THE GRACE GOD GAVE TO MARY

Many people read Luke 1 and assume that Mary’s greatest honor was giving birth to Jesus. While that’s true in part, Scripture reveals something deeper. The grace God gave Mary was not simply to bear Christ, but to believe His Word.

1. The Angel’s Words: Mary Found Favor with God

“And he came to her and said, ‘Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!’ But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.’”
(Luke 1:28–30)

The word “favor” here in Greek is charis, which is the same word translated elsewhere as “grace.” This means Mary was graced by God, not because of her own merit, but because of God’s sovereign choice.

But notice something important: Mary was not told she received grace because she would bear Jesus; rather, she received grace so that she could believe God’s Word about bearing Jesus.

2. Mary’s Belief vs. Zechariah’s Doubt

Compare Mary’s response with that of Zechariah, who was also visited by the angel Gabriel.

Zechariah, a priest, was told his wife Elizabeth would bear a son (John the Baptist). Unlike Mary, he doubted:

“And Zechariah said to the angel, ‘How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.’”
(Luke 1:18)

Gabriel responded:

“Behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words…”
(Luke 1:20)

This shows us something key: Zechariah heard a less miraculous message, yet still doubted. Mary heard a far more impossible message, yet believed.

3. True Grace Enables True Faith

Grace is more than unmerited favor—it is divine empowerment. Paul reminds us:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.”
(Ephesians 2:8)

Mary’s faith wasn’t just her own—it was a gift of grace. Her belief in the miraculous conception wasn’t natural—it was spiritual.

4. Why Mary? God Gives Grace to the Humble

Mary’s unique qualification was her humility. She said:

“For he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.”
(Luke 1:48)

This aligns with what the Bible teaches:

“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
(1 Peter 5:5)

Mary’s lowly position and humble heart positioned her to receive God’s greatest favor. Not just in womb, but in heart, she carried the Word.

5. Parallel with the Widow of Zarephath

Jesus referenced this in Luke 4:25–26, showing how God’s provision often goes to those outside the expected circle—those with faith and humility:

“But in truth, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel… and Elijah was sent to none of them but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow.”
(Luke 4:25–26)

Just like Mary, the widow believed the Word of God through the prophet—even when it seemed unreasonable (1 Kings 17:8–16).

6. What Can We Learn?

Mary’s story teaches us that God grants grace not to the most religious or powerful—but to the humble who believe.

• Want grace to walk in God’s calling? Be humble.
• Want faith to believe the impossible? Stay low before God.
• Want to do great things? Start with obedience in small things.

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.”
(1 Peter 5:6)

A Call to Humble Faith

Mary’s greatness was not her status—it was her heart. A quiet, prayerful, obedient young woman became the vessel of the Savior, not because she was perfect, but because she believed.

As we wait for Christ’s return, may we seek this same grace:
Grace to believe, grace to obey, grace to be humble.

Lord, make us like Mary. Help us walk in the grace to believe Your Word, and give us hearts that remain low before You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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