Sermon Notes + 12.8.2024
SERMON NOTES
I am the Servant of the Lord
Luke 1:26-38
Dr. Tony Chute, Lead Pastor
Overview: Luke describes how the angel Gabriel was sent to the virgin Mary in order to inform her that she would give birth to Jesus, the Son of God. Mary’s initial fear is alleviated by Gabriel’s assurance that she has found favor with God and that her Son will be the fulfillment of God’s promise for a descendant of David to rule forever. Mary inquires how she can give birth to this King even though she is a virgin. Gabriel reveals that the Holy Spirit will overshadow her, indicating a miraculous birth without any sexual connotations. He further assures her by noting that Elizabeth, her relative, has conceived a child in her old age through natural means, thus proving that nothing is impossible with God. Mary’s response to this announcement, with all its immediate and eternal ramifications, is one of great humility and submission. We, too, should aspire to be servants of the Lord whose lives are a display of God’s glory and grace.
01. It is a high and holy honor to be a servant of the Lord. When we serve the Lord, we share ranks with the saints of old, the angels on high, and the Son of God Himself.
02. It is a simple and sincere task to live as a servant of the Lord. We can best serve the Lord by seeking His will for our lives, opening our lives to His plan, and leaving the results up to Him.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION & DISCOVERY
1. Notice the place names, personal names, and factual statements throughout our text. What do these details suggest about the reality of angels being involved in human history? What do these details suggest about the historicity of the virgin birth? Based on this information, how might you respond to someone who believes the virgin birth is a myth?
2. In what ways is Gabriel a servant of the Lord? What role does he play in furthering God’s plan of salvation? Why was it important for Mary to hear this announcement from an angel rather than a prophet or a priest? See 1 Peter 1:10-12 for further insight.
3. Consider the titles and roles that are ascribed to Jesus in verses 31-33. How do these titles and roles set Jesus apart from all creation, including people and angels? What is the connection between His rule and reign and God’s promise to David in 2 Samuel 7:12-16? How does the fulfillment of prophecy hundreds of years after it was first given help us to trust the Lord and His Word?
4. How did Mary find favor in the eyes of the Lord? Does the text indicate anything about her demeanor, behavior, or works that would elevate her above others? How can we appreciate the significant role Mary has in the history of salvation without placing her in the same category as Jesus, who alone can save?
5. Since Jesus is depicted as the King whose kingdom will know no end, what is the first step in becoming a citizen of the kingdom and a servant of the King? Have you given your life to Christ and asked Him to be your King? In what ways are you living as a servant of the Lord? Are you able to say along with Mary, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your Word.”
For Further Reading: Warren Wiersbe, On Being a Servant of God (Baker Books; first published 1993; revised edition 2007)