Topical Bible: Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Mary, Concerning Jesus

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In the biblical narrative, angels are often depicted as messengers of God, delivering divine revelations and instructions to humans. One of the most significant angelic appearances in the New Testament is the visitation to Mary, the mother of Jesus, which heralds the incarnation of the Son of God.

The Annunciation:

The appearance of the angel Gabriel to Mary is recorded in the Gospel of Luke. This event, known as the Annunciation, is a pivotal moment in the Christian narrative, marking the announcement of the birth of Jesus Christ. The account is found in Luke 1:26-38:

"In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin pledged in marriage to a man named Joseph, who was of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. The angel appeared to her and said, 'Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.' Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. So the angel told her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. His kingdom will never end!' 'How can this be,' Mary asked the angel, 'since I am a virgin?' The angel replied, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God. Look, even Elizabeth your relative has conceived a son in her old age, and she who was called barren is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.' 'I am the Lord’s servant,' Mary answered. 'May it happen to me according to your word.' Then the angel left her."

Significance of the Angelic Message:

The angel Gabriel's message to Mary is profound, as it reveals several key theological truths. Firstly, it affirms the divine nature of Jesus, who is to be called the "Son of the Most High." This title underscores the belief in Jesus' divinity and His unique relationship with God the Father. Secondly, the message highlights the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah, particularly those related to the Davidic lineage and the eternal kingdom (cf. 2 Samuel 7:12-16; Isaiah 9:6-7).

Furthermore, the angel's assurance that "no word from God will ever fail" emphasizes the reliability and sovereignty of God's promises. Mary's response, characterized by humility and obedience, serves as a model of faith and submission to God's will.

Theological Implications:

The angelic appearance to Mary is not merely a historical event but carries deep theological implications. It marks the beginning of the incarnation, where God takes on human flesh in the person of Jesus Christ. This event is central to Christian doctrine, as it sets the stage for the redemptive work of Christ, culminating in His death and resurrection.

In summary, the appearance of the angel to Mary concerning Jesus is a cornerstone of the Christian faith, encapsulating themes of divine favor, fulfillment of prophecy, and the mystery of the incarnation. It invites believers to reflect on the nature of God's intervention in human history and the profound mystery of the Word becoming flesh.

Nave's Topical Index

Luke 1:26-38
And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
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Library

Peter Alone with Jesus
... The other appearances of the risen Lord to individuals on ... Christ is ever near the
penitent spirit; and whilst he ... the next moment, as when the angel touched the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/peter alone with jesus.htm

On the Creation of the World
... and cause those more than frightful appearances, radiating with ... the dragon seduced
Eve, the angel Gabriel brought ... the same day the Holy Spirit overflowed the ...
/.../victorinus/on the creation of the world/on the creation of the.htm

The Harmony of the Gospels.
... 284]208; resurrection of, announced by an angel to the ... in Galilee, [292]221, etc.;
ten appearances of, [293 ... 161, etc.; casting out an unclean spirit, [313]226 ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/the harmony of the gospels.htm

The Doctrine of Jesus Christ.
... as to exclaim, "But though we, or an angel from heaven ... All these appearances bear
witness to the fact that it was not an incorporeal spirit or phantom, but ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of jesus christ.htm

Of Christ's Subsequent Manifestations of Himself to the Disciples ...
... taken place, comprehending all the Lord's appearances to the ... to that promise of the
Holy Spirit which we do ... we recollect the words of the angel who, according ...
/.../the harmony of the gospels/chapter xxv of christs subsequent manifestations.htm

The Ascension
... Our Lord's appearances were now occasional. ... distinct and assured than the terms of
that angel message ... prepare us for receiving the gift of the Spirit, and will ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the ascension.htm

Some Gospel Truths Opened, According to the Scriptures; Or, the ...
... Third, If a spirit only could have made satisfaction, and so ... Matt1); but that he
could not do, if Mary had not ... Again, the angel told her, that he was the son ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/some gospel truths opened according.htm

The Shadow of Death
... The earlier sayings all express Jesus' continued spirit of ministry ... puts in the same
class with the appearances of the ... open and empty, and saw an angel who bade ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/viii the shadow of death.htm

Joy Born at Bethlehem
... believed that if any man beheld supernatural appearances, he would ... under the power
of the Holy Spirit you take ... you know the joy which the angel's song predicts ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/joy born at bethlehem.htm

The Raising of the Dead.
... accompaniments, all that makes the most beloved of the appearances of God's ... in part
shall be done away." When the spirit of death ... Death is God's angel of birth ...
/.../macdonald/miracles of our lord/viii the raising of the.htm