New Testament
Luke 1:38
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Mary said, "I am the Lord's servant. Let it happen to me just as you've said." Then the angel left her.
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And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
What Luke 1:38 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Mary responds to the angel Gabriel's announcement that she will conceive Jesus, the Son of God. By calling herself the 'Lord's servant,' she expresses her willingness to accept God's plan for her life, despite the potential challenges and societal implications. Her statement, 'Let it happen to me just as you've said,' shows her faith and obedience. Mary’s acceptance is significant because it highlights her role in the divine plan of salvation. This moment reflects her trust in God and her readiness to embrace a path that may be difficult. The angel's departure signifies the completion of his message and the beginning of a new chapter in Mary's life, filled with both joy and uncertainty. Mary's response serves as a model for believers, encouraging them to submit to God's will with faith and courage, even when the future is unclear.
How to apply Luke 1:38 to your life
Mary's response teaches us the importance of being open to God's will in our lives. We can apply this by seeking to understand God's plans for us and responding with faith, even when we face uncertainty or challenges. Trusting God can lead to transformative experiences.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: An Angel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26–38)
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Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
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Keep studying Luke 1:38
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Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Mary mean by calling herself the 'Lord's servant'?
By referring to herself as the 'Lord's servant,' Mary acknowledges her role and willingness to fulfill God's purpose for her life. This title reflects humility and readiness to accept God's plan, even when it may lead to challenges or societal judgment. It emphasizes her commitment to serve God above all else.
How does Mary's response demonstrate faith?
Mary's response shows profound faith as she accepts the angel Gabriel's message without hesitation. Despite the potential for personal risk and societal backlash, she trusts in God's plan and expresses her willingness to embrace it. Her faith is a powerful example of trusting God in uncertain circumstances.
What can we learn from Mary's acceptance of God's plan?
Mary's acceptance teaches us the importance of being open to God's will, even when it is difficult to understand. It encourages us to respond with faith and courage, reminding us that trusting God can lead to transformative experiences in our lives, just as it did for her.
Why is Mary's response significant in the context of the Bible?
Mary's response is significant because it marks the moment when she accepts her role in the divine plan of salvation. Her willingness to bear Jesus reflects obedience and trust in God, setting a precedent for believers to follow. It highlights the theme of servanthood and the importance of faith in God's promises.
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