Luke 1:28-33 The Announcement Portrait

Luke 1:28-33: The Announcement Portrait

Nathan Wakefield / General

Portraits of the King / Luke 1:28-33

Jesus was born as the Son of God and the rightful heir to the throne of Israel; the Lion of Judah.

Theological Proposition

Jesus was born as the Son of God and the rightful heir to the throne of Israel; the Lion of Judah. In this passage, the angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will conceive the Son of God, emphasizing His divine nature and His royal legacy as the heir to David's throne, signaling the fulfillment of God's promises. Jesus' birth is not just a historical event but a cosmic declaration of God's redemptive plan. It emphasizes His identity as the Son of God and rightful King, instilling the belief that His reign brings peace and salvation to humanity. Jesus, the Lion of Judah, is the rightful King and Savior whose birth fulfills God's promises, giving us hope and assurance in His reign.

Christ Focus

In the context of the Bible, this passage highlights the messianic lineage of Jesus, connecting Him to the Old Testament prophecies about the Lion of Judah. It shows that Jesus is the fulfillment of God's covenant with Israel, bringing together the promises of the Old Testament and the hope of redemption in the New Testament.

Homiletical Proposition/Application

This sermon serves as a reminder to Christians of the hope we have in Jesus as our sovereign King. As we face uncertainties and challenges in life, recognizing Jesus as the Lion of Judah reassures us of His authority and kingdom. It encourages us to trust in His plan and reign, even in our struggles.

Introduction

Image: Baby Announcement Photos

Baby announcement photos have become a popular way to share the exciting news of a new family member. These photos also convey deeper messages. Consider the following examples:

Ultrasound Photos

• Description: Holding or displaying an ultrasound picture.
• Message: A new life has been created. The ultrasound emphasizes the reality that this baby is already alive.

Baby Shoes

• Description: A tiny pair of baby shoes next to the parents' shoes.
• Message: "Our family is growing." This photo signifies that a new addition will soon fill those little shoes, representing the start of their journey together.

Sibling Announcements

• Description: Older siblings holding signs or baby items, or visibly excited about their new role.
• Message: "Promoted to big brother/sister." This highlights the shift in family dynamics and allows the older child to have a special role in the announcement.

Calendar or Due Date Sign

• Description: Featuring a calendar with the due date circled or highlighted.
• Message: "Countdown to baby!" This adds anticipation by sharing when the baby is expected, inviting others to mark the coming date as significant.

"Coming Soon" Sign with Baby Items

• Description: Baby clothes, a stuffed animal, or baby books with a sign that reads "Coming Soon."
• Message: "Prepare for our new arrival." This suggests that the family is preparing for and excited about the upcoming arrival.

Parents' Reactions

• Description: Candid or playful photos of the parents reacting to the news (e.g., holding a pregnancy test or with surprised expressions).
• Message: "We're thrilled!" This type of photo emphasizes the joy and surprise of expecting a child.

Baby announcement photos do more than just announce—they convey an important message. In this series, titled Portraits of the King, as we look at Jesus through the perspective of portraits, let us understand that there is more sitting under the surface as we celebrate Christmas.

Need:

As we celebrate Christmas, let us remember we are celebrating the birth of a King.

Preview:

Jesus is the King of grace, glory, and an eternal kingdom.

Text:

Luke 1:28-33 (read all at the beginning).

Setting the Stage

The announcement of Jesus' birth in the Book of Luke is closely related to John the Baptist's birth, highlighting their connections through shared characters and themes. While John's conception was miraculous, Jesus' virginal conception represents an even greater miracle, showing that belief in the virgin birth is plausible within the context of God's ability to transcend natural laws.

The Book of Luke primarily targets Gentile readers, as evidenced by several factors:

• Explaining Jewish locations.
• Tracing Jesus' genealogy back to Adam.
• Referencing Roman emperors for dating.
• Using terms familiar to Gentiles, like "didaskalos" instead of "rabbi."
• Quoting mainly from the Septuagint.

While Luke places less emphasis on Jesus fulfilling prophecies, it does not ignore this theme. Luke reveals that Jesus is the rightful King of the universe. A significant theme in Luke is the reality that Jesus is for all.

Body

Anticipating Grace: From the Promise in Genesis 3:15

Generations lived in eager expectation, awaiting the fulfillment of God's enduring promise (28-31a). The angel's greeting to Mary illustrates God's favor and initiative in His redemption plan. This moment emphasizes the significance of Mary's response, reflecting humility and openness to God's will. It sets a foundation for understanding Jesus' divine mission. By trusting in God's unexpected plans, believers can find solace and strength amid life's uncertainties.

God's Favor and Initiative Were Worth Waiting For (28)

Let me read to you for just a second: Genesis 3:15 says, "And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel." This passage, often referred to as the Protoevangelium, is traditionally considered the earliest hint of the gospel and the promise of a future Redeemer in the Bible. After Adam and Eve's disobedience in Eden, God speaks to the serpent, indicating His plan to defeat sin and evil through a coming Savior, often interpreted as Jesus Christ.

Throughout the Old Testament, God progressively revealed more about His plan. By the time we reach the New Testament, a deep "Messianic Expectation" had formed—a hope for a coming Messiah, or "anointed one," who would bring redemption and fulfillment to the Jewish people. This expectation was shaped by prophets such as Isaiah and Daniel, especially during periods of crisis like the Babylonian Exile, when hopes for a savior figure intensified.

When we read the New Testament, we must understand the culture of expectation and anticipation surrounding the fulfillment of God's promise. This tone is evident in Luke 1:28: "The angel went to her and said, 'Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.'"

The text is rich with meaning:

• The word "greetings" (χαῖρε) plays on the word "favored one" (κεχαριτωμένη).
• The phrase "The Lord is with you" lacks a verb in the Greek, making it a state rather than a wish or prediction.

This moment occurs after roughly 400 years of prophetic silence since Malachi, creating a historical backdrop of anticipation. Mary was indeed in a unique position, chosen to receive God's favor, which was worth the wait.

Because of God's Favor, the Fear of the Lord Means Reverence, Not Fear (29-30)

Mary's reaction to the angel—described as "greatly troubled"—is understandable. One commentator suggests her surprise might stem from the unusual nature of a man extending a greeting to a woman, but the bigger issue is likely the presence of an angel with a divine message. Any of us would likely feel the same.

However, God's favor transforms fear into reverence. The "fear of the Lord" is a recurring biblical theme signifying devotion rather than dread:

• In the Old Testament, it appears in Wisdom Literature as the foundation of wisdom and a duty for all humanity (e.g., Genesis 22, Deuteronomy 10:12-13).
• In the New Testament, the phrase describes the early church's reverent walk with God (Acts) and refers to Gentiles who worshiped Yahweh.

Because of God's grace, we can revere Him without fear of punishment. The angel's words to Mary, "Do not be afraid," highlight this truth.

God's Grace Moved Him to Step into Creation, Bringing the Ultimate Solution (31a)

The angel's message to Mary is simple yet profound: she would conceive a child. This child is no ordinary baby but God incarnate—a fulfillment of the Protoevangelium in Genesis 3:15. God's grace led Him to step into creation to provide the ultimate solution to sin and death.

Image: Anticipating God's Grace (A Story of Buying a Car)

Sometimes God surprises us in unexpected ways. For example, I was once car shopping to replace a vehicle that had become a financial burden. After negotiating with a dealer, my ideal price seemed out of reach. However, through what seemed like an error in their calculations, the dealer offered the car at my original price—a provision I hadn't anticipated. This experience reminded me of God's faithfulness and provision, often beyond what we expect.

Restoring Glory: The broken image of Adam would be made whole in the Son of God. (31b-32a).

I stopped verse 31 midway because I want us to take a moment and understand the significance of the name.

Jesus' name itself, meaning 'God saves,' reiterates His mission (31b).

The name Jesus is explained to us in Matthew 1:21 "She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."" The Greek name Jesus is intended to reflect the Hebrew Joshua or more properly Yehoshua. This name is a combination of the name Yeho, an abbreviation of the name Yahweh the personal name of God and the word shua which means to save. So what we have is "the Lord is salvation."

In history there had been and would be many people named Jesus but this was something entirely different. This child not only bore the name that reminded people that God is the Savior, this child was that Savior.

The next thing we are told is that this son would be "great."

The pinnacle of creation was superceded in Christ (32a).

In order to really understand what it means that Jesus would be great I want us to consider a couple of items. First notice that Deuteronomy 10:17 states "For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes." That is, the label "great" is a label used of God Himself. Second we turn to Titus 2:13 "while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ," In other words Jesus is nothing short of the great God. Finally, notice that the description for John is notably different in Luke 1:15 "for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born." where John was not great but rather great before the Lord.

Ultimately, Jesus told his disciples exactly how to become great Luke 22:26-27 "But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves." And then he became the ultimate servant on the cross.

Adam was the pinnacle of creation created in God's image and given dominion over creation. Yet Adam failed. Adam failed to serve God obediently and failed to represent God. Because of Adam's fall there was a profound need for someone who could represent God to creation. That was Jesus.

1 Corinthians 15:45-49 helps us to understand "So it is written: "The first man Adam became a living being"; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit. The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual. The first man was of the dust of the earth; the second man is of heaven. As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth; and as is the heavenly man, so also are those who are of heaven. And just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so shall we bear the image of the heavenly man."

The solution to man's problem could not be found in man, we need God.

The solution is nothing short of profound: God the Son became incarnate (32a).

The phrase "most high" is a very clear reference to God the Father. In fact, the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old Testament regularly uses the same Greek word ὑψίστου, most high, to translate the Hebrew Word עֶלְיֹֽון a fairly common name for God. In fact it is used 26 of 48 times as a name for God which we commonly translate as "Most High God"

All of this means that Mary would not have missed the significance of this statement. Moreover, in Semitic thought or culture a son was thought of as an exact representation or carbon copy of a father. That is, a son had some notion of ontological equality with a father. So for a Jew this statement would imply that this son born to Mary would be equal with none other than Yahweh. He would posses the qualities, characteristics, and authority of the Most High.<ref>John A. Martin, "Luke," in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 205.</ref>

Image: We Can Fix it, my youngest brother's eternal optimism.

I am the oldest of four boys which led us to all sorts of adventures and many, many stories. Emily and I started dating in High School and were married only a year after Emily graduated. This means that we were dating when my youngest brother was only 11 years old. The result she vividly remembers some of the little brother quirks. One of our favorite is the phrase "we can fix it."

Inevitably we would be at the house and something would be broken. A toy or something else and almost immediately my brother would cry out, "we can fix it." What he really meant by we was not we but something more like "Nathan or JJ can fix this." And in most cases between the two of us JJ and I would come up with a fix. You see we were right there living alongside my brother and so yes, it was easy, we could fix it.

What I want to emphasize today in the sermon is that The broken image of man needed fixing and only God could do the fixing but God came to Earth as a baby in order that he might live among us and ultimately he fixed it.

MTR: In life's trials, remember we can depend on the Son of God, God with us.

We need to to approach the problems in life with an attitude of "we can fix it." Knowing that it is not we in the literal sense but rather the God who saw fit to dwell among us who can fix it.

Restoring the Kingdom: The fallen throne of David would be rebuilt in the Lion of Judah. (32b-33).

The angel makes a declaration of Jesus' divine identity and eternal reign. As the Lion of Judah and Son of the Most High, Jesus fulfills the Old Testament prophecies.

Jesus was born heir of an eternal kingdom (32b, 2 Samuel 7:12-16).

2 Samuel 7:12-16 "When your days are over and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh and blood, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be his father, and he will be my son. When he does wrong, I will punish him with a rod wielded by men, with floggings inflicted by human hands. But my love will never be taken away from him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you. Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.""

The promise that was made to David in 2 Samuel 7 had been unfulfilled. Yes, Solomon had reigned and God had treated Solomon and his line as his own. Yet the ultimate promise of an eternal kingdom was left unfilled. In fact, at this point in history there was no real king of Israel and the throne of David was essentially gone. This revelation in Luke 1:32b is incredible. The Davidic line is going to continue and it will continue through you Mary.

Every mother hopes for great things for her children but this was something extraordinary.

Jesus was born king of Israel (33a).

Here is something incredibly important to realize. After Solomon the kingdom of Israel was fractured into two kingdoms. The Kingdom of Judah continued to have a Davidic king reign over them and the kingdom of Israel separated and chose Jereboam, from the tribe of Ephraim to be their king.

Notice the words of the angel. The angel proclaims that Jesus will reign over Jacob's descendents forever. Remember that Jacob was later named Israel by God. I think this is significant. The Davidic promise is going to be fulfilled completely and even the fractured kingdom restored. Jesus was born King of Israel.

Now, we know that Jesus at this point in history did not usher in the physical kingdom. The physical kingdom is still to come but that doesn't change the reality that Jesus is the king.

Somewhere around 30 years after this event the words of Nathaniel in John 1:49 are significant. "Then Nathanael declared, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.""

Jesus truly is King and he was born king.

Jesus was born king for eternity (33b).

We here have the benefit of living in a stable country but the reality is that kingdoms rise and fall. The final promise in this series of promises given to Mary is the promise that the Kingdom of Christ will never end.

Basically, everything we know has an expiration. Your car, house, even the trees in your yard, will one day cease to be. The kingdom that Christ brings will never cease to be.

This baby that would be born to Mary would forever change the world, no the universe.

Image: The Advent Candle

Luke 1:26-38 "In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went 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. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him 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 Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end." "How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?" The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come on 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. Even Elizabeth …"