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December 4

Title: The Necessity of the Virgin Birth

Text: Luke 1:34

The Virgin Birth of Jesus was necessary—I will get to that. But first, the question of Mary was a pretty good one. 

And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” (Luke 1:34)

Yep. Again. Good question, Mary. I would be thinking the same thing. So what was the angel’s answer? Basically, the Holy Spirit will come upon you. The power of the Most High will overshadow you. You will give birth to the Son of God (Luke 1:35). 

Let’s be honest. Still not a lot of details. I would probably have a number of follow up questions. But Mary believed the angel and went on with her day. Maybe that is why God chose her. But was the Virgin Birth necessary? I mean, yes and no. Could God have chosen a different way? Of course. But from a theological standpoint, the Virgin Birth seems to make sense. Dale Partridge says it this way: 

“Why is the virgin birth of Jesus absolutely necessary? Because if Jesus were born of Joseph, He would have had original sin—He would have been born physically corrupted, spiritually dead, sinful, and cursed. If that were the case, Jesus could not pay for the sins of others because He would have to pay for His own sin with His own life. Therefore, the cross would not be a moment of redemption but simply the passing away of another sinner. As a result, no justification could be given by faith. No redemption could be bought by His blood. No wrath could be satisfied by His death. And no resurrection could occur to validate His righteousness.”

Well said, Dale. 

But let us also remember Mary didn’t think through these theological necessities. If I was a betting man, I would put a large sum of money down that these were some of the thoughts of Mary. 

“Joseph is not going to believe me.” 

“Who can I talk to about this?” 

“Oh no, I hope Joseph doesn’t divorce me!” 

“I need to hide for a while.” 

“I don’t want to be a single mother.” 

“Am I ready to be the mother of the Messiah of the world?” 

But seriously, those were the human thoughts of Mary. She didn’t feel ready for what God was going to do in her and through her. Don’t we often feel like Mary? Not prepared—not equipped for the task God places before us. But just like Mary, if God gives us a mission, He will be with us and empower us to accomplish His will. You can count on that. 21 days until Christmas!