What Jesus Did! 'No Ordinary Baby!' — Luke 1:34-35

Friday, January 13, 2023

[After being told she would have a son,] Mary asked the angel, "But how can this happen? I am a virgin."

The angel replied, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God."

— Luke 1:34-35 NLT

Key Thought

Every baby is precious. God made each child and formed that child in its mother's womb. [1] The baby promised to Mary, however, was even more precious. The Holy Spirit of God conceived Jesus in Mary's womb. He is holy, the very Son of God, with no human father. This conception is outside the realm of our human possibilities just as a person being raised from the dead is. That's the miracle of this baby and the grace of God's plan. God comes to earth to walk among us and show us his love personally. If we make room for him, this baby can bring us life and immortality. Do you believe? Maybe you are asking the same question that Mary did, "But how can this happen?" But she did believe, and the world was forever changed. As we believe, our world is changed, too!

[1] Psalm 139:13-16; Genesis 1:26-27.

Today's Prayer

Lord God, my Abba Father, help my faith in Jesus be more real and vibrant. Make my relationship with him more real as I read his story and seek to follow his lead in my life. Change my world because of my faith in your Son, in whose name I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

5 Related Resources by Heartlight

Son of God
Devo: God's Holy Fire
"The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come on you [Mary], and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the...."
Jesus. Birth!
Article by Phil Ware
Three different ways to tell the story of our Savior's birth — short form, Bible verses, video! Phil Ware wishes everyone Merry Christmas for the Heartlight team and shares 3 different ways to share the story of Jesus at Christmas: a short form, the Bible text from "The Voice" Compass Bible and from a Worship House Media video about a child coming.
After the Angel Leaves
Article by Phil Ware
So how do we keep on keeping on after the angel leaves? Phil Ware begins a 4 part series on Mary, the mother of Jesus, called Windows to Wonder, and talks about how the angel left Mary and Mary's life began to unfold with challenges and difficulties, but she maintained faith.
Knowing God and Meeting Immanuel
Article by Phil Ware
Let's not settle for religion, going to church, or fast-food spirituality when God longs to fill that hole in our soul ! Phil Ware shares insights about intimately knowing God and Immanuel being real to us in our daily lives as we seek to be Jesus' disciples.
See All 5 Related Resources about Luke 1:34-35

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 1:34-35 NLT — "But how can this happen? I am a virgin."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Friday, January 13, 2023

Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Lying to God' (Acts 5:1-9)
"But there was a certain man named Ananias who, with his wife, Sapphira, sold some property. He brought part of the money to the apostles, claiming it..."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Robert Louis Stevenson:
"The best things are nearest: breath in your nostrils, light in your eyes, flowers at your feet, duties at your hand, the path of God just before you."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
2 Timothy 1:9
"God has saved us and called us to a holy life — not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'No Lack in God' (1 Co. 1:4-9)
"Dear Father, my faithful God, Thank you now and forevermore for the grace which you gave in Christ Jesus. In every way you have enriched me in all..."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!