The Story of Mary

A Study of the Women in the Genealogy of Jesus

Luke 1:26–38

Part 5

It would seem that Mary is out of place in this list of fallen, foreign and unusual women in the genealogy of Jesus, but that is not the case. Who would have thought that a poor, Galilean girl would be chosen to bear the Son of God? Mary was just a young girl, betrothed to Joseph, living an ordinary life when God intervened and made her the most revered woman in the Bible.

Mary was from Nazareth in Galilee. We know that she was related to Zechariah and Elizabeth who were the parents of John the Baptist. Mary has been described as a woman of great faith who allowed God to use her. She submitted to His will no matter what the cost—and there was great cost. In the custom of that day, girls were betrothed for one year from the age of 11–14. It is possible that Mary was as young as 12 when Jesus was born. She was a devout believer in God, and she knew the Word. She knew that the Old Testament prophesied that a virgin would bear a son and call Him Immanuel.

In Luke chapter three we find the long–awaited story played out. Gabriel visits this young virgin girl, Mary, in Nazareth and tells her that she is highly favored by God. This means that she has much grace and unmerited favor in the eyes of God. He has chosen Mary! She is disturbed and confused because she really doesn’t fully understand. Gabriel then tells her the plan that she will become with child and give birth to the Son of the Most High, Jesus. Mary is still confused as she is a virgin. Gabriel further explains that the Holy Spirit will come upon her, so that the One who will be born will be the Son of God. (I just turned on the “track changes” here, so check above)

Mary asked no more questions. She simply responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.” She trusted God to work out all the details and placed herself in His hands.

Questions

1. How was Mary’s role foreshadowed in Isaiah 7:14?
2. What prepared Mary for Gabriel’s visit?
3. What was Mary’s response to Gabriel’s words from God?
4. How would Mary suffer for her decision to trust God? Think beyond Jesus birth.
5. Mary was planning a wedding. How did Joseph respond to this? See Matthew 1:19–21.
6. What do we see about Mary’s character in this story?
7. What loyal and faithful things does Mary say about God in her song? See Luke 1:46–50.
8. Has God ever upset your apple cart? How did you respond?
9. What is God’s plan right now for your life? Can you say, “I am the Lord’s servant”? Do you trust God for the details?

Digging Deeper

Sometimes it is difficult to accept the plan that God has for our lives. We need the confirmation of others. When Mary visited her relative, Elizabeth, she was filled with the Holy Spirit and confirmed what the angel had told Mary (Luke 1:39–45).

Matthew’s genealogy, found in Matthew 1, is the actual legal line of Jesus through Joseph according to Jewish custom. His version traces the Kingly line of Christ through Joseph starting with Abraham. Luke’s genealogy found in Luke 3:23–37 was written with the Gentiles in mind and gives a biological, physical line of Jesus through Mary all the way back to Adam.

P.S. Don’t forget to check out the Leader’s Guide and Resources!