Learn the Story of Jesus
Season 2: The Story of Jesus Begins
2.2 — Gabriel Appears to Mary
Gabriel Appears to Mary: God announces the coming birth of Jesus Christ, the promised Savior and Son of God.
2.2 — Gabriel Appears to Mary
The Angel’s Message and the Promise of Jesus
After Gabriel appeared to Zechariah announcing the birth of John the Baptist, God sent the angel to a young woman named Mary.
Mary lived in Nazareth, a small town in Galilee.
She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph.
Though Mary appeared ordinary by the world’s standards, God chose her for an extraordinary purpose.
Gabriel brought a message that would change history forever.
Mary would give birth to Jesus, the promised Messiah.
This announcement fulfilled generations of Old Testament promises and marked the beginning of God entering the world through Jesus Christ.
The Savior was coming.
Scripture References
Luke 1:26–38
Isaiah 7:14
Isaiah 9:6–7
Matthew 1:18–25
Micah 5:2
John 1:14
The Story
Six months after Gabriel appeared to Zechariah, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth.
Gabriel greeted Mary and told her that she had found favor with God.
Mary was troubled and confused by the message.
Gabriel told her not to be afraid.
The angel announced that Mary would give birth to a son and that His name would be Jesus.
Gabriel explained that Jesus would be great and would be called the Son of the Most High.
He would reign forever and His Kingdom would never end.
Mary asked how this could happen since she was not yet married.
Gabriel explained that the Holy Spirit would come upon her and that this child would be holy.
The child would be the Son of God.
Gabriel also told Mary that her relative Elizabeth was expecting a child in her old age.
Then Gabriel declared:
“For nothing will be impossible with God.”
Mary responded with humility and faith.
She said:
“Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.”
With those words, Mary accepted God’s plan for her life.
Understanding the Story
Who Was Mary?
Mary was a young Jewish woman living in Nazareth.
Though she lived an ordinary life, God chose her to become the mother of Jesus.
Christians honor Mary for her faith, humility, and willingness to obey God.
What Does the Name Jesus Mean?
The name Jesus means:
“The Lord saves.”
Christians believe Jesus came to bring salvation and rescue people from sin.
What Does “Son of the Most High” Mean?
Gabriel’s message revealed that Jesus was more than a prophet or teacher.
Christians believe Jesus is the Son of God.
Why Was Mary Afraid?
Angelic appearances often caused fear because they revealed God’s power and presence.
Mary was also overwhelmed by the unexpected message and responsibility she received.
Understanding Jesus
Marriage and Engagement Customs
In Jewish culture during the time of Jesus, engagement was much more serious than a modern dating relationship. An engagement, often called a betrothal, was a legally recognized commitment between a man and woman before the marriage ceremony took place. Though the couple did not yet live together, they were considered committed to one another. This helps explain why Gabriel’s message to Mary created uncertainty, fear, and potential social risk for both Mary and Joseph.
Angels in the Bible
Angels were important messengers throughout Scripture. In the Bible, angels often appeared during significant moments in God’s plan, bringing guidance, warnings, encouragement, or announcements from God. Their appearances frequently caused fear and awe because they revealed God’s power and presence. Gabriel’s appearance to Mary signaled that God was beginning to fulfill His promises through the coming of Jesus Christ.
Old Testament Connections
Gabriel’s announcement connected directly to Old Testament prophecy.
Isaiah had spoken of a child who would be called Immanuel, meaning “God with us.”
Isaiah also described a coming ruler called:
Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God,
Eternal Father,
Prince of Peace.
The promise that Jesus would reign forever connected to God’s covenant promises to King David.
Christians believe Jesus fulfilled these promises.
Understanding Jesus
This lesson helps readers better understand:
Jewish marriage customs,
engagement traditions,
angelic messages in Scripture,
messianic prophecy,
and the importance of faith and obedience.
Connections can also be made to:
Feasts, Festivals, Seasons, and the Jewish Calendar,
and
Feasts and Festivals in the Time of Jesus,
because Jewish worship traditions and sacred seasons shaped the world Mary lived in.
Key Themes
God Uses Ordinary People
Mary was not wealthy or politically powerful.
Yet God used her in a remarkable way.
God Keeps His Promises
The announcement of Jesus’ birth fulfilled promises spoken generations earlier.
Faith Requires Trust
Mary accepted God’s plan even though she did not fully understand everything ahead.
Jesus Is the Promised Savior
Gabriel’s message revealed that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah.
Why This Lesson Matters
Mary’s story reminds believers that God often works through humble and faithful people.
Her response also teaches trust and obedience during uncertain situations.
This lesson reveals that Christianity is centered on God entering human history personally through Jesus Christ.
The birth of Jesus was not only a historical event.
Christians believe it was the fulfillment of God’s plan of salvation.
Connecting to Jesus
Gabriel’s announcement revealed the identity and mission of Jesus before His birth.
Jesus would be:
the promised Messiah,
the Son of God,
the eternal King,
and the Savior of the world.
Christians believe Jesus entered the world to bring forgiveness, grace, truth, reconciliation with God, and eternal hope.
The story of salvation was unfolding exactly as God promised.
Living the Message
Mary’s response teaches believers to trust God even during uncertain moments.
This week:
Spend time praying about areas where God may be calling you to trust Him more deeply.
Reflect on Mary’s willingness to obey even without knowing every detail of the future.
Encourage someone facing uncertainty or fear.
Read Luke 1 slowly and notice Mary’s humility and faith.
Remember that God often works through ordinary people in powerful ways.
Reflection Questions
Why was Gabriel’s message to Mary so important?
Possible answers:
Gabriel announced the coming birth of Jesus, the promised Messiah and Son of God.
Why was Mary afraid or confused?
Possible answers:
The message was unexpected, overwhelming, and life-changing.
Angelic appearances also inspired fear and awe.
What does Mary’s response teach about faith?
Possible answers:
Faith often involves trusting God even when people do not fully understand His plans.
How does this lesson connect to Old Testament prophecy?
Possible answers:
The announcement fulfilled promises about the coming Messiah spoken through prophets like Isaiah.
What does this lesson teach about God’s character?
Possible answers:
God is faithful, powerful, loving, and able to accomplish His promises.
GROW Framework
Grounded in Scripture
God fulfilled His promises through the coming birth of Jesus Christ.
Reasons We Believe
The announcement to Mary connects directly to Old Testament prophecy and God’s plan of salvation.
Obedience in Action
Trust God even when His plans feel uncertain or unexpected.
Walk It Out
Read Luke 1 this week and reflect on Mary’s faith, humility, and willingness to obey God.
Continue Learning
The Story of Jesus Begins: 2.3 — Joseph Chooses Faith
The Story of Jesus Begins: 2.1 Gabriel Appears to Zechariah
Waiting for a Savior: Season 1 Waiting for the Savior
Understanding Jesus: Cultural Insights
Feasts, Festivals, Seasons, and the Jewish Calendar
Feasts and Festivals in the Time of Jesus
God’s promises were becoming reality.
The Savior was coming into the world.
The story of Jesus was unfolding exactly as God had planned.
Learn more about Christian discipleship and spiritual growth through worship, study, prayer, service, and daily faith at PGUM.org.
