What is the meaning of Luke 1:29? Mary was greatly troubled Luke 1:29 opens with, “Mary was greatly troubled...”. • The appearance of a holy angel often stirred fear; compare Gideon in Judges 6:22 and Daniel in Daniel 10:7-9. • Mary’s disturbance shows authentic human emotion—even the favored of God may feel alarm when heaven breaks into ordinary life (see Exodus 3:6; Isaiah 6:5). • Her reaction demonstrates the seriousness of divine encounters: the living God is not casual or tame (Hebrews 12:28-29). • Unlike Zechariah, whose fear quickly turned to doubt (Luke 1:12, 18), Mary’s trouble will soon transition into humble faith, revealing that initial fear need not end in unbelief. at his words Mary’s concern centers “at his words,” not merely at the sight of Gabriel. • Faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17), so the content of the message matters. • Angels are messengers; their authority rests on God’s spoken word, just as Gabriel later says, “I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news” (Luke 1:19). • Scripture repeatedly elevates God’s word as living and effective (Hebrews 4:12), the means by which He creates faith and accomplishes His purposes (Isaiah 55:10-11). • Mary’s attentive response models how believers should engage every proclamation from God—listening carefully and weighing it soberly (Acts 17:11). and wondered The verse continues, “and wondered...” • Wonder indicates meditation rather than panic; Mary ponders, reflecting a heart ready to receive revelation (Luke 2:19, 51). • God invites thoughtful reflection; Psalm 1:2 praises the one who “meditates day and night.” • This wondering sets Mary apart from those who dismiss or ignore God’s interventions (Matthew 13:19). • Her example encourages believers to pause and think deeply about God’s words instead of reacting impulsively (James 1:19-21). what kind of greeting this might be Mary questions “what kind of greeting this might be.” • Gabriel had said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you” (Luke 1:28). Such favor was unheard of for a humble village girl, prompting her discernment. • Scripture cautions to test every spirit (1 John 4:1), yet Mary’s test is not cynical; it seeks understanding (Proverbs 2:3-5). • The greeting points to grace: God’s unearned favor, foreshadowing Ephesians 2:8-9. • By recognizing the uniqueness of the greeting, Mary perceives that God is initiating a new covenant work, in line with prophecies like Isaiah 7:14. summary Luke 1:29 portrays Mary’s journey from holy fear to thoughtful faith. Startled by the sudden appearance of Gabriel, she is troubled yet attentive, grounding her response in careful consideration of God’s word. Her wondering signals a receptive heart, and her questioning reveals discernment, not disbelief. The verse invites believers to meet divine interruptions with humble awe, active listening, reflective meditation, and faithful testing—trusting that God’s gracious greetings always herald His redemptive purposes. |
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