The Story of a Faithful Girl
Use the material to go deeper into this Series on your own, or with your small group. We encourage you to watch the Discovery Bible Study video first to learn what Is DBS and what makes It different.
Discovery Bible Study
Advent Personal Reflection
Leader Guide
Good morning Chapel family. And welcome to the second Sunday of Advent. Advent simply means “arrival,” so for these four weeks, we join with literally billions of Christians around the world to await the arrival of Jesus. Have you ever noticed that some of our Christmas carols express that sense of waiting? O come, o come Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel; that mourns in lonely exile here, until the Son of God appear. Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free. That’s how the Jewish people felt for centuries. So during Advent we put ourselves in their shoes, and we try to feel what they felt. Because just like they needed the Messiah to show up back then, we need him to show up today.
And this year for Advent, we are doing something very simple: we’re telling the story of Christmas. Because stories are powerful. They capture our imagination. They stick in our minds much longer than plain facts. For example, if I want teach you how important it is to be a loving and generous person, I can tell you, “Don’t be greedy and antisocial, because if you do you’ll be miserable. You’ll regret it.” I can state that truth. Or I can tell you the story of a man named Ebenezer Scrooge, who ran a little bookkeeping firm on the streets of 19th century London, who, to quote Charles Dickens, was “a squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous, old sinner…self-contained and solitary as an oyster.” I can usher you into the terror that he felt when he went to bed on Christmas Eve, and he was visited by three ghosts, who showed him how he was headed for a lonely death, with no one at his funeral. And I can invite you into his bedroom on Christmas morning, as he danced around in his nightgown, because he realized it wasn’t too late to change his ways. So…which is more powerful: stating the facts or telling the story? There’s no contest.
So last week we said the story of Christmas began with a promise made: around 700 BC, the prophet Isaiah said the people walking in darkness will see a great light, and when that light comes, everything will change. So today, let’s fast-forward 700 years, and let’s hear the story of a faithful girl.
In that Scripture that Natalie just read, it says God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee. Why there—why Nazareth? I mean, if this was the arrival of Israel’s Messiah, you would think Gabriel would be sent to Jerusalem, right? That’s where the temple was—that was the capital. Or, if this was bigger than Israel—if this was the arrival of a global savior, you’d think Gabriel would be sent to Rome! That was the center of the world. But he was sent to Nazareth—a minor, unimportant, off-the-beaten-path kind of place. In fact, later on, when Jesus was beginning to go public, one of the disciples, named Philip, found his friend Nathanael, and he said, “I’ve found the one Moses wrote about—Jesus of Nazareth!” Do you know what Nathanael said? “Nazareth? Can anything good come from Nazareth?”
But that’s where the angel was sent, because that’s where Mary lived. So what do we know about Mary? Well, in that culture, it was common for a girl to get betrothed—which was more serious than engagement—soon after puberty. So Mary was probably 13 to 15 years old. And she was betrothed to a guy named Joe. A good guy—honest—hard-working—but certainly no one out of the ordinary. He wasn’t studying to be a scholar or a rabbi. Just a regular, working class guy…engaged to a normal girl.
So The angel went to her and said, “Greetings…stop there for a minute. The Latin word for “greetings” is Ave—and that’s where the phrase, Ave Maria comes from—it means, “Greetings,
Mary.” The Old English word for “greetings” is the word hail—and that’s where the phrase “Hail, Mary” comes from. So this is the typical word for “greetings,” that you would use to greet anyone.
So the angel says: “Greetings, Mary…” you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” You know, it’s easy for us to look at those words and say, “Look how special Mary was! Look what the angel said—‘you’re highly favored!’ God would never say that about me, so obviously Mary is in a class by herself.”
Now, did Mary have a unique role to play? Of course. No one else in history has been asked to give birth to the Messiah. But—here’s the thing—Mary didn’t earn that role. Because the word for “favored” is the same root word as the word “grace.” Do you know what grace means? It’s one of my favorite words—it’s the Greek word charis. And that word can be translated “grace” or “favor” or “gift.” So grace always means something given—not earned; not deserved; it’s a gift. In a few weeks, most us will be handed something, wrapped up, with a bow on top. And here’s what we will not say: “What do I owe you for that? Do you take credit cards, or just cash?” Because when it’s a gift, all you have to do is…what? Receive it and say thank you. And this encounter that Mary had with the angel was all about God’s grace to her.
In other words, God didn’t look around for the holiest person, and say, “Okay—Mary wins. She gets the job.” He chose Mary out of pure grace. And here’s what that means: as God carries out his plans today, and as he invites you to play a part in his plan, he operates by the same principle. It’s all grace.
So what was he asking Mary to do? Verse 31: 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 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, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” You know what I realized? When the angel brought God’s assignment to Mary, he wasn’t asking her if she was interested in the job. He didn’t say, “Hey Mary, God was wondering if maybe you’d consider doing this?” The angel says, “You will conceive and give birth to a son.” So this was happening; the only question was: would Mary embrace the plan and go along willingly, or would she be dragged along kicking and screaming? That’s really important. Because a lot of times, when God calls us to his mission, it’s the same way. He doesn’t ask us if we want to do something; he just drops it in our lap.
God doesn’t ask expectant parents whether they’d like to have a child with special needs. He gives them that precious son or daughter with autism or Down Syndrome or cerebral palsy, and asks them to embrace that child as part of his plans. God doesn’t ask a young wife whether she’d like to lose her husband to a premature death. That death happens—and this is hard, I know—he calls that young wife to accept widowhood as part of his sovereign plan for that season of her life.
God did not ask me if I’d like to go through cancer. “What do you think, Dave? Maybe take the next couple years and deal with a tumor?” I was not presented with the option. I was simply given this assignment. I’m not saying God is the author of cancer—he’s not. He’s not the author of anything evil. But he’s in control. And in his sovereign plan, he orchestrates things to mysteriously work out his plan. So for reasons way bigger than I can understand, this is part of his plan for me now. The only question is: will I resist it with bitterness and anger or denial? Or will I submit to it as a way to grow closer to Christ and bring glory to God and better understand the suffering of other people? That’s a big decision.
See, at the end of the day, you have to decide whether you believe that God’s mission is actually better and wiser than any plan you could come up with. And when you really believe that, the only thing that makes sense is to be all in. To submit.
So back to the story. Mary has heard the assignment, but she’s confused, and she needs some clarification. So she asks, “How will this be…since I am a virgin?” In other words, “Lord—this thing you’re calling me to do…I don’t meet the minimum requirements. I’m not qualified to do what you’re asking. How will this be?”
Did you ever feel like that? Like God puts you in a situation, and He calls you to do something, and it’s so far out of your comfort zone, and you feel so unqualified, and you say, “How will this be?” It seems undoable. God loves putting us in those positions.
And when we ask, “How will this be,” his answer is always the same thig he said to Mary in verse 35: “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. In other words, “Mary, this is going to be a supernatural thing. I’m not saying you have to try really hard; I’m saying you have to allow God to work through you. Yield yourself to his power.”
This past fall, here at The Chapel, we studied the fruit of the Spirit. And we talked about those times in life where we get put in hard situations, with difficult people, and our instinct is to respond with anger or disgust or panic. And God says, “No, no, no—I want you to respond to that stressful situation—to that annoying person—with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” And just like Mary, we say: “How will this be?” Like, “You realize you’re asking me to do something impossible, right? You’re asking too much.” And God’s answer is always the same: “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.” Guys, we have more in common with Mary than you realize. We don’t have the same assignment as she had, but we have access to the very same power.
But Mary was still struggling with this whole thing. So the angel says, “Mary, if you’re having a hard time believing this is possible, look—verse 36—Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. So the angel uses the example of Elizabeth. He says, “Look! Nobody thought she could have a baby either—she’s way too old! But look at her! She’s six months along! Mary, if God did the impossible in her, don’t you see that He can do it in you?”
I’m going to be very honest: there are times when God puts something on my plate, and I feel very unqualified. I feel scared. And one of the things that really helps is to look at the “Elizabeths” around me. Does that make sense? To look at the examples of how God is using other unqualified, scared people to do great things. I think about the parents I know who are raising kids with special needs—they never saw themselves in that position, but God is giving them the grace they need, and they’re doing it. I think about all the people I’ve met in Paterson over the past year—John who runs the trade school, and Grace who spends hours on the streets every week serving the homeless, and Renee who’s become a second mom to dozens of kids from really rough neighborhoods. I think about several friends who’ve had the same kind of cancer I have, and who are now on the other side of it. And I say, “If they can do it, I can.” All those people are Elizabeths in my life. Just like the Holy Spirit came upon Elizabeth and Mary, the Spirit has moved in each of these people, and enabled them to do things they weren’t capable of themselves. So when my faith gets weak, I remember them. Do you have any Elizabeths in your life? It makes a huge difference.
So after some initial shock and pushback, Mary was convinced. And her response in verse 38 is just awesome: "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May your word to me be fulfilled." So here’s the question for you: What is the situation in your life where God is calling you to submit? Where you need to say: “Lord, I don’t know exactly how this is going to work, but I know you’ve put me here and
called me to this. And I’m not going to run away from it; I’m not going to take the easy way out. So my answer is ‘Yes.’ I’m your servant. Use me however you want.”
Let’s continue the story—Luke 1:39…39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. Now—to really appreciate the story, you have to know a little more background on Elizabeth. She was married to a guy named Zechariah, who was a Hebrew priest. And earlier in Luke chapter 1, it says Elizabeth and her husband were “righteous in the sight of God,” which doesn’t mean they were perfect; it just means they loved God and tried to live their lives by God’s commands.
Despite that, there was a big ache in both of their hearts. Luke 1:7 says they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old. That was a big deal. Some of you can understand it, because you have desperately wanted to have children, but for whatever reason, you haven’t been able to. So you know the emotional pain of this. But in first century Jewish culture, this was more than emotionally painful; it was culturally shameful. People in their village would be talking about it: if this is really a man of God, how could he not be receiving the blessing of God? There must be something wrong with him; there must be something wrong with his wife. I don’t know if Zechariah or Elizabeth heard any of that gossip, but they knew it was happening. How many times do you think this couple had begged God for a child? A thousand? Ten thousand? But the years went by, and God was silent. So Zechariah continued his priestly duties, and Elizabeth continued with her life, but I promise you the silence was painful.
And then one day, something happened. Zechariah was chosen by lot to be the one priest to go into the Holy Place of the temple and present the incense, which represented the prayers of the people. And when he went in there, all alone, to his shock, he was met by an angel. Luke 1:12…12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 13 But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. So Zechariah came out of the temple, and sure enough, against all medical odds, his AARP card-carrying wife became pregnant with a boy who would become known as John the Baptist. So six months into her unlikely pregnancy, Elizabeth gets visit from her relative Mary.
So back to the main story in verse 41: 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. So Mary walks into Elizabeth’s house, and little pre-born John the Baptist gives Elizabeth a good kick in the diaphragm. And then it says Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit, which means that what she’s about to say is God-inspired: 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! How did Elizabeth Mary was pregnant? Mary didn’t text her, and tell her the news, right? I’m sure Mary was planning to share the news, but before she even brings it up, Elizabeth says, “Blessed is the child you will bear!” How did she know? Through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit was using Elizabeth to encourage and affirm Mary. Because think about it: as soon as Mary started showing, she was going to face questions and skepticism and the shame of being an unwed mother. And God raised up Elizabeth to say, “Mary, there will be people who say this baby is shameful; I’m telling you, this baby is blessed…and so are you.”
Keep reading Elizabeth’s words—verse 43: 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” Man, we need the encouragement and support of our brothers and sisters, don’t we? Especially when we’re following God’s call, like Mary was. Especially when we feel the disapproval of others who
don’t understand God’s call in our lives. And Mary knew she needed that—that’s why it says she “hurried” to go and visit Elizabeth—she didn’t waste any time. She knew she couldn’t face this alone.
I asked you earlier if you had any Elizabeths in your life. And I meant ordinary people that are doing amazing things through God’s power. But Elizabeth also represents something else: she represents friends who you can go to for support when you’re facing hard things. Do you have a few people like that? People that you can hurry to their house any time, and they’ll drop everything and listen to you and have a cup of coffee with you and pray with you? I’m telling you, in the hard things I’ve had to face—whether it’s health issues or parenting issues or ministry issues—I’m so grateful for those people. I can pick up the phone any time, and they’ll be there for me. I hope you have those people. If not, you should find them. And you should be that person. Be an Elizabeth to someone whose world is turned upside down, like Mary’s world was, and make them feel safe coming to you.
So then, after that amazing greeting, Mary does something so unexpected. We’re talking about the stories of Christmas, but at this point, it becomes a musical. Because Mary breaks into a song. I wish we had the tune; but at least we can read the lyrics. Listen to these words:
46 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. 50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. 51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful 55 to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”
Anyone know what this song is called? “The Magnificat.” My entire childhood, all my friends in Kinnelon went to Our Lady of the Magnificat Church, and I had no idea what it meant. I don’t think they did, either. But here’s why it’s called that: the first thing Mary says is “My soul glorifies the Lord,” and in Latin, the word for glorify, or magnify, is “Magnificat.” It’s a beautiful song, and there’s a lot going on in it. But the more I read it, the more I see one main idea, and verse 52 is a great summary of it—look at verse 52: He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. That’s basically what this whole song is about! God brings down the powerful, and he lifts up the weak and humble. So why would Mary express those thoughts at this moment?
Well, because this child she was carrying would do exactly that. Think about the life of Jesus. All through his life, Jesus challenged the powerful of society, didn’t he? Starting with King Herod, who
tried to exterminate Jesus when he was still a baby. His efforts failed, and Herod’s life ended in shame. Jesus challenged the most powerful religious leaders of his day—the Pharisees, and he humbled them with his wisdom and his integrity.
But also, Jesus lifted up the weak and humble, didn’t he? Starting with Mary! In verse 48, Mary says, “I magnify the Lord because he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. Mary realized her humble position, and God raised her up. And all through his life, Jesus did the same thing with tax collectors and prostitutes and lepers. He treated them like people and he listened to them and included them in his mission. And it’s not that he loved them any more than he loved rich, successful people, but they were just usually more open to Jesus—because they knew they were needy! They knew they need help! And so Jesus lifted them up.
So here’s Mary standing in the home of her cousin, and this truth just explodes out of her: We have a God who brings down the powerful, and lifts up the weak and humble! Which is exactly the opposite of what the world does, right? The world ignores the weak, and worships the powerful. So here’s a question for you and me this Christmas: are we more like God or are we more like the world?
Let me challenge you to do something for the rest of 2022. You ready? This is like a last month of the year resolution. Resolve that you will start to view people the way God views people. Hmm? Resolve that you will look at people the way God does. Here’s what I mean. Those people that you’re normally impressed by and maybe intimidated by, because they are wealthy, powerful, attractive—whatever…choose to look at them accurately. Ask God for the eyes to see them as they really are: regular people with problems and insecurities just like you have.
And then—here’s the other half: the people that you normally wouldn’t notice, because they’re not particularly popular or successful or powerful or wealthy or good-looking. And normally you wouldn’t even notice they’re there. Say, “Lord, give me eyes to see them and honor them like you do. Help me to notice them and talk to them and care about them and learn their name and realize that I’m no better than they are—in fact, they may be closer to you than I am. Lord, open my eyes.”
Would you pray that—this week? Say, “I want to walk through my day viewing people the way Jesus viewed them.” And just see what God does. See how he changes you.
Mary’s song is so rich, but the main idea is really simple: God brings down the powerful, and he lifts up the humble. And we will be blessed if we look at people the same way.
So…Mary actually stayed with Elizabeth for about three months, probably until after Elizabeth had her baby, and then she returned home—strengthened by the fellowship, and a little more resolved to submit herself to this awesome thing that God was calling her to do.
So…how about you? What’s the thing God is calling you to do? I feel like I need to emphasize this: it could be that for you, God’s calling for this season of your life isn’t something dramatic or sensational. He’s not calling you to start a new ministry or work with homeless people. He’s calling you to do something much more quiet and under-the-radar—parenting a child with special needs. Or caring for your own parent, whose health is failing. Those might not seem like spectacular ministries. But it might be exactly what God is calling you to do. And through his Spirit in you, He’ll give you supernatural strength to do it.
Was Mary an ordinary person? Absolutely! Chosen completely by God’s grace; scared to death of the whole thing. Very human! But she chose to submit herself to God’s will, and the world has never been the same. And when we follow her example, it opens the door for God to do awesome things through us.