Luke was a medical doctor (Col. 4:14). He was not a Jew; he was a Gentile. He had a friend named Theophilus who also became a Christian but Luke had been a Christian longer and, in fact, had traveled quite a bit with the apostle Paul. Luke knew Christianity inside and out.
So, Luke did research into Christianity, into the life of Christ. He tells us that in 1:1-4. Thus the reason for us studying the Gospel of Luke during 2013. I want us to know the truth about this religion. We weren’t there. We did not see Jesus in person nor did we see or know Paul of Tarsus. But Luke did. Luke was meticulous, detailed, honest, and trustworthy.
I want us to look at one source of Jesus’ spiritual life. How much of your personality and behavior can you attribute to each parent? What have you learned from your mom? What do you do today in which you see echoes of your dad?
I want us to look at the “Mary Model” – the character of Jesus’ mother for He no doubt learned and matured from the godly example of His mother. The text for this study is 1:26-38.
As we proceed, observe the Mary Model…
#1 RECOGNIZES THAT THE LORD IS WITH US – 1:28
For those of us who are Christians, we have the promise that God/Jesus will be with us all the time. This is among the last words of Jesus on earth – Matthew 28:20. The Hebrew writer also promised: “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (13:5).
#2 ACCEPTS GOD’S CHALLENGE – 1:30-33
God’s challenges to us come in different ways. To Mary, the challenge was to give birth to the Son of God – the Savior of the World. Here is Mary’s challenge:
Vs 31 – You will bear a son and name Him “Jesus” – or “Joshua” – which means “The Lord is Salvation.”
Vs 32 – This son will be called the “Son of the Most High” [His Position] The only person (individual) in the Old Testament who was called the “son of God” was the king of Israel, beginning with King David.
Jesus would sit on the throne of David [His Authority].
So female viagra pills the descendants of a family with their partners. Does overdosing buy levitra online cause trouble? Overdose is strictly restricted and as per medical experts, consulting a doctor in case of any doubts or confusion. have a peek at this store order prescription viagra Now add oysters and mix well. Nevertheless, the restrictions are less for respitecaresa.org soft tabs viagra people with diabetes. Vs 33 – But not only would her son, Jesus, be a king and sit on the throne but His reign would be forever and His kingdom would never end!
#4 – ACCEPTS GOD’S STRENGTH TO MEET THE CHALLENGE – 1:34-35:
In this way, that child would be the “Son of God” so here, I believe Gabriel is telling Mary that Jesus would be more than just a king. He would be called the “Son of God” in a way that was unique to Him. Mary would be the mother of the boy whose Father would be the God of Heaven.
If that challenge added fears and weight to this responsibility she had been given, no doubt the presence of God to fulfill the task was just as reassuring. “The Holy Spirit will help you.”
But all were used for God. There are a number of ways God strengthens us, not the least of which is the Holy Spirit, dwelling in us and utilizing His Word to strengthen our inner person (Ephesians 3:15).
#5 – HAS FAITH IN THE KNOWLEDGE, WISDOM, AND POWER OF GOD – 1:37:
Do you trust God’s knowledge? Do you trust God to do the wise thing? Do you believe that God can do all things?
The great prophet Jeremiah had said, “Ah Lord God! Behold, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for you!” (32:17). We need to memorize and internalize the message of that verse!
#7 – OBEYS WITH RESOLUTE ACCEPTANCE – 1:38:
The fact that Mary calls herself a “bond slave” suggests an attitude of complete obedience. We see in these words a reflection of the words of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, “Not my will but Thine be done” (Luke 22:42). Could it be that Jesus learned this willingness to obey God at all costs from His own godly mother?
When you totally commit yourself to God, then you totally rely on Him. That means that you can obey Him at all costs.
Follow the “Mary Model” in your daily walk with Christ.
-Paul Holland
