Luke 1:32 – “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,”
Extended Explanation
This verse continues the angel Gabriel’s message to Mary about the son she will conceive—Jesus. Gabriel declares that Jesus will be “great,” not just in the sense of fame or power but in His identity, mission, and role in God’s plan for salvation. Being “called the Son of the Most High” refers to His divine nature and relationship with God. “Most High” is a title used in Scripture to describe God’s ultimate authority and sovereignty, and calling Jesus His Son emphasizes that He is not just another prophet or king but the very Son of God.
Gabriel also tells Mary that Jesus will inherit the throne of David. This connects directly to God’s promise to King David that one of his descendants would reign forever (2 Samuel 7:12-13). Unlike earthly kings whose reigns come to an end, Jesus’ kingship will be eternal, fulfilling the long-awaited prophecy of the Messiah.
Historical Context
The Jewish people of Mary’s time were waiting for the promised Messiah, a descendant of David who would deliver them and restore Israel’s glory. Many of them expected a political leader who would free them from Roman rule and establish a powerful earthly kingdom. However, Gabriel’s message reveals that Jesus’ mission would be much greater—His kingdom would be eternal and spiritual, not limited to earthly politics.
The reference to David’s throne is significant because God made a covenant with David, promising that his dynasty would last forever (2 Samuel 7:16). Although the line of David had seemingly fallen into obscurity by the time of Mary, God’s promise had not been forgotten. By declaring that Jesus would inherit David’s throne, Gabriel is showing that God is faithful to His promises, even when they seem delayed or unlikely.
The term “Most High” was a common way of referring to God in Jewish Scripture, emphasizing His supreme authority over all creation (Psalm 83:18). Calling Jesus the Son of the Most High affirms His divine nature, setting Him apart from all other leaders and kings.
Theological Implications
This verse reveals the dual nature of Jesus—both divine and human. As the Son of the Most High, Jesus shares in the nature of God. At the same time, His connection to the throne of David emphasizes His human lineage and fulfillment of God’s covenant promises to Israel. This dual nature is essential for understanding Jesus’ role as the mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5).
The statement that Jesus will be “great” reflects His role as the Savior of the world. His greatness isn’t measured by worldly standards but by His ability to conquer sin, death, and bring eternal life. His greatness also lies in His perfect obedience to God, His sacrificial death, and His resurrection.
Gabriel’s mention of the eternal throne connects to the concept of Jesus’ kingdom. Unlike earthly kingdoms that rise and fall, Jesus’ reign is eternal and unshakable. His kingdom is marked not by political power but by righteousness, justice, and peace (Isaiah 9:6-7).
Literary Analysis
Luke’s writing in this passage is deliberate and full of meaning. The phrase “Son of the Most High” highlights Jesus’ divine identity, while the reference to the throne of David connects Him to Israel’s history and covenant promises. By combining these two ideas, Luke shows that Jesus is the fulfillment of both divine and human expectations.
The structure of the verse also builds anticipation. Gabriel begins by describing Jesus as “great,” then gradually reveals more about His identity and mission. This progression mirrors the way Jesus’ life and ministry would unfold, with His greatness becoming more fully revealed through His death and resurrection.
Biblical Cross-References
- 2 Samuel 7:12-13 – God’s promise to David that his offspring would establish an everlasting kingdom. This is fulfilled through Jesus.
- Psalm 89:3-4 – God’s covenant with David is reaffirmed, promising that his line will endure forever.
- Isaiah 9:6-7 – A prophecy describing the coming Messiah as a ruler of peace whose kingdom will have no end.
- Hebrews 1:3 – Jesus is described as the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being, affirming His divine nature.
- Matthew 16:16 – Peter declares Jesus to be the Son of the living God, echoing the truth revealed by Gabriel.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For believers today, this verse is a reminder of Jesus’ greatness and the hope that comes from being part of His eternal kingdom. Unlike earthly leaders and systems that are temporary and flawed, Jesus’ reign is perfect and everlasting. As Christians, we are citizens of His kingdom, which gives us security and peace, knowing that our future is secure in Him.
The fact that Jesus is both the Son of God and the descendant of David means that He understands our human struggles but also has the divine power to save us. This encourages us to trust Him with every aspect of our lives, knowing that He is both compassionate and sovereign.
Additionally, this verse challenges us to recognize Jesus’ greatness not just in terms of His power but in the way He demonstrated humility, love, and sacrifice. His greatness is most fully displayed in His willingness to die for our sins and offer us eternal life.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in His faithfulness to His promises. Despite the centuries that had passed since His covenant with David, God had not forgotten His people or His plan. The fact that He sent His own Son to fulfill these promises shows the depth of His love and His desire to redeem humanity.
God’s love is also seen in the way He bridges the gap between heaven and earth through Jesus. By sending His Son to be both divine and human, God provided the perfect Savior who could fully understand human suffering and offer the ultimate solution to sin.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse is directly centered on Jesus and His role in God’s plan of salvation. As the Son of the Most High, Jesus is fully divine, sharing in the power and authority of God. As the one who inherits David’s throne, He fulfills God’s promise of a Messiah who would reign forever.
Jesus’ greatness is seen throughout His life and ministry, but it is most fully revealed through His death and resurrection. Through His sacrifice, He established a kingdom that will never end—a kingdom of righteousness, peace, and eternal life.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does it mean to you that Jesus is “great” in the eyes of God, and how does that greatness differ from the world’s definition of greatness?
- How does knowing that Jesus’ kingdom is eternal give you hope in the midst of life’s uncertainties?
- Why is it significant that Jesus is both the Son of God and a descendant of David?
- How can you live as a citizen of Jesus’ kingdom in your daily life, reflecting His values of love, justice, and humility?
- How does this verse challenge you to trust in God’s faithfulness to His promises, even when they seem delayed?
Luke 1:32 reminds us of Jesus’ identity, mission, and the fulfillment of God’s promises. Through Him, we are invited into an eternal kingdom that offers hope, peace, and salvation. As we reflect on this verse, we can trust in God’s faithfulness and live with confidence, knowing that we serve a King whose greatness will never fade and whose reign will never end.