The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.”

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. (Luke 1:35-38)

On the surface, Mary’s response to the angel’s message, “how will this be?” looks similar to that of Zechariah (Luke 1:18), “How can
I be sure of this?” but it actually stands in stark contrast. Zechariah is asking for a confirming sign in light of his and Elizabeth’s advanced age. They are long past the time of childbearing; this makes no sense, he reasons. Though he was a righteous man and had no doubt prayed for a child for decades, Zechariah has apparently given up hope, and disbelief had developed.

Mary’s question is different. She receives the angel’s revelation with simple, childlike faith and asks how such a thing will come to pass since she is a virgin. Puzzlement not unbelief underlies her question.

The angel’s explanation that the Holy Spirit would make it happen satisfies Mary. She knows all too well that there will be a high personal cost involved—becoming pregnant while unmarried will forever stain her reputation among family, friends, and the community. But she is willing to embrace a life of great sacrifice because her highest priority is not pleasing or protecting herself but pleasing and serving the God she loves. And so, Mary firmly declares her wholehearted devotion to God and asks that His purposes be fulfilled in her life.

Mary’s priorities anticipate those of Jesus, her son—a wholehearted devotion to God that does not seek to be served, but to serve and give His life for others. Jesus asks the same humble, sacrificial servanthood of all who follow Him.