[MarkBsnr]

Good point.

The thing is, though, that in verse 38, Mary says:

Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

My reading of this is that, while Gabriel laid some pressure on her, she accepted. Gabriel didn’t leave until she had agreed to the task and the role assigned to her. Now if she had declined, what would have happened? Hmmm.

[Uri’el-2012]

Now if she had declined, what would have happened? Hmmm.

The L-rd would have found another Jewish virgin with
the same required credentials to fulfill prophesy .

[OLD REGGIE]

Good point.

The thing is, though, that in verse 38, Mary says:

Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

My reading of this is that, while Gabriel laid some pressure on her, she accepted. Gabriel didn’t leave until she had agreed to the task and the role assigned to her. Now if she had declined, what would have happened? Hmmm.

I regretfully (smile) disagree.

Luke 1:26 God sent Gabriel. GOD SENT! Gabriel was but the messenger.

Luke 1:31 God sent Gabriel to Mary to tell her she would conceive. You will conceive...

Luke 1:38 And Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.

"I am the handmaid of the Lord....."

A handmaid is a servant. She had no choice since she was chosen by God. This is her honor. This is the sign of her blessedness. But, her permission was not required, it was preordained.