A. INTRODUCTION:
1. Mary still in her teens, was engaged to Joseph. “A virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph” (Luke 1:27).
2. What was Mary like?
a. Pure; 1:27
b. Humble; 1:48
c. Sense of God’s presence; 1:28
d. Moment by moment fellowship with God; 1:28
e. Meditative; 2:19, 51
f. Grateful; 1:47
g. Submissive to God. “Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it unto me, according to Thy Word” (1:38).
3. What was Mary’s problem?
a. The integrity question. “How shall this be seeing I know not a man?”
b. The Joseph question. “Will Joseph divorce me, or have me punished?”
c. The reputation question. “What will the neighbors think and do?”
d. The practical question. “How shall this be?” (1:34). “The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee” (1:35).
4. Submission to God’s will always involves some risk.
5. What was Joseph’s problem?
a. When did Joseph find out about Mary’s condition? Before or after her trip to Elizabeth?
b. Who was the first to find out that Mary was pregnant? “Before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost” (Matt. 1:18). Unknown.
c. Joseph knew he was not responsible. “Joseph being a just man” (Matt. 1:19).
d. Why did Joseph consider a private solution? “Was minded to put her away privately” (Matt. 1:19).
(1) He doubted the source of Mary’s pregnancy.
(2) He felt unworthy to raise the Messiah.
(3) He thought Mary would raise the Messiah in the Temple.
(4) He had not talked to Mary.
e. What qualities did Joseph have?
(1) Godly.
(2) Gracious.
f. What is the greatest act of trust between a man and a woman? “He took unto him his wife, and knew her not till she had brought forth her first born son, and he called his name Jesus” (Matt. 1:24-25).
B. SUPERNATURAL CONCEPTION – HUMAN DELIVERY
1. Eternal. “The Lord (Father) said unto Me (Son), Thou art My Son. This day (eternal day) have I begotten thee” (Ps. 2:7).
2. From heaven. “What is man, that thou art mindful of him? Or the Son of Man, that thou visitest him? Thou hast made him a little lower than the angels; thou crownest him with glory and honor” (Heb. 2:6-7).
3. Prepared body. “When He cometh into the world . . . He said, a body Thou has prepared for Me” (Heb. 10:5).
4. Divine conception. “Behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shall call His name Jesus” (Luke 1:31).
5. Human delivery. “She brought forth her first born son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger” (Luke 2:7).
C. WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM MARY?
1. A godly woman knows how to worship God in all situations. “Mary said, ‘My soul doth magnify the Lord’” (1:46).
2. A godly woman rejoices in her salvation. “My (Mary’s) spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior” (1:47).
3. A godly woman is not vain and proud, but has a humble spirit. “He (the Lord) hath regarded the low estate of His handmaiden” (1:48).
4. A godly woman respects her past family and her future children. “Thou shalt call His name Jesus . . . God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David” (1:31-32). “From henceforth all generations shall call me blessed” (1:48).
5. A godly woman testifies to others what God does for her. “He that is mighty hath done to me great things” (1:49).
6. A godly woman claims the promises of God for her life. “His mercy is on them that fear Him from generation to generation” (1:50).
7. A godly woman walks patiently according to God’s plan for her life. “Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house” (1:56).
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
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