Ian Heseltine New Testament Narratives 12 May 2023 An Exegetical look at Luke 1:34-38 Luke 1:34-38 is a significant passage in the New Testament that recounts the visitation of the angel Gabriel to Mary, a young Jewish girl, informing her that she would conceive a child who would be the Son of God. This passage offers insight into Mary's unwavering faith and her readiness to submit to God's plan, despite the uncertainties and challenges she faced. The story is well-known and has been widely studied, and a fresh and engaging perspective is offered by The Voice translation. In this paper, we will explore the message of this passage, its socio-cultural-historical context, and its relevance for contemporary times. To understand the story of Mary's encounter with Gabriel, it is essential to examine the background and context of the narrative. Commentaries like The Queer Bible Commentary and The Women's Bible Commentary, provide an in-depth analysis of the cultural and historical setting of the passage. These commentaries explore the queer interpretation of Mary's story and highlight the significance of Mary's gender and social status in the narrative. Additionally, Stephanie Buckhanon Crowder's commentary on Luke …show more content…
As she says, "Here I am, the Lord's humble servant. As you have said, let it be done to me" (Luke 1:38, The Voice). Goss, in The Queer Bible Commentary, emphasizes that Mary's response is a model of faithful obedience, as she demonstrates a willingness to trust in God's plan despite the potential risks and challenges that may come with it. Schaberg and Ringe, in the Women's Bible Commentary, note that Mary's response is also an example of radical submission to God, in which Mary surrenders her will and desires to God's plan. This act of submission is not a passive surrender but rather an act of trust, in which Mary embraces her calling to bear the Son of