Luke 1:31 – “You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.”
Extended Explanation
This verse contains Gabriel’s announcement to Mary that she will miraculously conceive and give birth to a son. The angel instructs her to name the child “Jesus,” which means “The Lord saves” or “Yahweh is salvation.” This name is significant because it directly points to the mission of Jesus—to save people from their sins (Matthew 1:21).
This announcement would have been overwhelming for Mary. As a young virgin, she knew that conceiving a child was impossible under normal circumstances. Gabriel’s message reveals that this would not be a natural event but a miraculous work of God. The instruction to name the child Jesus highlights the divine nature of this plan—this child would be the Savior of the world.
Historical Context
In Jewish culture, names carried deep meaning and often reflected a person’s destiny or role. The name “Jesus” is the Greek form of the Hebrew name “Yeshua” (Joshua), which means “salvation.” In the Old Testament, Joshua led the Israelites into the Promised Land, and now Jesus would lead humanity into eternal salvation.
At the time of this announcement, the Jewish people were under Roman rule and were eagerly awaiting the promised Messiah who would deliver them. Many expected a political or military leader, but Gabriel’s message reveals that the Messiah’s mission would be much greater—He would save people spiritually by delivering them from sin and death.
Mary’s situation would have made this announcement shocking and potentially problematic. As an unmarried woman pledged to be married to Joseph, becoming pregnant could lead to public shame or even severe consequences under Jewish law. Yet God’s plan for salvation would involve taking this humble, risky path, showing His ability to use ordinary people for extraordinary purposes.
Theological Implications
This verse reveals a central truth of the Christian faith: God’s plan for salvation is initiated by Him, not by human effort. Mary didn’t seek this role; God chose her and worked through her by His power and grace. The miraculous conception shows that salvation is entirely a work of God, accomplished through divine means.
The name “Jesus” signifies His mission to bring salvation to the world. Jesus didn’t come to establish an earthly kingdom or political power; He came to rescue people from sin, which is humanity’s greatest need. This verse reminds us that God’s plan for salvation has always been centered on redeeming us from our separation from Him.
Additionally, this verse points to the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, such as Isaiah 7:14, which foretold that a virgin would conceive and give birth to a son. God’s plan for salvation wasn’t a new idea—it had been part of His purpose since the beginning.
Literary Analysis
Luke presents Gabriel’s announcement with simplicity but great significance. The structure of the verse is straightforward, but every word carries weight. The phrase “You will conceive and give birth to a son” parallels Old Testament announcements of miraculous births, such as the announcement to Sarah about Isaac (Genesis 18:10) and to Hannah about Samuel (1 Samuel 1:20). However, this announcement surpasses them all because the child to be born is the Savior.
The instruction to name the child “Jesus” emphasizes God’s authority and purpose. In biblical times, naming a child was a significant act, often done by the parents. In this case, God Himself, through Gabriel, provides the name, showing that Jesus’ identity and mission are divinely ordained.
Biblical Cross-References
- Isaiah 7:14 – “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” This prophecy is fulfilled through Mary’s miraculous conception.
- Matthew 1:21 – The angel tells Joseph to name the child Jesus because “he will save his people from their sins,” highlighting the meaning of His name.
- Genesis 18:10 – The announcement to Sarah about the miraculous birth of Isaac parallels Mary’s experience, showing God’s pattern of working through miraculous births.
- Philippians 2:9-10 – God exalts the name of Jesus above every name, showing its ultimate significance in God’s plan of redemption.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For believers today, this verse is a reminder that God’s plan for salvation is rooted in His grace and not in human effort. Just as Mary didn’t earn or seek her role, we don’t earn salvation through our good works. It is a gift given to us through Jesus Christ. The name “Jesus” is a constant reminder that God’s mission is to save us and bring us into a right relationship with Him.
This verse also shows that God can use ordinary people to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. Mary was a humble young woman living in an ordinary town, yet God chose her to be part of His plan to save the world. This encourages us to trust that God can work through us, no matter how insignificant we may feel.
Additionally, this verse challenges us to trust in God’s ability to accomplish the impossible. Just as Mary’s miraculous conception seemed impossible, God can work in our lives in ways that defy human understanding.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in His decision to send His Son into the world to save us. He didn’t leave humanity to struggle with sin and separation—He initiated the plan of salvation and carried it out through the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The fact that God planned this rescue mission from the beginning reveals the depth of His love for us.
God’s love is also evident in how He works through people like Mary. He didn’t choose a queen or someone from a powerful family—He chose a humble, faithful woman. This reflects God’s loving nature, showing that His grace is available to all, regardless of status or background.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse is all about Jesus—His identity, His mission, and His significance. The name “Jesus” encapsulates His purpose: to save people from their sins. Through His perfect life, sacrificial death, and resurrection, Jesus fulfilled this mission and made a way for humanity to be reconciled with God.
The miraculous nature of Jesus’ conception also points to His dual nature as fully God and fully man. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, making Him divine, but born of a human mother, making Him fully human. This unique nature qualified Him to be the perfect mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the meaning of the name “Jesus” help you understand His mission more clearly?
- What does Mary’s role in this story teach you about how God works through ordinary people?
- Have you ever experienced a situation where God called you to something that seemed impossible? How did you respond?
- How does this verse encourage you to trust in God’s grace and not your own efforts for salvation?
- What can you do in your daily life to reflect on and live out the truth that “The Lord saves”?
Luke 1:31 is a powerful reminder of God’s plan to save us through Jesus Christ. It shows that salvation is a gift of grace, that God can work through anyone, and that His plans often exceed human understanding. As we reflect on this verse, we are reminded to trust in God’s ability to do the impossible, just as He did through the miraculous birth of Jesus. Through Him, we find salvation, hope, and the assurance of God’s love.