When the angel Gabriel came to Mary, she was greatly troubled. Imagine her shock and dismay as the angel suddenly appeared and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” (Luke 1:28). Mary’s fear was visibly evident as Gabriel continued,

Luke 1:30-33
And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.  And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

“Most High” is the translation of the Hebrew El-Elyon. This name for God means “Highest” or “Exalted One.” It describes God’s sovereignty and supremacy. He protects and delivers his people. He is supreme over all the false gods you are tempted to worship. The Holy Spirit is called “the power of the Most High.” True believers are called “servants of the Most High.” And here, Gabriel gives Jesus the name, Son of the Most High.

In the New Testament, the phrase “son of” refers to sharing the same nature or essence. It describes a person who represents the intentions of another person. Jesus is God, sovereign and supreme. Mary’s baby was God in the flesh and destined for the cross. Although he was sinless, he would die as the sinner’s substitute and, by his death, pay the penalty for our sin. The Son of the Most High took on the highest assignment. He came to rescue us from our sin and bring eternal life to all who trust in him as their personal Savior.

Lord Jesus,
Thank you for your sovereignty and supremacy. Thank you for your strength and power. Thank you for being the Son of the Most High, who stooped low to die for my sins on the cross. Thank you for rescuing me. Thank you for being my Savior.
I pray in your name. Amen.