THE BIRTH OF JESUS FORETOLD

Luke 1:26-38

Key Verse: 1:38

* YOU WHO ARE HIGHLY FAVORED (26-30)

1. To what did " in the sixth month" refer? Where did God send the angel Gabriel, the same angel who had visited Zechariah?

2. What was Mary's human situation? How was it different from that of Elizabeth? What might have been uppermost in Mary's mind? What can we know about Mary's fiancee?

3. What was the angel's greeting to Mary? What was Mary's response? Why might she be greatly troubled at his words?

4. What does "highly favored" and "You have found favor with God" suggest? What was the mission God was giving Mary? Why might it be a different one for her humanly? Why is it great blessing to be given a mission from God? (Eph.2:10; Ac.9:15,16; 1 Cor.15 :9,10)

* HIS KINGDOM WILL NEVER END (31-33)

5. What would be the name of Mary's son? (What does it mean?) How is this son unique and very special? (31,32a)

6. What would be his mission? (32b,33) Find what God promised about David's kingdom. (2 Sa.7:11b-13) What will the Messiah's kingdom be like? (Isa.11:1-10; Da.7:14,18,27)

7. How would Jesus fulfill God's promise to David? What does this teach us about Jesus? About God?

*I AM THE LORD'S SERVANT (34-38)

8. What was Mary's response? Why did she hesitate? How did the angel answer her question? How could it be possible for a virgin to bear a son?

9. Why did he mention Elizabeth? How might God's work in Elizabeth's life help Mary to believe?

10. What was Mary's decision of faith? On what did she base her decision? What would be the cost? The blessing? The result of her decision? What can we learn from her about obedience?