We now read of the birth of Jesus being foretold, and the same angel Gabriel is sent on the mission. Both here and in Matthew the birth of Jesus is clearly presented as a virgin birth. Now some people seem to have a problem with this, however I really cannot see what there problem is. Let's look at a few of the facts.
- Matthew and Luke are quite clear that the people knew that "virgin births" do not normally happen! Any notion that they were just stupid people who didn't really know how life works are totally without foundation.
- The Bible clearly presents the birth of Jesus as a virgin birth.
- If God created the whole universe and everything in it, then a virgin birth should not be beyond His capabilities.
- Most importantly, we need to consider what is happening here. God Himself is coming to earth as a man. Jesus is fully God and fully man. So it is not surprising if things are a bit unusual!
Mary is troubled when the angel appears, but the angel urges her not to be afraid. The angel then tells her that she is going to give birth to a son who will be Son of the Most High. He will reign over Israel for ever. Jesus is the king Israel was always meant to have.
Mary, not surprisingly, asks "how can this be?". She is not questioning that it will be, just wondering how on earth it will happen. Gabriel tells her that it will be by the Holy Spirit that she conceives. He tells her about Elizabeth and assures her that God's word will be fulfilled.
A contrast is often drawn between Zechariah's unbelief and Mary's faith. Actually the dividing line between the two is very slim indeed in my opinion. There is a relatively small step from doubt to belief.
Mary submits to the word of God. In all this we do well to remember that Mary was probably a very young woman, hardly much more than a girl.
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