Following the Lord Jesus Christ: #4 Prophecies

Continuing to follow the True and Living Way through the gospels, we come across these significant prophecies about our Lord Jesus Christ around the time of his birth. Let’s sit awhile and contemplate each occasion, considering the influence on those who initially received these words, and then how they speak to us today about him whom we love.

 The Angel Gabriel to Mary

Luke 1:26-38:
And in the sixth month [of Elisabeth’s pregnancy] the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.
And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured [charitoō, graced with special honor], the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
And when she saw him, she was troubled [diatarassō, thoroughly distressed] at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
For with God nothing shall be impossible.
And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

When Gabriel first saluted Mary, in spite of his encouraging words, she became quite distressed. He quickly reassured her that there was no need to fear, but then he gave her some quite startling news: she would conceive and bring forth a son. Not only that, but her son was the following:

1) given the name of Jesus, Yeshua, meaning “savior”

2) he would be great

3) he would be called the Son of the Highest

4) the Lord God would give him the throne of his father David

5) he would reign over the house of Jacob forever

6) of his kingdom there would be no end

7) he would be called the Son of God

It’s amazing to me that Mary did not balk at nor question any of this! Of course, all of Israel had been anticipating God’s savior to the world for many centuries as “written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms” (Luke 24:44). For instance, “The Lord God would give him the throne of his father David,” was promised long before in the Psalms.

Psalms 132:11:
The Lord hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne.

And we find “he would reign over the house of Jacob forever” here in Micah.

Micah 4:7:
And I will make her that halted a remnant, and her that was cast far off a strong nation: and the Lord shall reign over them in mount Zion from henceforth, even for ever.

“Of his kingdom there would be no end” appears here in Daniel.

Daniel 4:3:
How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation.

So apparently the news of the coming of the savior did not surprise Mary, as she seems to have received it with grace. But she did have a rather vital question, “How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?”

Zacharias had recently asked Gabriel a similar question about how he and his wife would become parents of John the Baptist. “Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.” Gabriel answered him that, because Zacharias did not believe the angel’s words, he would be “stricken dumb and unable to speak until the day that those things would be performed.”

Yet Gabriel did not respond to Mary in a similar manner. Why not? Because her question was not a matter of unbelief, it was only a matter of “how,” of logistics. And it’s a good thing she asked, because the answer was, “The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.”

God was going to make it happen in a way that had never been conceived of before! Zacharias, at least, had Biblical examples of other couples who had borne children miraculously in old age, in particular Abraham and Sarah.

Genesis 17:17:
Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?

Too old! Just like Zacharias and Elisabeth. But Mary was about to conceive in a “new” way altogether. Jesus would have no earthly father, he would literally be the only begotten “Son of God.”

After Gabriel explained what she needed to know, and encouraged her with the news of her cousin Elisabeth also conceiving a child, Mary was ready, and responded in a most beautiful way: “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.”

Elisabeth to Mary

Luke 1:39-45:
And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;
And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.
And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.

Since the moment she heard about Elisabeth’s pregnancy, Mary wasted no time in traveling to visit her cousin. She did have a little time to consider her own situation and may have at least wondered how it would work out since she was not married yet. Imagine what comfort, what consolation Elisabeth’s first holy spirit-filled words brought her: “Blessed are you among women,” “Blessed is the fruit of your womb,” and “Blessed is she that believed.” And this was all before they had even shared their news with each other!

Then Elisabeth confirmed for Mary that God would be faithful to keep His promises: “For there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.” And on top of all this, the baby leaped in Elisabeth’s womb for joy when she heard Mary’s greeting. This was clearly a work of the Lord God Almighty!

Mary with Elisabeth

Mary promptly proclaims her joyful confidence in the coming of God’s promised Messiah and how blessed and honored she is to take on this significant responsibility.

Luke 1:46-55:
And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.

What beautiful words set in the Word of God to celebrate this momentous occasion—the meeting of the mothers-to-be, Elisabeth and Mary. Israel’s redeemer was about to arrive. The promise of verse 55 recalls God’s covenant with Abraham in these two verses in Genesis:

Genesis 17:19:
And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.

Genesis 22:18:
And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.

The Angel of the Lord to Joseph

The next person who needed an answer—Joseph! God’s got to bring him into the plan, and He does it perfectly and right on time.

Matthew 1:18-23
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Before Mary and Joseph “came together” as husband and wife, Mary was found to be “with child.” “By Holy Spirit” is here in the Word of God to confirm to us that this child was the only begotten Son of God, not begotten by man. This was a sign to Israel that this son, conceived of a virgin, would be the savior and Immanuel.

Isaiah 7:14
Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

But many did not know or believe this and considered Jesus to be illegitimate. So the angel of the Lord came to show Joseph exactly what to do. And just as Mary had taken on her responsibilities regarding this Son of God, Joseph did, too.

The Angel of the Lord to the Shepherds

Luke 2:8-20:
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

This splendid announcement of the savior’s birth came straight from the angel of the Lord, with a multitude of the heavenly host bringing “good tidings of great joy.” This news would be to all people, but to whom were the angels sent to tell it first? Not to kings or to king-makers, not to the Pharisees, nor to those rich enough to buy ringside seats—no, the angels brought God’s message to the humble shepherds.

Why to these shepherds? First, they were ready to receive it. When the angel of the Lord had appeared to them, they were faithfully abiding in the fields, watching over their flocks by night. Then, as soon as they heard and realized the significance of this momentous event, they made haste to see it.

And they saw this newborn baby boy, the savior who is Christ the Lord, wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger, just as humble in his beginnings as these shepherds were in their hearts. And finally, they immediately began to tell of the glorious things they had heard and seen, giving God all the praise and glory. What a wondrous night!

Simeon to Joseph and Mary

When Jesus was 41 days old, the little family traveled the six miles to Jerusalem to make a sacrificial offering at the temple for the birth of a son, and also for Mary’s purification after the birth of a child. At that visit they met Simeon, a man with the holy spirit upon him, who spoke about Jesus.

Luke 2:25-35:
And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

Simeon not only had holy spirit “upon him,” he also had been promised “by the Holy Spirit” that he would “see the Lord’s Christ” before he died. And this promise was fulfilled when he “came by the spirit” into the temple at just the right moment to see the child Jesus with his parents.

Joseph and Mary marveled at the words spoken by Simeon about Jesus: “I have seen your (the Lord’s) salvation which you have made ready for every people—a light to show truth to the Gentiles and bring glory to your people Israel.” (Phillips New Testament in Modern English) And Simeon blessed them.

However, his next words spoken directly to Mary may have been difficult for her to receive. The hope of Israel, the savior, the Messiah had come into the world! But Jesus’ ministry and life would not be accompanied by all love and light. The sinful world’s response to him would bring sorrow and tribulation to many: “This child is destined to make many fall and many rise in Israel and to set up a standard which many will attack—for he will expose the secret thoughts of many hearts. And for you … your very soul will be pierced by a sword.” (Phillips New Testament in Modern English)

Anna

Simeon had “come by the spirit into the temple” at just the right time to see the Messiah. Anna also came into the picture “in that instant” and gave thanks unto the Lord as Simeon had done.

Luke 2:36-38:
And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

And like the shepherds, Anna spoke of him to all who would hear about the Lord’s Christ and salvation in Israel.

You and Me

Today the words of God’s Word speak to us of the Word of God in the flesh, our savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. As we’ve read, it took “not a few” men and women to believe God and to take Him at His Word, to bring to pass the conception, birth, and early days of Jesus. Let’s believe together to follow their examples today as we share the risen Christ with others.

• Let’s follow Mary’s example of believing: she was not afraid to look foolish, not afraid to be scorned by society as the mother of an illegitimate child. She simply believed the Word of God told to her by the angel, saying, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Be it unto me according to thy word.” Let’s take God at His Word, without fear. For with God, nothing is impossible!

In her response to Elisabeth, she magnified the Lord, she rejoiced in God, and she gave all the praise and glory to Him for sending the savior to redeem His people. She did not make it all about herself. Whenever we have the honor of doing the works of God, let’s do the same. It’s all about Him.

• Let’s follow Elisabeth’s example of believing: filled with the holy spirit, she expressed her joy and great respect for Mary’s calling to be the mother of the Son of God. She continued to speak great words of encouragement to Mary. Let’s encourage each other as we each take on our own calling of God.

• Let’s follow Joseph’s example of believing: a just man, Joseph did not want to make a public example of Mary, even though it appeared she had “done him wrong.” When the angel explained to him that the baby was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and would save his people from their sins, Joseph was ready to take Mary as his wife, and Jesus as his son, in spite of the stigma that would be put on them by the world. We too can willingly take on our God-given responsibilities no matter what others may think or say.

• Let’s follow the shepherds example of believing: just as they did, let’s remain watchful for the working of the Lord in our lives, ready to run to see God’s work done, and to tell others about the redeeming love and grace of our heavenly Father, with all glory and praise to Him.

• Let’s follow Simeon’s example of believing: Simeon, walking by the spirit of God, spoke not only of the light and the glory of God’s salvation, but also gave a warning to Mary of the hardships and difficulties she would need to face. As we walk by the spirit, we are willing to speak to anyone what they need to hear.

• Let’s follow Anna’s example of believing: Anna faithfully served God day and night, always alert for any “instant” where we can express our thanks to God and speak of Him to all who will hear.

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