Conceived By The Holy Spirit (Luke 1:26-38, Isaiah 9:1-7)
Rev. William L. Barron, December 17, 2023Part of the Advent Series: Christ Coming To Build His Church series, preached at a Sunday Morning service
Paul, in Galatians 4, explained, " But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons." The coming of the Messiah was in accordance with God's perfect plan. The Jews in the promised land in this time had the many benefits that came with occupation by the Roman Empire, including roads, communications and public works. Before the Romans came, they labored under the Greek culture brought by Alexander the Great. Isaiah, writing centuries before, saw the coming of the Roman development in this "fullness of time." Isaiah also said there would be no gloom in the district of Galilee, where the Messiah was foretold to be born. The glorious way to the sea was the Roman road system. His ministry was to begin in Capernaum on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Back to Luke, the betrothal between Mary and Joseph was described, leaving no doubt that Mary was a virgin. God brought forth children of the promise to barren women. But now, Mary, a humble woman, was to find favor with God and to give birth to the Savior as a virgin. Mary was troubled at first with the message of the angel Gabriel. Her Son would be great, Son of the Most High, or the Son of God. Mary asked Gabriel how this could be, since she was a virgin. Gabriel said that the power of the Holy Spirit would overshadow her, as He did at creation. If Jesus' father were a mere man, He would be a sinful person. Instead, by being conceived by the Holy Spirit, Jesus would be fully divine and fully human. Jesus was a normal person, yet without original sin, and though tempted, remained holy. Jesus is the fulfillment of the Immanuel Principle. Mary received a irrevocable promise of God. Gabriel also gave assurance to Joseph. Jesus' person and work required that His conception would be miraculous.
| Earlier: | Same day: | Later: |
|---|---|---|
| « What Sort Of King Is The King Of Glory? | None | Born Of The Virgin Mary » |
Luke 1:26–38 (Listen)
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.
(ESV)
Isaiah 9:1–7 (Listen)
9:1 But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.
2 The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
on them has light shone.
3 You have multiplied the nation;
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as they are glad when they divide the spoil.
4 For the yoke of his burden,
and the staff for his shoulder,
the rod of his oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.
5 For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult
and every garment rolled in blood
will be burned as fuel for the fire.
6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.
(ESV)