34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
The mechanics of the virgin birth have always been a problem. Even Mary knew that there had to be a man involved. She might not have had the advantage of an ultrasound, but she knew about reproduction. It was all around her. Animals were part of their everyday life. They bread animals as part of their livelihood. They often had communal beds shared by all members of the family. It wasn’t until fairly late in history that reproduction became hidden. Mary knew she had not been with a man in the way necessary to have a baby. That is why she asks the “how” question. She in engaged, but the wedding has not yet happened. How is she going to get pregnant as the angel is announcing? Have you ever had a question for God? Most of us ask the “why” question during times of struggle and grief. For Mary the question was not “why,” but “how.” And this pregnancy would happen prior to her marriage to Joseph. This question is a legitimate question. Unlike other questions we read about in the Scriptures that result in the questioner being unable to speak for a period of time, Mary’s question gets an answer. Now from our modern scientific framework the answer still does not give us the details, but Mary is satisfied with the answer. Her “how” question implies her willingness to obey. She just doesn’t understand the mechanics of the miracle. She wants to participate, but just can’t quite figure out her part of the equation. What does she need to do? How is she involved in the miracle?
The Arnold Journey 