What did Mary model for believers in her response to the news she would be mother to the Son of God?
In Luke 1:34, Mary asked the angel, “How can [I have a son], since I do not know a man?” Mary’s question was born out of wonder, not doubt nor disbelief, so the angel did not rebuke her. Then, once she understood a little more clearly, Mary offered a song of praise, known as the Magnificat. Mary refered to God as “Savior,” indicating both that she recognized her own need of a Savior and that she knew the true God as her Savior. Mary did not see herself as sinless, nor did she trust in her own good works. Quite the opposite was true; she employed language typical of someone whose only hope for salvation was divine grace. The quality of Mary that shines most clearly through this passage is a deep sense of humility.