The Beginning:
In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sends the angel Gabriel to Nazareth. Gabriel comes to Mary, a virgin betrothed to Joseph from the house of David, and greets her as one favored by the Lord. Mary is troubled and tries to understand what the greeting means.
The Middle:
Gabriel tells Mary not to be afraid, explaining that she has found favor with God and will conceive and bear a son to be named Jesus. He declares that Jesus will be great, called the Son of the Most High, and will receive David’s throne, reigning over Jacob’s house forever. Mary asks how this will happen since she is a virgin. Gabriel answers that the Holy Spirit will come upon her and God’s power will overshadow her, so the child will be called holy, the Son of God, and he points to Elizabeth’s pregnancy as a sign that nothing is impossible with God.
The End:
Mary responds in faith and submission, identifying herself as the Lord’s servant and accepting God’s word. After her consent, the angel departs. The announcement leaves Mary with the assurance of God’s promise and the beginning of Jesus’ earthly life in her womb.
The annunciation presents Jesus’ conception as God’s initiative and fulfillment of His promises: the Messiah will come through David’s line and reign forever. It highlights divine grace—God “favors” Mary—and divine power—Jesus’ birth is attributed to the Holy Spirit, not human effort. The passage also clarifies Jesus’ identity from the outset: truly human (born of Mary) and uniquely God’s Son, set apart as “holy,” initiating God’s saving work in history.
In first-century Jewish society, betrothal was a legally binding commitment preceding the full wedding and shared household. A pregnancy during betrothal would bring serious social shame and could have legal consequences (cf. Deuteronomy 22:23–24), underscoring the personal risk implied by Mary’s acceptance of Gabriel’s message.
“For nothing will be impossible with God.” — Luke 1:37
Answer the questions below. When you choose an option, you will see the result and an explanation.
1. In what town did Gabriel visit Mary?
2. What name did Gabriel say Mary’s son should be given?