The Overshadowed Bondservant
by Rev. Kirby Williams
Learning from Mary's initial response to the news of the Incarnation.
Text: Luke 1:34-38
Date: 02/07/2021, the Combined service.
Series: "Luke: Thy Kingdom Come" Part 6
Description:
In response to the shocking news of the angel Gabriel, that she would bear the Messiah; the virgin Mary asks the obvious question: "How is this possible?". In somewhat vague but deeply profound words, the angel tells her she will be overshadowed by the very Spirit of God and that the conception will be both miraculous and supernatural. Faced with this jarring life change, Mary responds in exemplary fashion as a humble, obedient, bondservant. We will analyze both the angel's revelation and Mary's response as we grapple to comprehend the mystery of the Incarnation. But ultimately we will ask ourselves if this model does not also apply to truly born-again Christians. For every true Christian has also been visited by the Spirit of the Most High, and every true Christian has seen a miracle worked in their life. So therefore, every true Christian should realize and follow Mary's example-- and live as "overshadowed" bondservants.
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I. Introduction, Gen. 1:1-2, John 1:3.
II. Exposition of the text, Luke 1:34-38.
A. Context
1. Setting the scene.
2. Revisiting the "tension" of the Kingdom.
B. The overshadowing of Mary.
1. Mary's question, vs. 34, Luke 1:31.
a. A valid question.
i. The challenge.
ii. The rationale.
b. Comparison with Zechariah's response, Luke 1:18.
c. The opportunity for unbelief.
2. The angel's shocking answer, vs. 35.
a. The work of the Holy Spirit, Gen. 1:1-2.
b. The power of El Elyon.
i. The meaning of "overshadow", Ex. 40:35, Luke 9:34-35, Psa. 91:4.
ii. An intentional mystery.
iii. The tension of the coming Kingdom.
c. The holy Child.
i. A Child like none other, Psa. 51:5, 2Cor. 5:21, Heb. 7:26, 1Pet. 1:19.
ii. The Son of the Most High.
• Truly man, Gal. 4:4-5, Heb. 4:15, John 1:14.
• Truly God, Heb. 1:3, Col. 1:19, John 1:1,34, Matt. 8:29.
• The pre-existant and eternal Son, Luke 1:32, Psa. 2:7.
3. The simple explanation, vs. 36-37.
a. The example of Elizabeth, vs. 36.
b. The glorious power of God, vs. 37, Gen. 18:12-14.
4. Mary's obedient response, vs. 38.
a. The response of humility, 1Sam. 1:18.
b. The response of humble obedience, John 8:41.
c. The consequences of belief.
d. The angel departs.
III. Application
A. A short summary.
B. Living an overshadowed life.
1. Regenerated by the Holy Spirit, John 3:3-6,9; 2Cor. 3:18.
2. A modern miracle, Eze. 36:26, Eph. 2:1.
3. A call to humble obedience and servanthood, Luke 22:42.
IV. Conclusion
