Luke 1:34
Unlike Zechariah's response, Mary did not doubt the truthfulness of the promise. She only wondered about
how it would come about. Gabriel answered her without rebuke (v. 35).
Luke 1:35
Some have argued the idea of a virgin conception is based on parallels from pagan myths. However, the so-called parallels are typically manufactured by those looking to find them. Most "virgin conception" stories promoted as parallels to the biblical account refer to encounters between gods and women in which the woman was a virgin before the encounter but not after.
Holy Spirit. God's Spirit and power generated the human son, Jesus.
will come over you. Luke used the same word in the Greek version of the Old Testament (called the Septuagint or LXX) for God's overshadowing the temple (Exod. 40:35). Previously, God displayed his power and presence in a glorious cloud over the completed temple. Here he would display himself in the person of Jesus.
Son of God. A messianic title (see 4:41; Acts 9:20, 22) that had greater implications for Jesus as God in the flesh (John 1:14). One should not conclude that God the Son was created at this moment. Instead, the human body of Jesus was created for the incarnation of the Son (see John 1:1, 14, 18; Phil. 2:5-7; Heb. 1:3; 10:5). See
WCF 8.2;
WLC 36, 37;
WSC 21, 22;
BC 9, 18;
HC 35.
Luke 1:36-37
relative. Can indicate a close relative like a sister or cousin as well as a kinswomen of the same tribe.
conceived. The angel told Mary of Elizabeth's supernatural pregnancy (vv. 13-17). It was a sign to encourage Mary's faith. Given her age and former barrenness, it was evidence that
nothing will be impossible for God.
Luke 1:38
servant of the Lord. Mary served as an example of true faith. Despite the shocking news it brought, she believed and obeyed God's word (see 22:42).
Luke 1:41
jumped. Even as an unborn child, John was so full of the Spirit (v. 15), that he joyfully recognized the presence of Jesus's mother. He was already preparing the way for Messiah (vv. 17, 76).
filled with the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth was so filled by God the Spirit that she was moved to worship God the Father because of God the Son (vv. 42-45).
Luke 1:42
Blessed. Mary was most blessed among women because of the blessedness of her son. See
WLC 37;
WSC 22;
BC 18.
Luke 1:45
Mary is blessed for carrying the Messiah (vv. 42-43). She is also blessed for her faith to believe the promises of God.
Luke 1:46-55
Mary's song of praise and thanksgiving is a collection of Scripture references. She prayed Scripture back to God. She made several allusions to the Psalms as well as portions of Genesis, Job, Isaiah, Micah. She modeled the basic form of her prayer after Hannah's prayer who was also given a son by the Lord (1 Sam. 1:11; 2:1-10). Her commitment to treasuring God's word in her heart (Ps. 119:11) is a sign of her evident godliness. See
HC 122.
Luke 1:46-47
praises. Mary magnifies the Lord's greatness. This has been revealed in the way he sent the Messiah into the world.
savior. Mary is not sinless. Part of her joy in God comes from the salvation he gave to her.
Luke 1:48
low condition. Mary was a young woman from an unimportant town. She was not great according to the world, yet God chose to use her to bring Jesus into the world.
all generations. Mary would not be forgotten as the mother of Jesus (v. 42).
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