Luke 1:26-38

In the gospel of Luke, Mary says to the angel: "I am the Lord's servant, let it happen to me as you have said."

The gospel of Luke relates that the angel Gabriel has come to Mary to say that she will bear a special child, who will be called "the son of the Most High." (v. 32) When Mary protests that she is not yet married, Gabriel explains that the "Holy Spirit will come upon" her and that the power of the Most High will give her this child. (v. 35) Then Mary assents to the will of God.

This story only appears in the gospel of Luke, where the author begins with stories of two women conceiving special sons. Elizabeth bears John, who will become the Baptist, and Mary bears Jesus, who will become "the Son of God." (v. 35) In the story of the birth of Jesus in Matthew, the angel communicates with Joseph, not with Mary, and the gospels of Mark and John do not contain any birth stories. Once again, we see the hand of the author shaping the story for his audience, which in this case probably included women leaders of the fledgling church.

Grace and peace...Bob