, causing her mind to race with all kinds of questions. Because of His great love for His creation, God took the initiative and revealed His plan of redemption. Through Mary, God would bring His Son into the world, so that people everywhere can live eternally with Him, showing that poor reputations and humble beginnings are no match for the grace of God. What is the relationship between God s grace and His promised presence? Why is it important for people to understand that God takes the initiative to relate to humanity and to provide salvation? THE PROMISE (LUKE 1:30-33) 30 But the angel said to her, Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end. 40 Explore the Bible Personal Study Guide

VERSES 30-31 Repeating what he told Zechariah in verse 13, Gabriel told Mary not to fear. Jesus would repeat those same words, spoken at His conception, throughout His earthly ministry (Matt. 14:27; 17:7) as He replaced fear with faith in the hearts of His people. Experiencing God s favor, Mary had no reason to fear because God s plans are always good for those who respond to Him. Jesus was not God s Plan B. The birth of Jesus was part of His plan of salvation from the beginning. In the Bible, names often have meanings, describing a person s path or future. The name Jesus means Yahweh is Salvation, indicating the reason He left heaven for earth. Foretold long before His birth, the first mention of the coming of Jesus took place in the Garden of Eden when God judged the serpent for deceiving Eve and Adam (Gen. 3:15). Jesus was not God s Plan B. The birth of Jesus was part of His plan of salvation from the beginning. His coming was mentioned when Isaiah the prophet provided a fuller description of God s plan (Isa. 9:2-7; 11:1-2). In the fullness of time, Jesus was born just as God promised (Gal. 4:4). When God makes a promise, He fulfills it completely. His Word is trustworthy and reliable. While the words of humankind pass away, God s words permanently remain. Why is knowing the promises of God important for believers? How does God s keeping of His past promises give people hope for today? KEY DOCTRINE: God the Son Christ is the eternal Son of God. In His incarnation as Jesus Christ He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary (Luke 1:31-33). Session 4 : Promise Kept 41

VERSES 32-33 What makes the birth of Jesus the greatest birth in the history of humanity? Gabriel outlined four reasons for His greatness. First, Jesus is the Son of the Most High, meaning the Supreme God. As Mary s son, Jesus would be fully human; as the Son of the Most High, He would be fully God. The reason for Jesus greatness was not because He was Mary s son, but because He was God s Son. Second, Jesus greatness is seen in that God will give him the throne of his father David, fulfilling God s covenant of a perpetual kingdom from David s lineage (2 Sam. 7:13-16). Third, Jesus is great because he will reign over Jacob s descendants forever, fulfilling God s covenant with Abraham (Gen. 12:1-3). The phrase Jacob s descendants refers to the nation Israel. With the birth of Jesus, God would fulfill all His promises to the patriarchs of old. Fourth, Jesus is great because his kingdom will never end (Rev. 17:14; 19:16). Besides the reasons listed above, what other things would you point to that make Jesus great? The reason for Jesus greatness was not because He was Mary s son, but because He was God s Son. THE EXPLANATION (LUKE 1:34-37) 34 How will this be, Mary asked the angel, since I am a virgin? 35 The angel answered, The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail. VERSES 34-35 Unlike Zechariah s response of unbelief, Mary s response was one of wanting details; she questioned how God could perform such a miracle. Gabriel s answer was straightforward. Through the power of 42 Explore the Bible Personal Study Guide

the Holy Spirit, God would overshadow her. The One who created the human body with its complex structure of organs, muscles, bones, and cells certainly understood its reproductive system. Considering the fact that by the sound of His voice the world burst into existence, storms settled down, the sick received healing, and the dead were raised to life, bringing a baby into the world would be a simple matter. Gabriel pointed out that Jesus birth was holy, calling Him the holy one. This birth was holy because of its design. The Spirit of God formed this child in His mother s womb, apart from natural conception. Moreover, this birth was holy because of its Designer. God s holiness was part of Jesus DNA. This was no ordinary child. This Child was Deity God s very own Son, the Savior of the world. VERSE 36 Gabriel offered evidence of God s divine authority over the human body, telling Mary about Elizabeth s pregnancy. Saddled with the stigma of being childless in a culture that valued large families, God granted Elizabeth s request for a child. During a time when Mary would be ridiculed for bearing a child that was not Joseph s, God gave Mary a relative who could relate to her and be a source of comfort, shelter, and encouragement. Only Jesus can fill empty hearts with inexpressible joy. VERSE 37 Before leaving, Gabriel assured Mary, no word from God will ever fail. Centuries earlier, Abraham and Sarah heard this same message when the angels informed them they would have a son in their old age (Gen. 18:14). As an adult, Jesus would make this same declaration regarding salvation (Luke 18:27). Believers can have confidence that Jesus is the Son of God who came to save those who follow Him. Only Jesus can fill empty hearts with inexpressible joy. Why is it important for people to know that Jesus was the Son of God? How does His identity give us clues about why Jesus came to earth? Session 4 : Promise Kept 43

THE COMMITMENT (LUKE 1:38) 38 I am the Lord s servant, Mary answered. May your word to me be fulfilled. Then the angel left her. VERSE 38 With an attitude of total surrender, Mary gave herself over to God s will. Then the angel left her, perhaps ascending Jacob s ladder (Gen. 28:12). The word translated servant literally means slave. It s the same word used by Paul (Rom. 1:1), James (Jas. 1:1), Peter (2 Pet. 1:1), Jude (Jude 1:1), and John (Rev. 1:1), describing their relationship with Christ. The word paints a clear picture of the believer s relationship with the Lord. With His blood, Jesus redeemed or purchased the believer s salvation. As a result, every believer belongs to Him. When God speaks, the only acceptable response is willing obedience with a humble commitment to serve Him, as Mary did. In humble submission, Mary became the instrument God used to bring His Son and His gift of salvation into the world. Just imagine what would happen if all believers responded to God s truth with humble obedience. How are obedience and humility connected? How do they work together in the life of a believer? BIBLE SKILL: Use other Scripture to help comprehend an event described in a Bible passage. Luke 1:26-56; 2:1-7 presents Mary s perspective of her pregnancy and childbirth. Compare Mary s perspective to Joseph s view recorded in Matthew 1:18-25. What do these passages reveal about the couple God chose to rear Jesus? What characteristics do both share? 44 Explore the Bible Personal Study Guide

IN MY CONTEXT God takes the initiative in providing the way of salvation. God fulfills His promises completely. Believers can have confidence that Jesus is the Son of God who came to save those who follow Him. Believers can respond to God s truth with obedience and humility. What can you do this Christmas to keep the focus on Christ? How can you express your appreciation to God for His incredible salvation through the way you celebrate Jesus birth? Reflect on Luke 1:33. Memorize the verse. How does this promise give you confidence today? With whom can you share this verse on Christmas day? Discuss as a group ways you can live obediently and humbly to God s Word in both action and attitude. List possible ways your group can help others live obediently and humbly. What actions need to be incorporated into the life of your group in light of your discussion? Review the information on the inside front cover of this book. Thank God for taking the initiative to provide for your salvation. If you want to know more about making that decision, contact your group leader. Prayer Needs Session 4 : Promise Kept 45