RAP SHEET Luke 1:26–33

SERIES: The Chosen King

SERMON: He Will Be Great

SCRIPTURE: Luke 1:26–33

REVIEW

In Luke 1:26–33, we witness one of the most stunning moments in all of Scripture: the angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary that she would miraculously conceive and give birth to Jesus—the Son of the Most High, the King whose Kingdom will never end.

But this isn’t just a familiar Christmas story—it’s a revolutionary call to reframe what it means for God to come to earth. Jesus doesn’t show up in status or strength. He is born into obscurity to a poor young girl in a no-name town. This is the beginning of an upside-down Kingdom.

God didn’t choose Mary based on her merit but by His grace. Gabriel greets her with the exact heavenly phrase used for warriors, kings, and prophets: “The Lord is with you.” This means her calling will be costly—and so will ours.

The climax of the announcement is Gabriel’s declaration: “He will be great.” Jesus will reign forever on the throne of David, not through power or politics, but through humility, suffering, and ultimately resurrection. He is not just the Savior—He is King.

And His kingship didn’t come through biology. Jesus’ legal claim to the throne came through Joseph’s adoption—a prophetic foreshadowing of our own spiritual adoption. When we place our faith in Jesus, we are adopted into God’s family, made heirs of the Kingdom, and called to live under the rule of the Chosen King.

APPLY

Mary’s story forces us to confront the ways we underestimate God’s plan for our lives:

• Do you struggle to believe God can use someone like you because of where you come from or what you’ve been through?

• Do you, like Mary, feel troubled when God calls you to something that feels bigger than you?

• Are there areas of your life where you’re still trying to be king instead of letting Jesus rule?

We say we love Jesus, but do we love Jesus as He is right now—exalted, reigning, and commanding our obedience?

What is ONE AREA of your life you are going to fully surrender to Jesus as King this week?

PRAY

• Thank God that He calls and uses people from the “Nazareths” of the world.

• Reflect on areas where you have resisted God’s kingship in your life.

• Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the courage to step into your calling, even when it costs you.

• Take time to thank God for adopting you into His Kingdom and giving you a new identity.