1. Gabriel shares greetings.

2. Mary was perplexed.

NLT-confused and disturbed

“We must be prepared to distinguish light from darkness, truth from error, best from better, righteousness from unrighteousness, purity from defilement, and principles from pragmatics.” (J. Stowell, Fan The Flame, Moody, 1986, p. 44.)

3. Gabriel shares the plan.

1. Don't be afraid.
2. You have found favor.
3. You will conceive a son.
4. Details on what he will do.

Philippians tells us 2:9-11 “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” ESV

4. Mary questions.

5. Gabriel gives further instruction.

Genesis 1:2b "And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.”

6. Mary accepts.

“To be chosen by God so often means at one and the same time a crown of joy and cross of sorrow. The piercing truth is that God does not choose a person for ease and comfort and selfish joy but for a task that will take all that head and heart and hand can bring to it.” (The Gospel of Luke, Barclay, 14)

Sermon Discussion Questions

1. Have you been like Zechariah--religious but surprised when God shows up? How can you be more ready for God's work in your life?

2. In what area do you need discernment? Maybe stop right now and pray for discernment in that situation and ask others to pray this way as well.

3. Gabriel's purpose was to deliver this news to Mary. What is your purpose, and are you purposing well?

4. How has God's Spirit been revealed in and throughout your life recently? Stop a moment and think back on how God has been working. Share that with someone.

5. What are other instances in God's Word where we see God's Spirit working?

6. How can you be a "servant of the Lord" this week?