Mary
Mary had the awesome privilege of being chosen by God to be the earthly mother of Jesus. As a mother myself, I often think of Mary. Today’s verses give us some insight into her life raising Jesus as her son, while He is also her Lord and Savior. I have three boys and sometimes I feel I did not do a good enough job, but I know I tried to be the best I could as a single mom.
I know Mary was walking in the Lord and trusting Him to watch and take care of her Son. As Christians we should follow her example in our lives, putting our children in His hands, because there is only so much we can do. I told my daughter once, who has a son of her own, we have to commit them to Him because He knows every heart; He can do far more than we can. The best gift we can give them is to teach them who Jesus is. He is all knowing and is with them all the time, good or bad. I am so grateful for the Bible, for the guiding light it is to us. Keep in prayer for all things, and trust in Jesus to take care of us all. He is our heavenly Father, the Good Shepherd who takes care of His sheep. Sometimes we fall but He picks us up so we can start again with a repentant heart and follow Him. Let us praise Him and thank Him for His love and mercy.
Isaiah 7:14 (Jesus’ birth foretold)
Therefore, the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel.
Luke 1:30-33 (Mary being told of her immaculate conception)
30-And the angel said unto her, “Fear not Mary: for thou hast found favor with God.
31-And, behold, thou shalt conceive in the womb, and bring forth a Son, and shalt call His name Jesus.
32-He shall be great and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David:
33-And He shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of His kingdom there shall be no end.”
Luke 1:46-49 (Mary reply)
46-And Mary said, “my soul doth magnify the Lord,
47-and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior.”
48-For He hath regarded the low estate of His handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed, for He that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is His name.”
Luke 2:6-7 (Mary at the birth of Jesus)
6-And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7-And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
John 19:25-27 (Mary standing at the foot of the cross, watching her Son dying)
25-Now there stood by the cross of Jesus, His mother, and His mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.
26-When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He saith unto His mother, “Woman, behold thy son!”
27-Then saith He to the disciple standing by, “Behold thy mother!” And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.
Luke 2:41-49 (Mary as Jesus grew up)
41-His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover.
42-And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast.
43-When they had finished the days, as they returned, the boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it;
44-But supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day's journey and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances.
45-So, when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him.
46-Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting amid the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions.
47-And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.
48-So when they saw Him, they were amazed: and His mother said unto Him, “Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, the father and I have sought thee sorrowing,”
49-And He said unto them, “How is it that ye sought Me? Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?”