Luke 1:26  “…in the sixth month…”
We’ve been looking at Zacharias and Elizabeth, and she has become pregnant with John.  So time frame is in reference to her.  Sixth month of her pregnancy.

26  “…the angel Gabriel was sent by God…”
Gabriel’s introduction of himself to Zacharias is recorded.  It’s not with Mary.  One might assume the same angel came to both.  Gabriel is also mentioned in Daniel as the messenger so it would be safe to assume he is the messenger here.  But I think a more plausible explanation is that Gabriel did tell Mary who he was, and Luke learned that from Mary, but didn’t record the exact introduction again since he’d already done it with Zacharias.  The reader would know who Gabriel was by the previous encounter.

27  “…betrothed to a man…”
Engaged to as a result of an arranged marriage.  More binding than our current engagements.  Were considered married in some legal aspects, but the marriage had not been consummated.

31  “…call His name Jesus”
Ỉησοΰν as near as I can get the computer to print it.  Iaesoun.  Translated Joshua or Jesus meaning savior.

32  “…the throne of His father David”
Descendant of David to rule on the throne of Israel forever.  Fulfillment of the promise to David, but as God, He is, was, and always shall be ruler of all.

33  “…of His kingdom there will be no end”
No need for descendants.  Jesus’s reign will not end.

34  “…How can this be…”
Very similar to the question Zacharias asked, but there must not have been any unbelief as Gabriel didn’t confront it as before.  Was a difference in the situation.  Having children at an older age might be possible whereas a woman conceiving without a man is not.  But it is obvious from the text Mary trusted God.  Beyond the initial query regarding the possibility of birth she didn’t hesitate to accept what Gabriel said.

35  “…that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God”
From a scientific standpoint, Mary supplied the human half of the necessary chromosomes making Jesus fully human while God supplied the other half making Him fully God.  Was necessary to do it that way so Jesus could be the perfect sacrifice for mankind.

36  “…Elizabeth your relative…”
Mentioned before.  KJV says cousin whereas it must be a word meaning relative.  Could have been an actual cousin, we’re just not told specifically in the text.  Might be other sources which provide enough background to make that determination.

39  “…went into the hill country…a city of Judah”
So Zacharias and Elizabeth lived outside of Jerusalem.  Further explanation of why Zacharias stayed at the temple during his term of service.

41  “…the babe leaped in her womb…”
Not surprising.  Gabriel told Zacharias his son would be filled with the Holy Spirit from the womb.

48  “…henceforth all generations will call me blessed”
Blessed to be the one chosen to be the mother of the Messiah.  Doesn’t give Mary any special abilities or powers as some Christian religions/denominations assert.  She had a sin nature like every other human, and the state of her virginity ended when she consummated her marriage to Joseph.

55  “…To Abraham and to his seed forever”
Jesus the Messiah is the fulfillment of the promise to Abraham.  What has long been prophesied has now come to pass.

56  “…Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her house”
Doesn’t say she stayed for the birth of John.  Wonder if there was a reason to return at that time.  She would now be three months along with her own pregnancy.  I’m assuming Joseph didn’t know until after she returned so she was probably wondering how that would go.

I hope you enjoy reading and studying His word.  May it accomplish what He desires.  Please feel free to comment or post questions.  Thanks for reading!

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.