After reveling in the announcement and miraculous conception of John the Baptist last week, our sermon series The Gospel of Luke, Part I: The Arrival of the King continues with an even greater and more miraculous announcement— the immaculate conception of Jesus Christ. In this section of Scripture, we see not only the unrivaled power, love, and sovereignty of God, but also the inspiring humility and faith of Mary.

Drew’s Main Points

• The message of God’s redemptive plan: Mary will give birth to God’s son.
• Incarnation is God’s means of accomplishing His redemptive plan.
• God’s people are to be characterized by a humble heart.

Key Takeaways

• Whereas the birth of John was miraculous, the birth of Jesus was impossible— conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary.

• In Christ, we see salvation must come in a way that only God can accomplish.

• Man’s kingdom ethic is power and status. God’s kingdom ethic is humility and grace.

• The angel Gabriel reveals Jesus as the means of fulfillment for the messianic mysteries of the Old Testament.

• If Jesus truly was the Son of God, we cannot pick and choose what we want to believe about Him. As posed by C.S. Lewis, He was either a liar, a lunatic, or Lord.

• Christ’s sinlessness was made possible through His immaculate conception, which allowed Him to uniquely possess two natures as God and man.

• Jesus is the God-Man and able to sympathize with our weaknesses. He is our captain and victorious over sin and death. He is our king and worthy of our worship.

• What humility displayed by the eternal Son of God to take on flesh and make His dwelling among us, to be obedient unto death, to die an excruciating death on the cross, and absorb the wrath of God in our place!

• We must let Christ’s example of humility in the Gospel crush our selfishness.

• Mary is the template for submission to God’s redemptive plan. Mary willingly submits to God’s plan, even when it comes at a cost.

• When we walk in obedience to God’s plan, we live out God’s purpose for our lives and bring glory to God.

• If you embrace God’s plan, He will equip you to become all He is calling you to be.
  

Discussion Questions/Application

Personal application:

• How will you trust God this week and live like Mary, “a servant of the Lord?”
  
• Reread Luke 1:23-38 and read Luke 1:39-56 in preparation for next Sunday’s message.
  

Discuss with your community group:

• In what areas do you struggle most with control rather than exhibiting humility and trust?
  
• Why is the virgin birth such a necessary and glorious reality of the Christian faith?
  

Passages Referenced 
Luke 1:26-38; Isaiah 55:8-9; John 10:25-33; Romans 1:21-25; Philippians 2:4-8; John 1:14; Luke 9:23.

Worship Set List

1,000 Names, Come Ye Sinners, Lamb of God, Thank You Jesus for the Blood, How Marvelous