Luke 1:30 Commentary and Bible Study

The angel Gabriel is not thinking on his feet in response to what Mary says. Every word has been given to him by the Lord, and when he responds it is to assure Mary of what only God could know and confirm: ‘thou hast found favour with God.’ ‘For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether’ (Psalm 139:4). Mary is troubled and fearful, and comfort is given to her. As Gill comments, Gabriel calls her by her name, indicating that she is known in heaven. We are told little about this subject, but Christ assures the disciples that those angels set to guard Christ’s little ones ‘do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven’ (Matthew 18:10). Heaven looks down with intense interest to see the works of God in the earth – ‘to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God’ (Ephesians 3:10); ‘which things the angels desire to look into’ (1 Peter 1:12).Mary’s fear is to be calmed. There is a godly fear which acts as a restraint on sin which is the beginning of wisdom, but there is a fear which holds back and has to be overcome by faith. This fear inhibits a full understanding, because it stops us coming near to God and listening to his word for our profit. While Mary feared in this way, it prevented her from reflecting carefully on what was being said to her. Fear is natural to mortal man in the presence of God or his angels, and it provides a good preparation for us to approach God, but God wants more than just fear from us; he wants the love of his children. Right fear is directed towards God, and no one else should be feared. All other fears are answered by the Lord and if God is for us, no one else can be successfully against us. If they try to be, then they face God as their enemy because they are working to harm his beloved children.So how are our fears removed? Only by the favour of God. If God who overlooks nothing is favourable towards us, then we can be sure there is no other outstanding source of concern or danger or threat to our souls. When he shows favour it is complete favour, with no ill will kept in reserve. He forgives all our sins, not just some of them. But the removal of our fears requires that we are sure that God is for us, and it can only be on the basis of his word. Gabriel speak this comfort to Mary and she is expected to take hold of it with all her heart, knowing that it is certain because God has said it. Probabilities are not enough when it comes to knowing God’s favour towards us. Faith is able to make certain the promises of God.How does anyone find favour with God? Only through the grace, the unmerited favour, of God towards sinners in Christ Jesus. The atonement is the basis of all God’s favour, not our works, and grace coming out of the cross of Calvary works backwards in time, as well as forwards to those who live after it. Mary must also look to her son as her Saviour and the basis of her acceptance with God.