Luke uses an interesting strategy with his back-to-back positioning of the two annunciation stories—the birth of John the Baptist immediately followed by the birth of Jesus story. These two stories invite a comparison that reveals some lessons for us today. For one, such a comparison shows that no matter how bleak things may appear or how confused we may be, we have every reason to trust that God will show us the way (Ps 28:7). God yearns for our trust such that faith in God calls for trust in God (Prov 3:5; Ps 62:9).
Luke demonstrates this point with the questions that Zechariah and Mary raise in their encounters with Gabriel. Each asks Gabriel, in a similar but slightly different way, how the message he delivers will come about. The similarity in their questions, however, conceals a difference in their motives.
Zechariah’s question—how shall I know this—asks for proof. Zechariah already knows how because Gabriel has just explained that Zechariah’s prayer has been answered. His wife, Elizabeth, is pregnant. Gabriel adds details of the child’s name, how joyful the event will be, and the many great things John will accomplish. Zechariah still wants to know why he should believe Gabriel since he and his wife are beyond childbearing years. His question thus reveals a lack of trust in God. It’s as though he doesn’t believe God would, or perhaps even could, make such a thing happen in his and Elizabeth’s old age.
Gabriel’s response shows disappointment in Zechariah. Gabriel responds that he comes as a messenger from God, and therefore, Zechariah has no reason to question his authority or the message. Because Zechariah does not trust God, he will be unable to speak until the naming of John. He does not understand that faith in God calls for trust in God.
Mary, on the other hand, has the opposite reaction in her encounter with Gabriel. After Gabriel explains all that is about to happen, he waits for her response, for apparently none of what he predicts will unfold without her consent. Mary’s first response, however, is not to consent, but to ask for more information. Her question to Gabriel—how can this be—reveals surprise and confusion. She does not understand because she is not having relations with a man. Her current marital status alone justifies her wanting to know how all this will come about. She is not asking for proof. She just wants to know how.
Gabriel honors her request with further explanation. He even goes further with an offer of proof by revealing that Elizabeth is now pregnant with John. At this point, Mary does indeed consent, but her consent does not reflect understanding on her part. Rather, her consent—be it done unto me according to your word—expresses a profound belief and trust that things will work out for the best. Mary shows that faith in God calls for trust in God.
Mary’s reaction and consent is a daring example of trusting in God despite the risks involved, known and unknown. Mary has everything to lose in this situation. She is a young, single woman with no social status or independent means of support. Giving her consent therefore would seriously jeopardize her reputation and continued good standing in the community. Exposure of her pregnancy might even lead to death by stoning. Mary is aware of this and more, and yet, she places her trust in God. She shows that, sometimes, trusting in God means that we follow our heart no matter the possible consequences.
In contrast, Zechariah’s lack of trust is an example of how fear and doubt can lead us away from the right road. Zechariah had devoted his life to serving God as prophet and priest. He had been favored with visions from God, and for that, was held in high esteem by his faith community (Lk 1:8-9). Placing his trust in God at this crucial moment would have reaffirmed the authenticity of his religious role and leadership in the community. God’s answer to his persistent prayer would offer additional evidence in that regard. Apparently, the risk stemming from doubt is too great for Zechariah, and he cannot express hope and trust. He does not realize that faith in God calls for trust in God.
One final point from these stories is that God looks to our hearts for our true motives. We cannot fool God. The way we live in response to his inspiration and grace is proof positive of what is in our hearts. Our lives always reflect our true motives. As Proverbs puts it, "Every way of a man seems right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart" (Prov 21:2). For, the Lord sees not as we humans see. We go by appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart (1 Sam 16:7). In the end, these annunciation stories show that God yearns for our trust. No matter how bleak things may appear or how confused we may be, we have every reason to trust that God will show us the way. Faith in God calls for trust in God.
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