God’s Grace in Choosing Mary’s Humble Obedience

God’s choice of Mary exemplifies His preference for the humble and lowly, affirming that divine favor is grounded in grace rather than human merit. Rather than selecting a prominent or influential individual, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a small and insignificant town in Galilee often associated with corruption and obscurity ([25:00]). This deliberate choice reveals that God’s favor is not determined by social status or worldly achievement but by His sovereign will and grace.

Mary was a young girl, likely between twelve and fifteen years old, from an obscure background with no apparent significance in society ([29:39]). As a virgin living an ordinary life, she would have been considered insignificant by worldly standards. Yet God chose her to bear the Savior of the world, demonstrating that divine favor is extended to those who are humble and lowly in the eyes of the world. God took what was insignificant and made it significant, illustrating that no matter how overlooked or small one may feel, God’s grace can elevate and use anyone for His glorious purposes ([30:14]).

Mary’s selection was not based on merit but on God’s pleasure. The phrase “she has found favor with God” (Luke 1:30) indicates that her favor was unmerited—an act of divine grace. Her humility and faithfulness were key, showing that God’s grace is freely given to those who humbly accept His call. Mary’s response, “I am the Lord’s servant; may it happen to me as you have said” ([54:51]), reflects a heart of humble obedience and trust, even at great personal cost. This response reinforces that divine favor is rooted in humility and faith, not human achievement.

God’s preference for the humble is further demonstrated by His sovereign choice of Mary. He “preferred a lowly maid from a mean town” over the powerful or prominent ([37:54]). This preference highlights that divine favor is often directed toward those who are humble and lowly, not because they deserve it, but because God’s grace chooses to work through them.

God’s favor is a gift of grace, not a reward for human accomplishment. Mary was chosen because it pleased the Lord, not because she earned it. Her humility and faithfulness made her a vessel for God’s plan, illustrating that divine favor is granted by God’s grace alone.

God’s faithfulness to His promises is evident throughout the announcement to Mary. The angel Gabriel’s message is rich with references to Old Testament prophecies, confirming that Jesus’ birth fulfills God’s long-standing promises. Jesus is called “Son of the Most High” and is destined to sit on David’s throne forever ([42:58]), fulfilling the covenant made with David in 2 Samuel 7. The angel also references Isaiah 7:14, where the virgin conception is foretold, linking Jesus’ birth to the fulfillment of prophecy and God’s unwavering faithfulness ([35:32]).

The miraculous birth of Jesus is the ultimate demonstration of God’s faithfulness. He keeps His promises even when they seem impossible from a human perspective. The angel’s reassurance that “nothing will be impossible with God” ([49:05]) underscores God’s limitless power and steadfast commitment to His covenant and plan of salvation.

Mary’s selection exemplifies that divine favor is rooted in God’s grace and humility, not human merit. God’s faithfulness to His promises is clearly demonstrated in the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies through Jesus’ birth. Mary’s humble obedience and trust serve as a model for believers to rely on God’s grace and faithfulness, trusting that He can accomplish the impossible and fulfill His promises in their lives as well.

This article was written by an AI tool for churches, based on a sermon from FBC Louise, one of 60 churches in Boulder, CO