Monday Discussion ~ Believing the Story ~ Luke 1:26-38

Each Monday I will be posting reflections from the sermon and discussion questions for any groups working through the sermon texts with us.

Every day we find ourselves fighting – fighting our circumstances, fighting others, fighting ourselves and our own tendencies. We tend to see the world as a place of opposition, where we must work and strive to get what we want and need. We are unused to receiving gifts and good news. So, when it comes – often we are unprepared. We ask ourselves, what is really going on? What’s the catch? What do I have do?

And this is why it is so hard for us to hear the gospel – because the only adequate response to the grace of God is the response we read today in Luke 1:38 – ‘Let it be to me, according to your word.’

Mary, from the film 'Son of Man'

The story of Mary is deservedly famous. A humble maiden, with little experience in the world, is met by a vision of possibility and transformation. She does not understand what it all means, what it will cost her, or even what it will look like. Yet Mary’s response of faith in the midst of great uncertainty is a model for us as we receive good news in our hearts.

26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” 35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Introduction Question

Where in your life to do you most feel in control? (Work, family, body etc?) Where in your life do you feel least in control?

Questions

1. Mary has a visit from an angel, just like Zechariah. In fact, it is the same angel who visits her. How is Mary’s situation different from Zechariah’s? (See Luke 1:5-13).

3. Mary asks the same question that Zechariah asks – ‘how can this be?’ Zechariah is silenced, but Mary is encouraged. Why does Mary get different treatment from Zechariah?

4. The angel Gabriel says 3 things in verse 35-37 to Mary when she asks how it will happen.

a.       “The Holy Spirit will come upon…. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy.” God is going to do this through the Holy Spirit because he wants the fruit to be holy. God must be the one who does it.

-          Why is it important that this child be born of a virgin? 

b.      “Behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren.” This is a hint that God has already done remarkable things. Perhaps this new thing might be possible for Him.  

-          Have you ever seen hints or clues of God at work that have encouraged you to be more trusting?

c.       “Nothing will be impossible with God.” Ultimately, this astonishing promise can be trusted because it is God who makes it.

-          What places in your life simply require a trust that God can do it when nowhere else can?

5. Mary responds with a very simple reply. “Let it be to me as you say.” Mary’s response is often seen as a perfect example of faithfulness. Do you agree? What does her response teach us about faith?

6. Where in your life do you simply need to say to God ‘Let it be’?