Luke 1:35 – “The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.'”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, the angel Gabriel responds to Mary’s question about how she, a virgin, could conceive a child (Luke 1:34). Gabriel explains that this conception will be a miraculous act of God through the power of the Holy Spirit. The phrase “the Holy Spirit will come on you” indicates that Mary’s pregnancy will not involve any human intervention. Instead, God’s Spirit will supernaturally bring about the conception of Jesus.
The phrase “the power of the Most High will overshadow you” is important. The term “overshadow” suggests God’s protective and creative presence, similar to how God’s presence filled the tabernacle in the Old Testament (Exodus 40:34-35). This emphasizes that the conception of Jesus is a divine act, setting Him apart as the “holy one” and identifying Him as the “Son of God.” Jesus’ holiness refers to His sinlessness and His unique role as God’s chosen Savior for the world.
Historical Context
The Jewish people were familiar with the idea of God’s Spirit being involved in significant events. In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit came upon individuals to empower them for specific tasks, such as leading Israel (Judges 6:34) or prophesying (1 Samuel 10:10). However, what Gabriel describes here is unprecedented—God’s Spirit would not just empower someone temporarily but would cause a miraculous birth, resulting in the incarnation of God Himself.
The term “Most High” was commonly used in Jewish writings to refer to God’s supreme authority over all creation. By using this term, Gabriel is emphasizing that the same God who created the world and led Israel is now directly intervening to bring about the birth of the Messiah. The description of Jesus as the “Son of God” would have been significant, as it points to His divine identity and fulfills Old Testament prophecies about the coming of a Savior.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches the essential Christian doctrine of the virgin birth, which is central to understanding who Jesus is. Jesus’ conception by the Holy Spirit means that He is both fully God and fully human. His divine origin makes Him holy and sinless, unlike any other human being. His humanity, on the other hand, enables Him to represent us and be our perfect substitute in atoning for sin.
The virgin birth also highlights the fact that salvation is entirely a work of God. Humanity could not produce its own Savior through human effort—only God could bring about the birth of the one who would redeem the world. This reinforces the truth that salvation is a gift of grace, not something we earn.
Additionally, the reference to the Holy Spirit shows that the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) is fully involved in the plan of salvation. The Father sends the Son, and the Holy Spirit brings about His conception. This collaborative work of the Trinity underscores the unity and purpose of God in redeeming humanity.
Literary Analysis
Luke’s writing in this passage is rich with meaning and carefully crafted to convey both the miraculous and the theological significance of Jesus’ birth. The phrase “the power of the Most High will overshadow you” uses imagery that recalls God’s presence in the Old Testament. Just as God’s presence filled the tabernacle, His Spirit now fills Mary, making her the vessel through which God’s Son will enter the world.
The structure of the verse also highlights the relationship between Jesus’ conception and His identity as the “holy one” and “Son of God.” Luke is intentional in showing that Jesus’ holiness is directly connected to His divine origin. This sets Him apart from all other humans and emphasizes His role as the Savior.
Biblical Cross-References
- Genesis 1:2 – “The Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” Just as the Spirit was present at creation, the Spirit is involved in the creation of new life in Mary.
- Isaiah 7:14 – “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” This prophecy is fulfilled through the miraculous conception of Jesus.
- John 1:14 – “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” This describes the incarnation of Jesus, which began with His conception by the Holy Spirit.
- Hebrews 4:15 – Jesus is described as one who is without sin, emphasizing the significance of His holiness, which began with His divine conception.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder that God’s power is not limited by human understanding or natural laws. Just as God miraculously brought about the birth of Jesus, He can work in our lives in ways that defy human expectations. This should encourage us to trust God, even when His plans seem impossible.
The fact that Jesus is both fully God and fully human means that He understands our struggles and can represent us before God. His sinlessness ensures that His sacrifice on the cross was sufficient to cover our sins completely. As believers, we can find comfort in knowing that Jesus is not a distant figure—He is both our Savior and our compassionate advocate.
This verse also challenges us to live holy lives, following the example of Jesus. Just as Jesus was set apart for God’s purposes, we are called to be holy and live in obedience to God’s will.
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. The virgin birth is an act of love, as it represents God’s desire to be with us and redeem us. God didn’t leave humanity to face the consequences of sin on its own—He intervened in a miraculous way to bring about our salvation.
God’s love is also evident in the way He chose Mary, a humble and faithful woman, to be part of His plan. This shows that God’s love reaches ordinary people and that He delights in using those who are willing to trust Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse directly points to the identity and mission of Jesus. His conception by the Holy Spirit establishes Him as the Son of God and the holy one who would live a sinless life. This holiness is essential to His role as the Savior because only a sinless sacrifice could atone for the sins of humanity.
The reference to the Holy Spirit also highlights Jesus’ divine authority. Throughout His life, Jesus would be empowered by the Spirit to perform miracles, teach with authority, and ultimately accomplish the work of redemption. The same Spirit who brought about His conception would guide and sustain Him throughout His earthly ministry.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the fact that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit deepen your understanding of His identity and mission?
- What does the virgin birth teach you about God’s ability to work in miraculous and unexpected ways?
- How does Jesus’ holiness encourage you in your daily walk of faith?
- In what ways can you trust God’s power to work in your life, even when His plans seem impossible?
- How does knowing that salvation is entirely a work of God influence the way you view His grace and mercy?
Luke 1:35 reveals the miraculous and loving nature of God’s plan to bring salvation through Jesus Christ. As the holy one conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus is the perfect Savior who offers redemption and eternal life to all who believe. This verse reminds us of the incredible lengths God went to in order to save us and invites us to trust in His power and grace.