Mary, the Mother of Jesus
28 Dec 2021Little Devotionals - Ann
“Women of the Bible” series by Ann Little
What better choice in December to focus on in our series than Mary, the mother of Jesus. Mary was from the town of Nazareth in Galilee. Once a young woman had her monthly period, as early as 13-14 years, she was deemed capable of child birth and old enough to marry. Engaged to marry Joseph, Mary is visited by an angel and told she was going to give birth to a son, and not just any son. He will be the Son of the most High. (Luke 1:31-33) What can we learn from Mary?
Mary believed and obeyed despite her fears, despite not always fully understanding, and despite the painful journey.
What better choice in December to focus on in our series than Mary, the mother of Jesus. Mary was from the town of Nazareth in Galilee. Once a young woman had her monthly period, as early as 13-14 years, she was deemed capable of child birth and old enough to marry. Engaged to marry Joseph, Mary is visited by an angel and told she was going to give birth to a son, and not just any son. He will be the Son of the most High. (Luke 1:31-33) What can we learn from Mary?
Mary believed and obeyed despite her fears, despite not always fully understanding, and despite the painful journey.
***** (continued)
What were the angels first words to her? “Do not be afraid.” Even if we imagine an angel to be a blond in a white dress with tinsel, having a messenger from the Most High God appear and give you astounding news has to be unsettling. A pregnancy without a husband would mean alienation and punishment—perhaps even stoning. Because Joseph was a righteous man he was going to divorce her quietly so as not to shame her. But where would that leave Mary? In addition, King Herod’s anger and jealousy, in addition to losing 12 year old Jesus on a trip to Jerusalem, are a couple of the other fearful challenges Mary faced as Jesus’ mother.Mary believed and obeyed despite her fears.
She questioned the angel. “How can this be…?” Twice scripture tells us that Mary thought deeply about what was happening. After the visit by the shepherds it says "But MARY treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19) Finally finding 12 year old Jesus in the temple, Mary’s response was the same. (Luke 2:51) When Jesus was beginning his ministry, she and Jesus’ brothers went to find Jesus and bring him home, not fully understanding what his mission was. Jesus refused to go and said of those around him, "Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” (Mark 3:31-35)Mary believed and obeyed despite not always fully understanding.
At baby Jesus’ temple dedication, Simeon directed one of his prophecies to Mary “And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” (Luke 2:35) When we see her standing by John at the foot of the cross, watching her son suffer, we understand the meaning of this prophecy. (John 19:25) But where do we find her at the end of the story? In Acts she is praying with all of the believers and has become a loving follower of her son. Acts 1:14 “They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and MARY the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.”Mary believed and obeyed despite the painful journey.
So what is God asking you to do?