#1409. Luke 1:34–38 - How Can This Be? (16/12/25)

Matt Beaney
3 minutes ago
4 min read

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional as we continue our Christmas series.

From Luke 1:34–38, we see Mary move from questioning to humble acceptance of God’s word of promise.

To watch this devotional, please select the link below:

“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 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. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.” “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.' (Luke 1:34–38)

1. How will this be, since I am a virgin?

Luke emphasises repeatedly that Mary was a virgin. This is not incidental - it shows that Jesus is truly the Son of God. Mary’s question is not unbelief like Zechariah’s earlier response (1:18). Rather, it is a sincere and understandable question: How can this promise be fulfilled when she is not yet married? Mary is not doubting God - she simply cannot see how this promise will come about - there are no other examples of virgin births in the Bible!

2. The Holy Spirit, and power of God will make this possible

In response to Mary’s question, the angel describes the conception of Jesus:

‘“The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you…”’

The conception of Jesus is a divine mystery. The eternal Son of God is joined to human flesh through the Holy Spirit’s creative power. Jesus is therefore fully God and fully human, conceived uniquely through Mary and the Spirit.

This miraculous work also ensures that Jesus is conceived without inherited sin. He is the sinless Saviour we need.

Some traditions attempt to explain this by claiming Mary herself was sinless. But Scripture teaches that all need salvation (Romans 3:23), and Mary herself rejoiced in “God my Saviour” (Luke 1:47). It is not Mary’s sinlessness, but God’s power, that preserves Christ’s sinlessness.

This is the wonder of the incarnation: God acts where human plans and ability cannot.

3. She responds with worship and submission

Mary responds with willing submission to God’s plan. It’s very important to notice that Mary willingly submitted to being the mother of God; she gives one of the most beautiful statements of faith in all of Scripture:

‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.’ Then the angel left her.’ (Luke 1:38)

Despite the mystery, the cost, and the likely misunderstanding from others, Mary entrusts herself to God’s will. Her surrender becomes the doorway through which the Saviour enters the world.

Response

Like Mary, God may call us into things we do not fully understand - things that require trust, surrender, and courage.

The question for us is this: Are we willing, even before we see the path clearly, to say, “I am the Lord’s servant”?

Faith often begins with surrender before understanding. May we say with fresh loving devotion:

“I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.”

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.

2. Icebreaker

How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you?

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

This week, we continue in our Christmas Series - Holy Night.

Our message on Sunday from Luke 1:76–80, was Prepare the Way.

In Zechariah’s prophecy regarding his unborn son, we see that John was born to prepare the way for Jesus, and the church continues to prepare the way for Jesus.

Please read Luke 1:76-80 and discuss:

Personal Reflection – What struck you, or what did God speak to you about through Sunday’s message?
From this text, what do we learn about John’s ministry? And how does this inform the church's mission?
What do we learn about our message?
How was John prepared by God, and how is God preparing you right now?

SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

How do these verses inspire and help us when we think about reaching others with the gospel?
Share Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.
Practical Next Steps – Who is God putting on your heart to reach? Are there any ‘people of peace’ (*see note) in your life—those who are receptive to you and spiritual conversation?

Let’s pray together:

Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.
Pray for one another's SIV opportunities and boldness in following the Spirit's promptings.
Pray specifically for the ‘people of peace’ in our lives - asking God to open hearts and provide opportunities to speak life and truth.