The reality for mankind is that we are all under a common curse of sin. It pervades our every fiber and thought, and skews our intentions to the very deception of our own hearts. The sad truth of the curse of sin is death. Paul writes, “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned.”
Jesus is sent into our mess as God incarnate. He doesn’t polish off the soot or live with a false exterior veneer, however his humanity does lack one notable feature: sin. In the advent narrative, Luke recounts to us the angel’s visit with Mary. We will see how the nature of Jesus conception and birth will frame His purpose in the world, and we will watch as Mary responds with a servant’s heart to the angel’s message.
If there is no virgin birth:
1 – Mary and Joseph lied
2 – Mary was sexually promiscuous and committed fornication
3 – Mary broke her purity & promised betrothal to Joseph
4 – The Bible is untrue (in Matthew and Luke)
5 – There is nothing supernaturally unique about Jesus
6 – God’s promises are false (Is 7:14)
7 – Humanity can be saved by humanity alone; in other words “grace” is unnecessary
Because of the virgin birth:
1 – Jesus can save his people from their sins
2 – Jesus is the Messiah who will reign forever
3 – Jesus carries His Father’s divine nature
4 – Jesus is fully God and fully man
5 – Jesus is without sin
2 Corinthians 5:21
“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
Hebrews 4:15 (NET Bible)
“For we do not have a high priest incapable of sympathizing with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin.”
Hebrews 7:26
“Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens.”
1 Peter 2:22
“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”
1 John 3:5
“But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin.”
6 – Jesus is just like His Father
John 5:19-23
19 Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed. 21 For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it. 22 Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, 23 that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him.
7 – Nothing is impossible for God
Thoughts:
The Bible says, “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God.” – 1 John 3:1
– How are you being made to look like your Heavenly Father?
God had a purpose in choosing Mary to carry Jesus, but it required sacrifice and a giving up of Mary’s expectations for her life.
– How much of your life are you willing to let God invade?
1:38 – “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.”