The Birth of Jesus Foretold
Luke 1:26-38
Key Verse: 1:32
1. Review briefly what happened to Zechariah and Elizabeth in the previous passage (Skim 1:5-25). Where and to whom did the angel Gabriel visit next? What was Mary’s life situation?
2. What was the angel’s greeting? (28) What does it meant to be “highly favored,” and to “find favor with God”? (30) Why was Mary so greatly troubled and fearful (29)? What was the mission God was giving Mary and why might this be hard for her to bear humanly? (31)
3. How did the angel describe the child that would be born through Mary? (32-33) What does this tell us about his uniqueness and character? What would be his mission and privilege? What do you know about David’s kingdom? (1 Ch 17:10b-12; Ac 13:36) About the Messiah’s kingdom? (Isa 11:1-9; Da 7:14,18,27)
4. Why was it hard for her to accept the angel’s words? (34) How did the angel answer her question and how could it be possible for a virgin to bear a son? (35) What evidence of God’s power encouraged her to believe? (36-37)
5. What was Mary’s decision of faith? (38) What was the basis for her decision? What can you learn from her about obedience? Think about the great cost and the great privilege that would result from her decision.