The message of the
annunciation
(Luke 1:26–38)
Okbe Zemede
St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church
5333 St. Bernard Ave. New Orleans, LA 70122
December 8, 2013
The Angel
St Mary
You will conceive and
give birth to a son, and
you are to call him
Jesus. (Luke 1.31)
recognizing her limited
knowledge, St Mary asks,
“How can this be?” v34
How is it that a virgin
will give birth to a child?
35 The angel answered, “The
Holy Spirit will come on
you, and the power of the
Most High will overshadow
you. 37 ”For no word from God
will ever fail.” (Luke 1.35-37)
“I am the Lord’s
servant,” Mary answered.
“May your word to me be
fulfilled.” (Luke 1.38)
St Mary’s humility
(Luke 1:26–38)
Even while being “full of grace” than all men and all
the angels, she said, “I am the Lord’s servant,” for a
humble heart recognize God's special favor, in order to
humble itself even more.
We don’t see a sign of, “I deserve this” in her words,
thoughts and her deeds – instead we see humility
As St Mary experienced God’s goodness, she saw her
own littleness more clearly, and she said, 38 “I am the
Lord’s servant”
Attributes of a righteous – (Prov 10:31)
St Mary’s Obedience
(Luke 1:26–38)
Accept the will of God with no excuses
St Mary teaches us in deed & word that
God’s way is better than our way
St Mary teaches us in deed & word that
God’s will is better than our will, “May
your word to me be fulfilled.” (Luke 1.38)
St Mary
The Message to us
“May your word to me
be fulfilled.” (Luke
1.38) – In accordance
to God's will
As faithful Christians,
we are called to live
according to God's will
Hence,
St Mary offered her
body as a living
sacrifice to God
As faithful Christians,
we are called to offer
our bodies as living
sacrifices to God
Offering ones body as living sacrifices to
God (Luke 1:26–38)
Romans 12:1-2 says, 1 I urge you, brothers and sisters,
in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living
sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true
and proper worship.
2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be
transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you
will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his
good, pleasing and perfect will.
Offering ones body as living sacrifices to
God (Luke 1:26–38)
To offer your bodies as a living sacrifice = true and proper
worship.
To do God’s will = to die to self (own) will & surrender to
the will of God (Matt 24:45-46)
I am the Lord's servant... May your word to me be
fulfilled." (Luke 1:38)
St Mary gave Him full permission to work His will in her
life.
Her submissiveness enabled God to do the impossible
(incarnate) in her life
Offering ones body as living sacrifices to
God (Luke 1:26–38)
If anyone makes the house of God unclean, God will
put an end to him; for the house of God is holy, and
you are his house. 1 Corin 3:17
Christ wants to dwell in the undefiled house that is
made up of his own hand (Acts 17:24-25).
The one who keeps His commandments abides in Him,
and He in him... 1 John 3:24
Offering ones body as living sacrifices to
God (Luke 1:26–38)
The importance of dwelling in one’s heart(house).
When addressing the crowd during his return from
exile in 1980s, Pope Shenouda III said, “I have no
residence except in your heart”
Think of the ones who don’t reside with you but who
dwell in your heart (ex. may be your parents who has
departed but have special place in your heart)
The message of the annunciation to us
(Luke 1:26–38)
Is an invitation to submit your self to God.
Is an invitation to be humble in front of God.
Is an invitation to believe that what is impossible to
man is possible with God (think of a virgin giving birth).
Is an invitation to respond with faith, as Christ is born
anew in our lives daily.
That is the message of the annunciation to us today.
Glory Be To God Forever, Amen!