What is the meaning of Luke 1:35? The angel replied The messenger Gabriel answers Mary’s “How can this be?” (Luke 1:34) with the assurance of God’s direct intervention. • Similar angelic explanations appear in Genesis 18:13-14 and Judges 13:8-18, reminding us that nothing is impossible for God. • Angels consistently communicate God’s plan with certainty (Hebrews 1:14), emphasizing that divine revelation, not human reasoning, grounds Mary’s faith. The Holy Spirit will come upon you Gabriel identifies the Holy Spirit as the active agent. • The same Spirit hovered over the waters at creation (Genesis 1:2) and empowers believers for service (Acts 1:8), showing His life-giving power. • Mary’s conception is entirely the Spirit’s work; no human father is involved (Matthew 1:18), ensuring Jesus’ sinless nature (2 Corinthians 5:21). • The Spirit’s “coming upon” parallels His filling of prophets (Numbers 11:25-26) and judges (Judges 6:34), yet here He creates new life, surpassing all prior manifestations. The power of the Most High will overshadow you The phrase pictures protective, glorious presence. • “Most High” (Psalm 91:1) underscores God’s supremacy. • “Overshadow” evokes the cloud over the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34-35) and the disciples at the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:5). God’s glory covers Mary as the true Holy of Holies. • This divine covering guarantees purity; conception is miraculous, not mythical. It fulfills Isaiah 7:14: “Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son.” So the Holy One to be born • Jesus is “holy” from conception, unlike every descendant of Adam (Romans 5:12). • Set apart for God’s purposes (Hebrews 7:26), He embodies perfect holiness, qualifying Him as the flawless Lamb (1 Peter 1:19). • His origin is heavenly, yet He takes true humanity (John 1:14), uniting holiness with flesh. Will be called the Son of God • The title affirms both His divine nature and messianic mission (Psalm 2:7; Mark 1:1). • “Called” indicates public recognition; heaven declares what earth must acknowledge (Matthew 3:17). • As Son, He inherits David’s throne (2 Samuel 7:12-14; Luke 1:32-33) and shares the Father’s essence (John 5:18). • Virgin conception proves His sonship, distinguishing Him from adopted or symbolic “sons” (Romans 8:14). summary Luke 1:35 reveals the triune God orchestrating the Incarnation. The Spirit miraculously conceives, the Father’s power shelters, and the Son enters humanity holy and sinless. Gabriel’s answer grounds Mary—and us—in the certainty that Jesus is truly God’s Son, divinely conceived to save sinners and reign forever. |
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