3 a coming christ in advent

A Coming ChristA Coming Christ
in Adventin Advent
The Genealogy ofThe Genealogy of
Jesus ChristJesus Christ
(Matthew 1:1-17)(Matthew 1:1-17)
The Annunciation to JosephThe Annunciation to Joseph
(Matthew 1:18-25)(Matthew 1:18-25)

Almighty God, give us grace to castAlmighty God, give us grace to cast
away the works of darkness, and putaway the works of darkness, and put
on the armor of light, now in the time ofon the armor of light, now in the time of
this mortal life in which your Son Jesusthis mortal life in which your Son Jesus
Christ came to visit us in greatChrist came to visit us in great
humility; that in the last day, when hehumility; that in the last day, when he
shall come again in his gloriousshall come again in his glorious
majesty to judge both the living and themajesty to judge both the living and the
dead, we may rise to the life immortal;dead, we may rise to the life immortal;
through him who lives and reigns withthrough him who lives and reigns with
you and the Holy Spirit, one God, nowyou and the Holy Spirit, one God, now
and for ever.and for ever.
- Book of Common Prayer, p. 211- Book of Common Prayer, p. 211

The Genealogy ofThe Genealogy of
Jesus ChristJesus Christ
Matthew 1:1-17Matthew 1:1-17

Genealogy of JesusGenealogy of Jesus
IntroductionIntroduction
 Matthew’s gospel – and the New Testament – begins with aMatthew’s gospel – and the New Testament – begins with a
lengthy genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:1-17)lengthy genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:1-17)
 Often skipped or skimmed by modern readers.Often skipped or skimmed by modern readers.
 Can drive lectors and lay readers to despair.Can drive lectors and lay readers to despair.
 Brown notes he would stun churches by going out of his way to preachBrown notes he would stun churches by going out of his way to preach
on the genealogy.on the genealogy.
 The Protestant Reformer Ulrich Zwingli wrote in JanuaryThe Protestant Reformer Ulrich Zwingli wrote in January
1519 that the genealogy contained the essential theology of the1519 that the genealogy contained the essential theology of the
Reformation.Reformation.
 Brown: “it contains the essential theology of the Old and NewBrown: “it contains the essential theology of the Old and New
Testaments that the whole Church, Orthodox, Roman Catholic,Testaments that the whole Church, Orthodox, Roman Catholic,
and Protestant, should proclaim.”and Protestant, should proclaim.”

Three SectionsThree Sections
 Why such high praise?Why such high praise?
 The genealogy has three sections:The genealogy has three sections:
 1. The Patriarchs1. The Patriarchs
 2. The Kings2. The Kings
 3. The Unknown and the Unexpected3. The Unknown and the Unexpected

The PatriarchsThe Patriarchs
 The genealogy begins with Abraham begetting IsaacThe genealogy begins with Abraham begetting Isaac
 Why isn’t the older son Ishmael and his mother Hagar – theWhy isn’t the older son Ishmael and his mother Hagar – the
more abused figure – mentioned?more abused figure – mentioned?
 Then comes Isaac begetting JacobThen comes Isaac begetting Jacob
 Why isn’t Esau mentioned?Why isn’t Esau mentioned?
 Esau was Isaac’s older son, a bit rustic perhaps, but moreEsau was Isaac’s older son, a bit rustic perhaps, but more
honest than the scheming Jacob.honest than the scheming Jacob.
 Next comes Jacob begetting Judah and his brothers.Next comes Jacob begetting Judah and his brothers.
 But wasn’t Joseph the best of the brothers?But wasn’t Joseph the best of the brothers?
 Judah was the guy who sold his own brother and sought outJudah was the guy who sold his own brother and sought out
prostitutes.prostitutes.

The PatriarchsThe Patriarchs
 The message here: God frequently does not chose theThe message here: God frequently does not chose the
best or the noble or the saintly.best or the noble or the saintly.
 Brown: “Matthew is faithful to an insight about aBrown: “Matthew is faithful to an insight about a
God who is not controlled by human merit butGod who is not controlled by human merit but
manifests His own unpredictable graciousness. Nomanifests His own unpredictable graciousness. No
wonder Zwingli saw here the theology of thewonder Zwingli saw here the theology of the
Reformation, a theology of salvation by grace.”Reformation, a theology of salvation by grace.”
 Truly this theology behind the genealogy is “theTruly this theology behind the genealogy is “the
beginning story of Jesus Christ.”beginning story of Jesus Christ.”

The KingsThe Kings
 Next comes a list of 14 Judean kings fromNext comes a list of 14 Judean kings from
David to the exile in Babylon.David to the exile in Babylon.
 Of these 14 kings, only two were faithful to God’sOf these 14 kings, only two were faithful to God’s
laws in Deuteronomy (Hezekiah and Josiah).laws in Deuteronomy (Hezekiah and Josiah).
 The others were idolaters, murderers,The others were idolaters, murderers,
incompetents, power-mongers, and harem-incompetents, power-mongers, and harem-
wastrels.wastrels.
 David himself was a “stunning combination ofDavid himself was a “stunning combination of
saint and sinnersaint and sinner

The KingsThe Kings
 David himself was a “stunning combination ofDavid himself was a “stunning combination of
saint and sinner”:saint and sinner”:
 He arranged the murder of Bathsheba’s husband soHe arranged the murder of Bathsheba’s husband so
he could marry her legallyhe could marry her legally
 He practiced a “mafia-like” politics by arrangingHe practiced a “mafia-like” politics by arranging
for relatives to murder his opponentsfor relatives to murder his opponents
 Yet: he was the sweet singer of psalms, theYet: he was the sweet singer of psalms, the
composer of prayers so beautiful they have foundcomposer of prayers so beautiful they have found
their way into every Eucharist.their way into every Eucharist.

The Unknown and UnexpectedThe Unknown and Unexpected
 The last part of the genealogy goes from the exile inThe last part of the genealogy goes from the exile in
Babylon to Jesus.Babylon to Jesus.
 It is curious that only the first two in the list (ShealtielIt is curious that only the first two in the list (Shealtiel
and Zerubbabel) and the last two (Joseph and Mary)and Zerubbabel) and the last two (Joseph and Mary)
are found elsewhere in sacred scripture.are found elsewhere in sacred scripture.
 The rest apparently had not done anything importantThe rest apparently had not done anything important
enough to make it in.enough to make it in.
 Brown: “Still another indicator of the unpredictability ofBrown: “Still another indicator of the unpredictability of
God’s grace is that He accomplishes His purpose throughGod’s grace is that He accomplishes His purpose through
those whom others regard as unimportant and forgettable.”those whom others regard as unimportant and forgettable.”

The Women in the GenealogyThe Women in the Genealogy
 The genealogy is also remarkable inThe genealogy is also remarkable in
containing five women.containing five women.
 Matthew reminds us that women as well as menMatthew reminds us that women as well as men
were part of the story of thewere part of the story of the genesisgenesis of Jesusof Jesus
Christ.Christ.

 It is curious however the particular women MatthewIt is curious however the particular women Matthew
does include –does include –
 There isThere is nono mention of the “saintly patriarchal wives:”mention of the “saintly patriarchal wives:”
Sarah, Rebekah, and Rachel.Sarah, Rebekah, and Rachel.
 He begins withHe begins with TamarTamar::
 Tamar was a Canaanite outsider left childless by the deathsTamar was a Canaanite outsider left childless by the deaths
of both her first and second husbands, both Judah’s sons.of both her first and second husbands, both Judah’s sons.
 Judah did not do his duty to provide her a third son as aJudah did not do his duty to provide her a third son as a
husband, so Tamar disguised herself as a prostitute andhusband, so Tamar disguised herself as a prostitute and
seduced Judah to conceive a child.seduced Judah to conceive a child.

 Next is another outsider, the CanaaniteNext is another outsider, the Canaanite RahabRahab::
 She was aShe was a realreal prostituteprostitute
 Rahab protected Israelite spies, thus helping toRahab protected Israelite spies, thus helping to
make the conquest of Jericho possible (Joshua 2)make the conquest of Jericho possible (Joshua 2)
 Next isNext is RuthRuth, another outsider, a Moabite, another outsider, a Moabite
 She was faithful to the law of her Israelite relativesShe was faithful to the law of her Israelite relatives
and raised the child of her dead husband, whoand raised the child of her dead husband, who
would become the grandfather of David.would become the grandfather of David.

 The fourth women isThe fourth women is BathshebaBathsheba, the victim of, the victim of
David’s lust, and wife of Uriah the Hittite, whoDavid’s lust, and wife of Uriah the Hittite, who
was then murdered by David.was then murdered by David.
 Bathsheba lost her first son through David, but wasBathsheba lost her first son through David, but was
enterprising enough to make sure her second son,enterprising enough to make sure her second son,
Solomon, succeeded David to the throne.Solomon, succeeded David to the throne.
 All these women had marital histories taintedAll these women had marital histories tainted
by human scandal or scorn, yet they are part ofby human scandal or scorn, yet they are part of
the sacred line leading to Jesus.the sacred line leading to Jesus.

 These women provide a fitting backdrop to theThese women provide a fitting backdrop to the
fifth and last woman in the list, whose maritalfifth and last woman in the list, whose marital
situation was indeed quite scandalous –situation was indeed quite scandalous – MaryMary,,
the mother of Jesus, discovered to be pregnantthe mother of Jesus, discovered to be pregnant
by her betrothed husband when he had neverby her betrothed husband when he had never
had sex with her.had sex with her.

God’s Unpredictable GraciousnessGod’s Unpredictable Graciousness
 The genealogy of Jesus includes as many sinners asThe genealogy of Jesus includes as many sinners as
saints, reflecting a God who is not controlled bysaints, reflecting a God who is not controlled by
human merit, but manifests His own unpredictablehuman merit, but manifests His own unpredictable
graciousness.graciousness.
 But it is not only theBut it is not only the genesisgenesis of Jesus that includesof Jesus that includes
sinners as well as saints, but also thesinners as well as saints, but also the “sequence”“sequence” ofof
Jesus:Jesus:
 A Peter who will deny three times that he ever knew Jesus,A Peter who will deny three times that he ever knew Jesus,
 A Paul who will make a mission of persecuting Jesus’A Paul who will make a mission of persecuting Jesus’
followers,followers,
 Men and women, sinners and saints, over the centuries,Men and women, sinners and saints, over the centuries,
who have claimed the name “Christian.”who have claimed the name “Christian.”

God’s Unpredictable GraciousnessGod’s Unpredictable Graciousness
 Brown: “The God who wrote the beginningsBrown: “The God who wrote the beginnings
with crooked lines also writes the sequencewith crooked lines also writes the sequence
with crooked lines, and some of those lines arewith crooked lines, and some of those lines are
our own lives and witness. A God who did notour own lives and witness. A God who did not
hesitate to use the scheming as well as thehesitate to use the scheming as well as the
noble, the impure as well as the pure, men tonoble, the impure as well as the pure, men to
whom the world hearkened and women uponwhom the world hearkened and women upon
whom the world frowned – this God continueswhom the world frowned – this God continues
to work through the same melange.”to work through the same melange.”

The AnnunciationThe Annunciation
to Josephto Joseph
Matthew 1:18-25Matthew 1:18-25

Annunciation to JosephAnnunciation to Joseph
IntroductionIntroduction
 In Matthew’s gospel there is no “annunciation”In Matthew’s gospel there is no “annunciation”
to Mary by the angel Gabriel as in Luke 1:26-to Mary by the angel Gabriel as in Luke 1:26-
38.38.
 Instead, there is only an “annunciation” toInstead, there is only an “annunciation” to
Joseph in a dream by “an angel of the Lord.”Joseph in a dream by “an angel of the Lord.”
 Joseph is told not to divorce Mary as he wasJoseph is told not to divorce Mary as he was
planning, but rather take her into his house, for sheplanning, but rather take her into his house, for she
was pregnant by the Spirit of God.was pregnant by the Spirit of God.

The Dilemma of a Just ManThe Dilemma of a Just Man
 In Jesus’ day, marriage was agreed upon by theIn Jesus’ day, marriage was agreed upon by the
parents, and the marriage began almostparents, and the marriage began almost
immediately after the children reachedimmediately after the children reached
puberty.puberty.
 However, until the husband could support his wife,However, until the husband could support his wife,
the wife continued to live with her parents.the wife continued to live with her parents.
 No sexual intercourse between husband and wifeNo sexual intercourse between husband and wife
was permissible during this time.was permissible during this time.

 So now Joseph, Mary’s husband, finds that his wife isSo now Joseph, Mary’s husband, finds that his wife is
pregnant even though they are still living apart andpregnant even though they are still living apart and
have not engaged in sexual intercourse.have not engaged in sexual intercourse.
 Note that Joseph hasn’t yet had his dream thatNote that Joseph hasn’t yet had his dream that
explains Mary’s pregnancy.explains Mary’s pregnancy.
 Also note there is no reason in Matthew’s narrative to thinkAlso note there is no reason in Matthew’s narrative to think
that Mary knew why she was pregnant, for there is nothat Mary knew why she was pregnant, for there is no
Lucan annunciation to Mary in Matthew explaining sheLucan annunciation to Mary in Matthew explaining she
would be overshadowed by the Holy Spirit and conceive awould be overshadowed by the Holy Spirit and conceive a
son.son.

 Matthew insists Joseph was “just” (orMatthew insists Joseph was “just” (or
“unright” or “righteous”), meaning Joseph“unright” or “righteous”), meaning Joseph
conformed to the Law of God, the supremeconformed to the Law of God, the supreme
Jewish standard of holiness.Jewish standard of holiness.
 Mary’s lost of virginity could have been due toMary’s lost of virginity could have been due to
adultery, and Joseph as a just man would haveadultery, and Joseph as a just man would have
no choice but to divorce her if he were tono choice but to divorce her if he were to
uphold the sanctity of marriage as required byuphold the sanctity of marriage as required by
God’s law.God’s law.

 But the law also stated that the pregnancy,But the law also stated that the pregnancy,
which could be a consequence of adulterywhich could be a consequence of adultery
(Deut 22:22-24), might also be a consequence(Deut 22:22-24), might also be a consequence
of rape (Deut 22:25-27).of rape (Deut 22:25-27).
 Joseph could have demanded a formal trial toJoseph could have demanded a formal trial to
determine if Mary’s pregnancy was adultery ordetermine if Mary’s pregnancy was adultery or
rape.rape.
 If it was found to be adultery, Joseph could haveIf it was found to be adultery, Joseph could have
kept the dowry.kept the dowry.

 Joseph however, was “unwilling to expose her to publicJoseph however, was “unwilling to expose her to public
disgrace” or “make a public spectacle of her.”disgrace” or “make a public spectacle of her.”
 So instead he decided to divorce Mary “quietly” – that is, without aSo instead he decided to divorce Mary “quietly” – that is, without a
formal public trial.formal public trial.
 Matthew’s description here is of a man sensitive to theMatthew’s description here is of a man sensitive to the
complexity of the law. Joseph neither assumes the worse norcomplexity of the law. Joseph neither assumes the worse nor
does he seek the maximum punishment.does he seek the maximum punishment.
 Only after his decision to quietly divorce Mary, does JosephOnly after his decision to quietly divorce Mary, does Joseph
have his annunciation dream in which the Angel of the Lordhave his annunciation dream in which the Angel of the Lord
tells him something he did not previously know – that Mary istells him something he did not previously know – that Mary is
pregnant by the Spirit of God. He should not divorce her, butpregnant by the Spirit of God. He should not divorce her, but
rather take her into his home.rather take her into his home.

The “How” of Jesus’ IdentityThe “How” of Jesus’ Identity
 God promised David in 2 Samuel 7:12-13: “God promised David in 2 Samuel 7:12-13: “When
your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your
ancestors, I will raise up your offspring after you,
who shall come forth from your body, and I will
establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my
name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom
forever.””
 Jesus, to be the fulfillment of this promise to David,Jesus, to be the fulfillment of this promise to David,
must be the son of Joseph, who was in the line ofmust be the son of Joseph, who was in the line of
King David.King David.

 Modern readers often cannot help but ask:Modern readers often cannot help but ask:
“How can Jesus be Joseph’s son if Joseph is“How can Jesus be Joseph’s son if Joseph is
not his biological father?”not his biological father?”
 Matthew answered this modern query inMatthew answered this modern query in
Matthew 1:21, where the angel tells JosephMatthew 1:21, where the angel tells Joseph
““She [Mary] will bear a son, and you are to
name him Jesus, for he will save his people
from their sins” (NRSV)

 In Judaism, aIn Judaism, a legallegal paternity is established when a manpaternity is established when a man
acknowledges a child as his own.acknowledges a child as his own.
 The MishnaThe Mishna Baba BathraBaba Bathra 8:6: “If a man says, ‘This is my son,’ he is to8:6: “If a man says, ‘This is my son,’ he is to
be believed.”be believed.”
 Joseph, the just man, obeys both commands of the angel by:Joseph, the just man, obeys both commands of the angel by:
 Naming Jesus, and thereby acknowledging and making Jesus his ownNaming Jesus, and thereby acknowledging and making Jesus his own
legallegal son.son.
 Not divorcing Mary, but rather taking her into his home as his wife.Not divorcing Mary, but rather taking her into his home as his wife.
 Joseph, by virtue of:Joseph, by virtue of:
 His dedication to the Law of GodHis dedication to the Law of God
 His nuanced and sensitive reading of the Law,His nuanced and sensitive reading of the Law,
is thus for Matthew a worthy father to Jesus, who would insistis thus for Matthew a worthy father to Jesus, who would insist
He had come not to do away with any of the Law, but rather toHe had come not to do away with any of the Law, but rather to
fulfill the Law and the Prophets.fulfill the Law and the Prophets.

to Maryto Mary
(Luke 1:26-56)(Luke 1:26-56)

Mary’s DiscipleshipMary’s Discipleship

Primary Message of the StoriesPrimary Message of the Stories
 TheThe primaryprimary message of Luke’s stories of the Annunciation tomessage of Luke’s stories of the Annunciation to
Mary, the Visitation, and the Magnificat isMary, the Visitation, and the Magnificat is notnot about Mary, butabout Mary, but
rather:rather:
 The identity of Jesus as both:The identity of Jesus as both:
 The Messiah descended from DavidThe Messiah descended from David
 The Son of GodThe Son of God
 How Jesus will save those who depend upon GodHow Jesus will save those who depend upon God
 However, the stories reveal many other facets celebrated inHowever, the stories reveal many other facets celebrated in
theology, spirituality, art and literature, and one facettheology, spirituality, art and literature, and one facet
particularly befitting Advent is Luke’s holding Mary up as theparticularly befitting Advent is Luke’s holding Mary up as the
first to hear thefirst to hear the good newsgood news (= gospel) and accept and proclaim(= gospel) and accept and proclaim
itit
 That is, she isThat is, she is the first and model disciplethe first and model disciple

Mary in the Four GospelsMary in the Four Gospels
 We know very little about the historical Mary, and inWe know very little about the historical Mary, and in
some of the gospels, it is not even clear that Marysome of the gospels, it is not even clear that Mary
becomes a disciple of Jesus.becomes a disciple of Jesus.
 MarkMark (probably the earliest gospel):(probably the earliest gospel):
 Portrays Jesus’ family as thinking Jesus is beside himself, and theyPortrays Jesus’ family as thinking Jesus is beside himself, and they
do not honor Jesus (Mark 3:21, Mark 6:4)do not honor Jesus (Mark 3:21, Mark 6:4)
 MatthewMatthew
 Unlike Mark, doesUnlike Mark, does notnot say Jesus’ family did not honor himsay Jesus’ family did not honor him
 Does tell us that Mary was the mother of Jesus through the powerDoes tell us that Mary was the mother of Jesus through the power
of the Holy Spiritof the Holy Spirit
 However, never makes it clear that Mary became a disciple of JesusHowever, never makes it clear that Mary became a disciple of Jesus

Mary in the Four GospelsMary in the Four Gospels
 We know very little about the historical Mary, and inWe know very little about the historical Mary, and in
some of the gospels, it is not even clear that Marysome of the gospels, it is not even clear that Mary
becomes a disciple of Jesus.becomes a disciple of Jesus.
 JohnJohn
 Is the only other gospel besides Luke to portray Mary as becomingIs the only other gospel besides Luke to portray Mary as becoming
a disciplea disciple
 Jesus tells Mary to be the mother to the “disciple whom he loves”Jesus tells Mary to be the mother to the “disciple whom he loves”
(generally felt to John)(generally felt to John)
 Brown: the notion of Mary asBrown: the notion of Mary as “preeminent disciple”“preeminent disciple”
was probably a “second stage” development in Newwas probably a “second stage” development in New
TestamentTestament
 ““First-stage:” the mystery of JesusFirst-stage:” the mystery of Jesus

to Maryto Mary

Annunciation to MaryAnnunciation to Mary
Diptych with Zechariah’s AnnunciationDiptych with Zechariah’s Annunciation
 TheThe Annunciation to MaryAnnunciation to Mary parallels andparallels and
contrasts with thecontrasts with the Annunciation to ZechariahAnnunciation to Zechariah
(that his wife Elizabeth would conceive John(that his wife Elizabeth would conceive John
the Baptist), forming a “diptych”the Baptist), forming a “diptych”
 Mary’s annunciation occurs during the 6Mary’s annunciation occurs during the 6thth
month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy with John themonth of Elizabeth’s pregnancy with John the
BaptistBaptist

 Zechariah’s Annunciation:Zechariah’s Annunciation:
 Takes place in JerusalemTakes place in Jerusalem
 Heritage is priestlyHeritage is priestly
 Both befit the “Old Testament” character ofBoth befit the “Old Testament” character of
Zechariah and ElizabethZechariah and Elizabeth
 Recall from session 2: in Zechariah’s annunciation, theRecall from session 2: in Zechariah’s annunciation, the
couple Zechariah-Elizabeth mirror Abraham-Sarah andcouple Zechariah-Elizabeth mirror Abraham-Sarah and
Elkanah-Hannah, and evoke Gabriel’s appearance toElkanah-Hannah, and evoke Gabriel’s appearance to
DanielDaniel

 Mary’s Annunciation:Mary’s Annunciation:
 Takes place in the town of Nazareth, in GalileeTakes place in the town of Nazareth, in Galilee
 Heritage is DavidicHeritage is Davidic
 Both befit the “New Testament” character of MaryBoth befit the “New Testament” character of Mary
and Joseph, parents of Jesus:and Joseph, parents of Jesus:
 Jesus’ public ministry will be in GalileeJesus’ public ministry will be in Galilee
 Jesus is the Messiah from the House of DavidJesus is the Messiah from the House of David

 Zechariah and Elizabeth have been yearningZechariah and Elizabeth have been yearning
for a childfor a child
 The annunciation to Zechariah is an answer to theirThe annunciation to Zechariah is an answer to their
prayersprayers
 Mary is a virgin and is not expecting to beMary is a virgin and is not expecting to be
pregnantpregnant
 The annunciation to Mary is a surprise initiative byThe annunciation to Mary is a surprise initiative by
GodGod

 Elizabeth’s conception involves an act ofElizabeth’s conception involves an act of
human sexual intercoursehuman sexual intercourse
 Mary’s conception does not involve an act ofMary’s conception does not involve an act of
human sexual intercourse, but rather it is thehuman sexual intercourse, but rather it is the
result of the overshadowing Spirit of Godresult of the overshadowing Spirit of God
 TheThe samesame Spirit that hovered at the creation ofSpirit that hovered at the creation of
world when all was void (Genesis 1:2)world when all was void (Genesis 1:2)

 Both Zechariah’s and Mary’s annunciationsBoth Zechariah’s and Mary’s annunciations
follow a “pattern” for birth annunciationsfollow a “pattern” for birth annunciations
present in the Old Testament annunciations ofpresent in the Old Testament annunciations of
the births of:the births of:
 Ishmael (Genesis 16:7-12)Ishmael (Genesis 16:7-12)
 Isaac (Genesis 17-18)Isaac (Genesis 17-18)
 Samson (Judges 13:3-20)Samson (Judges 13:3-20)

 The “pattern” of birth annunciations:The “pattern” of birth annunciations:
 An angel of the Lord / heavenly messenger appearsAn angel of the Lord / heavenly messenger appears
 The visionary becomes fearful or prostrateThe visionary becomes fearful or prostrate
 Angel addresses the visionary, usually by name, and urges “Do not beAngel addresses the visionary, usually by name, and urges “Do not be
afraid”afraid”
 The angelic message: the future mother is or will be with child. TheThe angelic message: the future mother is or will be with child. The
child will be named X and the child’s accomplishments will be Ychild will be named X and the child’s accomplishments will be Y
 The visionary objects “how can this be?” They may ask for a sign.The visionary objects “how can this be?” They may ask for a sign.
 Aside: many aspects of this “pattern” are also found in OldAside: many aspects of this “pattern” are also found in Old
Testament angelic annunciations of vocation:Testament angelic annunciations of vocation:
 Moses (Exodus 3:2-12)Moses (Exodus 3:2-12)
 Gideon (Judges 6:12-23)Gideon (Judges 6:12-23)

Heart of the AnnunciationHeart of the Annunciation
 The heart of the Annunciation to Mary is itsThe heart of the Annunciation to Mary is its
revelation of therevelation of the twofold identity of Jesustwofold identity of Jesus as:as:
 1. The1. The Messiah descended from DavidMessiah descended from David
 2. The2. The Son of GodSon of God

 Jesus’ identity as theJesus’ identity as the Messiah descended from DavidMessiah descended from David goesgoes
back to Nathan’s promise to David in 2 Samuel 7 that David’sback to Nathan’s promise to David in 2 Samuel 7 that David’s
descendants will rule over Israel forever:descendants will rule over Israel forever:
 99
I shall make for you aI shall make for you a greatgreat name …name …
 1313
I shall establishI shall establish the throne of his kingdomthe throne of his kingdom forever.forever.
 1414
I shall be his father, and he will beI shall be his father, and he will be my sonmy son ……
 1616
And yourAnd your househouse and yourand your kingdomkingdom will be made surewill be made sure foreverforever
 Compare to Gabriel’s annunciation to Mary in Luke 1:32-33:Compare to Gabriel’s annunciation to Mary in Luke 1:32-33:
 32a32a
He will beHe will be greatgreat and will be called Son of the Most Highand will be called Son of the Most High
 32b32b
And the Lord God will give himAnd the Lord God will give him the throne of his father Davidthe throne of his father David;;
 33a33a
and he will be king over theand he will be king over the househouse of Jacob forever,of Jacob forever,
 33b33b
and there will beand there will be no endno end to histo his kingdomkingdom

 Mary objects: “How can this be?” pointing outMary objects: “How can this be?” pointing out
to Gabriel that she has not had any sexualto Gabriel that she has not had any sexual
relations with a man yetrelations with a man yet
 Gabriel explains (Luke 1:35):Gabriel explains (Luke 1:35):
 The Holy Spirit will come upon youThe Holy Spirit will come upon you
 and the power from the Most High willand the power from the Most High will
overshadow you.overshadow you.
 Therefore, the child to be born will be called holyTherefore, the child to be born will be called holy
– Son of God– Son of God

 The revelation ofThe revelation of twofold identity of Jesustwofold identity of Jesus is theis the
heart of the Annunciationheart of the Annunciation
 The Messiah, Son of DavidThe Messiah, Son of David (language of the Old(language of the Old
Testament prophets)Testament prophets)
 Son of GodSon of God (language of the New Testament preachers)(language of the New Testament preachers)
 Compared to Paul in Romans 1:3-4:Compared to Paul in Romans 1:3-4:
 “…“…descended from Daviddescended from David according to the flesh,according to the flesh,
and was declared to beand was declared to be Son of GodSon of God with powerwith power
according to the spirit of holiness .”according to the spirit of holiness .” (NRSV)(NRSV)

Mary’s ResponseMary’s Response
 In Mark’s, Matthew’s, and Luke’s gospels, MaryIn Mark’s, Matthew’s, and Luke’s gospels, Mary
appears in only one scene during Jesus’ publicappears in only one scene during Jesus’ public
ministry (Mark 3:31-35, Matthew 12:46-50, and Lukeministry (Mark 3:31-35, Matthew 12:46-50, and Luke
8:19-21)8:19-21)
 In these scenes, Jesus defines his familyIn these scenes, Jesus defines his family notnot as thoseas those
he descended from biologically, but rather as:he descended from biologically, but rather as:
 Mark 3:35Mark 3:35 “Whoever does the will of God is my brother“Whoever does the will of God is my brother
and sister and mother.”and sister and mother.” (NRSV)(NRSV)
 Luke 8:21:Luke 8:21: “My mother and my brothers are those who“My mother and my brothers are those who
hear the word of God and do it.”hear the word of God and do it.” (NRSV)(NRSV)

Mary’s ResponseMary’s Response
 When Mary responds to Gabriel, she says:When Mary responds to Gabriel, she says:
 ““Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with meHere am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me
according to your word.”according to your word.” (Luke 1:38 NRSV)(Luke 1:38 NRSV)
 Luke here is describing both:Luke here is describing both:
 Mary’s consent to be physical mother of JesusMary’s consent to be physical mother of Jesus
 Mary as someone who meets Jesus’ later criteria of familyMary as someone who meets Jesus’ later criteria of family
asas “My mother and my brothers are those who hear“My mother and my brothers are those who hear
the word of God and do it.”the word of God and do it.” (Luke 8:21 NRSV)(Luke 8:21 NRSV)
 Mary is the first to hear the word of God and do it. She is the firstMary is the first to hear the word of God and do it. She is the first
discipledisciple

DiscipleshipDiscipleship
 To be a disciple of Jesus involves:To be a disciple of Jesus involves:
 Acknowledging that Jesus is not merely “theAcknowledging that Jesus is not merely “the
Prince of Peace,” But:Prince of Peace,” But:
 1. Assenting to Jesus’ twofold identity as:1. Assenting to Jesus’ twofold identity as:
 TheThe MessiahMessiah of the House of Davidof the House of David
 The uniqueThe unique Son of GodSon of God, the very presence of God with, the very presence of God with
usus
 2. Hearing the proclamation of God’s will and2. Hearing the proclamation of God’s will and
doing itdoing it

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