Luke 1:28 – “The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.'”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, the angel Gabriel appears to Mary and greets her with a message that would change her life and the course of history. He begins by calling her “highly favored,” which indicates that she has been chosen by God for a special role. Gabriel’s greeting is not just a pleasantry—it’s a divine declaration that God’s grace and favor rest upon Mary in a unique way.
The phrase “The Lord is with you” reassures Mary that she is not alone. Whatever challenges lie ahead, God’s presence will be with her, guiding her through this extraordinary mission. This greeting sets the tone for what is about to be revealed: that Mary will conceive and give birth to Jesus, the Savior of the world.
Historical Context
Mary was a young woman living in Nazareth, a small town in Galilee. At the time, Galilee was considered a rural and less respected region compared to Judea and Jerusalem. Mary was likely from a humble background, living an ordinary life when Gabriel’s visit suddenly changed everything.
The concept of being “highly favored” is rooted in God’s grace. In Jewish culture, favor from God was often seen as a sign of His blessing and approval, but it wasn’t necessarily tied to a person’s social status or wealth. In fact, God often chose unlikely people—like Abraham, Moses, and now Mary—to fulfill His purposes. This reflects a recurring theme in Scripture: God uses the humble and the unexpected to accomplish His plans.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights God’s grace in choosing Mary. She was not chosen because of her status, achievements, or perfection but because of God’s sovereign grace. Being “highly favored” means that Mary was the recipient of God’s undeserved favor, just as all believers receive grace through faith in Christ.
The statement “The Lord is with you” is a powerful reminder that God’s presence is essential in fulfilling His calling. When God calls someone to a specific task, He doesn’t leave them to handle it on their own. His presence equips, strengthens, and sustains them. For Mary, this assurance would be crucial as she faced the challenges of her miraculous pregnancy and the mission of raising the Son of God.
Additionally, this verse foreshadows the coming of Emmanuel, which means “God with us” (Matthew 1:23). Through Jesus, God’s presence would not just be with Mary temporarily but would dwell with humanity in a new and permanent way.
Literary Analysis
Luke’s account carefully builds anticipation through Gabriel’s greeting. By calling Mary “highly favored” and stating that the Lord is with her, the angel sets the stage for the miraculous announcement that follows. The language is simple but significant, emphasizing both Mary’s special role and God’s direct involvement in her life.
The phrase “highly favored” (from the Greek word charitoō) carries the meaning of being graced or blessed by God. This term highlights that Mary’s role is a result of God’s initiative and favor, not her own merit. The literary focus on grace aligns with Luke’s larger theme of God working through ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.
Biblical Cross-References
- Judges 6:12 – The angel of the Lord greets Gideon with similar words: “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior,” showing that God often reassures His people before calling them to great tasks.
- Exodus 3:12 – God promises Moses, “I will be with you,” when calling him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, showing the importance of God’s presence in fulfilling His mission.
- Ephesians 1:6 – Believers are described as being “favored” by God through Jesus Christ, emphasizing that God’s favor is an act of grace.
- Matthew 1:23 – Jesus is called “Emmanuel,” meaning “God with us,” which reflects the promise of God’s presence not only with Mary but with all humanity.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For believers today, this verse is a reminder that God’s favor and presence are gifts of grace, not things we earn. Just as Mary was chosen by God for a special purpose, believers are chosen to be part of His family and His mission in the world. We don’t have to be perfect or come from a prestigious background to be used by God. He often chooses the humble and the unexpected to display His glory.
The promise of God’s presence—“The Lord is with you”—is a source of comfort for every Christian. Whether we’re facing challenges, stepping into new roles, or waiting for God’s direction, we can trust that He is with us, guiding and empowering us. His presence gives us the strength to carry out His will, even when the path ahead seems uncertain.
This verse also encourages us to respond to God’s calling with humility and faith, just as Mary did. When we recognize that God’s grace is at work in our lives, we can approach our tasks with confidence, knowing that He will provide everything we need.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in His grace toward Mary and, by extension, all of humanity. He didn’t choose Mary because of her status or accomplishments but because of His love and sovereign plan. This reflects the nature of God’s love—it is given freely, not based on our worthiness but on His goodness.
God’s love is also demonstrated in His promise to be with Mary. He didn’t give her a difficult mission and leave her to face it alone. Instead, He assured her of His presence, just as He assures His people today. His love is constant, and He walks with us through every step of our journey.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse directly connects to Jesus because it introduces the one chosen to give birth to the Savior. The greeting “The Lord is with you” not only reassures Mary but also points to the greater truth that through her child, God’s presence would dwell among humanity in a new and permanent way. Jesus, as Emmanuel, fulfills the promise that God would be with His people.
Mary’s role in bringing Jesus into the world highlights God’s plan of salvation. Just as Mary was chosen by grace, Jesus’ mission is rooted in grace. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus offers salvation to all who believe, demonstrating the depth of God’s love and favor.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does God’s choice of Mary teach you about how He works through ordinary people to accomplish His purposes?
- How can you be encouraged by the promise that “The Lord is with you” in your daily life?
- Have you ever experienced a time when you felt God’s favor or grace in your life? How did it impact your faith?
- How does Mary’s example of humility and trust challenge you to respond to God’s calling in your life?
- What does this verse teach you about the relationship between God’s grace and His presence in the lives of believers?
Luke 1:28 reminds us that God’s plans are rooted in grace and that His presence is with us every step of the way. Just as Mary was chosen to play a vital role in God’s plan of salvation, we too are called to trust in His favor and respond with faith and obedience. Through Jesus, the promise of God’s presence is available to all who believe, giving us the confidence to live out His purposes in our lives.