Just What Was Mary's Job Anyway? (Parenting Children of God)
It's the Christmas season.
What a wonderful reminder of God's immense love for us.
16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:16
God GAVE us his only son as a sacrifice for our sins that we might have eternal life. This son, who was with God in the beginning. Through whom all things were made. Without him nothing was made that has been made. THIS SON. This son, who was willing to come to earth. The one who was sinless. This is the one that God gave. It's truly amazing. And I'm so grateful that the world stops to remember him at this time of year.
So since Jesus was God's son, Mary's job must have been a piece of cake, right? He was God's son, and he was sinless. So what exactly WAS her job? I guess she never had to worry about crying through nap time, defiance, dirty clothes on the floor, staying out until all hours of the night, or repeating the same things a million times. (That's the kind of parenting I'm talking about!) Well, maybe, maybe not. WHAT? Hold on, let's see what we can learn about the Messiah's mother and her role with this special child.
1. Mary was a humble servant.
As we know, Jesus's birth was announced before Mary became pregnant. Let's learn something about this young girl from her response, her own words, after receiving the news that she would be the MOTHER OF THE CHRIST.
26 "In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, 'Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.'
29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.'
34 'How will this be,' Mary asked the angel, 'since I am a virgin?'
35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.'
38 'I am the Lord’s servant,' Mary answered. 'May your word to me be fulfilled.' Then the angel left her." Luke 1:26-38
1. Mary was a humble servant.
As we know, Jesus's birth was announced before Mary became pregnant. Let's learn something about this young girl from her response, her own words, after receiving the news that she would be the MOTHER OF THE CHRIST.
26 "In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, 'Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.'
29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.'
34 'How will this be,' Mary asked the angel, 'since I am a virgin?'
35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.'
38 'I am the Lord’s servant,' Mary answered. 'May your word to me be fulfilled.' Then the angel left her." Luke 1:26-38
Mary was "highly favored" by God. This leads me to believe that Mary was obedient to God and that her heart was receptive to the task ahead. Of course, like any sensible young girl, she questioned the logistics of the plan. But unlike Moses, Mary didn't give excuses or beg for God to find someone else to fulfill the duty. Instead, she replied, "I am the Lord's servant." God knew what he was doing when he chose Mary.
I am thankful for Mary's words to her cousin Elizabeth concerning the prophecy. These show even more in depth her heart, attitude, and maturity.
46 And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.” Luke 1:46-55
Each time Mary mentions herself it is in reference to who the Lord is and what he has done for her!
No.
She was a thankful and humble servant.
2. Mary had faith through unusual and unpleasant circumstances.
On the celebrated night of Jesus's birth, Mary had been through a lot. I mean, could things have gone any worse? Inconveniently, Caesar Augustus had decreed that a census be taken. Sooooooooo, Mary got to make an 80 mile trip to Bethlehem while expecting a baby! It's estimated that this little trip that would take us an hour or two by car took anywhere between four to ten days- depending on if they WALKED or rode a donkey. (Traveling by donkey may have taken longer.) Walking several days near full term?? Talk about swollen ankles. Straddling a donkey for days on end? Ummmmmm- no thank you. Tell Caesar I died. I'll just stay home. I mean, really, what's one little teenager?
To make matters worse, there were no accommodations in town FOR A FULL TERM PREGNANT TEENAGER. Whoops. Joseph forgot to make the reservations. Maybe he just couldn't get service on the way. Good news, there's room in a smelly stable complete with animals! (Hope you don't have allergies.) I don't know about you other moms out there, but I'm just sayin' I'd be fit to be tied! And... is there a doctor in the house??
But what was Mary's response after the birth of her child and a visit from the shepherds?
19 "But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." Luke 2:19
Mary was able to look past all of the physical circumstances that surrounded the event. She believed that no matter how, when, or where the day of delivery came, this son was the Son of God. And that overshadowed any temporary hardships. She "treasured up" and "pondered" these things in her heart. Perhaps she knew the prophecies.
"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." Isaiah 7:14
"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." Micah 5:2
Whether or not Mary was conscious of the fulfillment of these prophecies in that moment, she had faith that God was in control and using her in this special moment in time to do his will. She contemplated and treasured the moments that surrounded this blessed event.
3. Mary was a teacher and a disciplinarian.
It's true. Mary didn't get off scot free as a parent. Jesus was still a child who needed to be taught. He didn't come out like Boss Baby, in charge but in baby form. No. He had to learn. Just like we have to learn. Just as our children have to learn. How do I know? The Bible tells me so. Look here.
When Jesus was twelve years old his parents went to Jerusalem as they did every year to celebrate the Passover. When the festival was over, they began the trip back home. After a day's journey, they realized that Jesus wasn't with them. OK. I don't know about you, but I'm feeling PR-etty good about that time I accidentally left my kid in the car for a couple of minutes! It happens to everyone, right? Even Jesus's mom. Seriously though, they went back and after THREE DAYS found him in the temple courts listening and asking questions.
Here's what happened next.
48 "When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, 'Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.'
49 'Why were you searching for me?' he asked. 'Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?' 50 But they did not understand what he was saying to them.
51 Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." Luke 2:48-52
Mary had been worried sick for three days. She admonished her son. She was holding him accountable for the trouble he had caused them the last several days. Clearly, he was old enough to understand that his parents needed to know his whereabouts. Mary was calling him out. It does seem that he assumed they knew to look for him at the temple. And it wasn't a sin he had committed though immature and careless.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.” Luke 1:46-55
Each time Mary mentions herself it is in reference to who the Lord is and what he has done for her!
- Her soul magnifies the Lord
- Her spirit rejoices in God my Savior
- He is mindful of her humble state
- Generations will call her blessed because of the great things the Mighty One has done for her
No.
She was a thankful and humble servant.
2. Mary had faith through unusual and unpleasant circumstances.
On the celebrated night of Jesus's birth, Mary had been through a lot. I mean, could things have gone any worse? Inconveniently, Caesar Augustus had decreed that a census be taken. Sooooooooo, Mary got to make an 80 mile trip to Bethlehem while expecting a baby! It's estimated that this little trip that would take us an hour or two by car took anywhere between four to ten days- depending on if they WALKED or rode a donkey. (Traveling by donkey may have taken longer.) Walking several days near full term?? Talk about swollen ankles. Straddling a donkey for days on end? Ummmmmm- no thank you. Tell Caesar I died. I'll just stay home. I mean, really, what's one little teenager?
To make matters worse, there were no accommodations in town FOR A FULL TERM PREGNANT TEENAGER. Whoops. Joseph forgot to make the reservations. Maybe he just couldn't get service on the way. Good news, there's room in a smelly stable complete with animals! (Hope you don't have allergies.) I don't know about you other moms out there, but I'm just sayin' I'd be fit to be tied! And... is there a doctor in the house??
But what was Mary's response after the birth of her child and a visit from the shepherds?
19 "But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." Luke 2:19
Mary was able to look past all of the physical circumstances that surrounded the event. She believed that no matter how, when, or where the day of delivery came, this son was the Son of God. And that overshadowed any temporary hardships. She "treasured up" and "pondered" these things in her heart. Perhaps she knew the prophecies.
"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." Isaiah 7:14
"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." Micah 5:2
"The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until he comes to whom it belongs and the obedience of the nations is his." Genesis 49:10
"The days are coming," declares the LORD, "when I will raise up to David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land." Jeremiah 23:5
"The days are coming," declares the LORD, "when I will raise up to David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land." Jeremiah 23:5
Whether or not Mary was conscious of the fulfillment of these prophecies in that moment, she had faith that God was in control and using her in this special moment in time to do his will. She contemplated and treasured the moments that surrounded this blessed event.
3. Mary was a teacher and a disciplinarian.
It's true. Mary didn't get off scot free as a parent. Jesus was still a child who needed to be taught. He didn't come out like Boss Baby, in charge but in baby form. No. He had to learn. Just like we have to learn. Just as our children have to learn. How do I know? The Bible tells me so. Look here.
When Jesus was twelve years old his parents went to Jerusalem as they did every year to celebrate the Passover. When the festival was over, they began the trip back home. After a day's journey, they realized that Jesus wasn't with them. OK. I don't know about you, but I'm feeling PR-etty good about that time I accidentally left my kid in the car for a couple of minutes! It happens to everyone, right? Even Jesus's mom. Seriously though, they went back and after THREE DAYS found him in the temple courts listening and asking questions.
Here's what happened next.
48 "When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, 'Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.'
49 'Why were you searching for me?' he asked. 'Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?' 50 But they did not understand what he was saying to them.
51 Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." Luke 2:48-52
Mary had been worried sick for three days. She admonished her son. She was holding him accountable for the trouble he had caused them the last several days. Clearly, he was old enough to understand that his parents needed to know his whereabouts. Mary was calling him out. It does seem that he assumed they knew to look for him at the temple. And it wasn't a sin he had committed though immature and careless.
Then look. He went to Nazareth and was obedient to them. He obeyed his parents. He followed their commands, their rules. Just like any human child is expected to do. He needed to be guided and taught. How do I know? Keep reading. Jesus grew in wisdom. That means that he wasn't immediately wise, all-knowing, and discerning when he was born. His wisdom GREW. Just like his body, or stature. Just like any child grows.
He also grew in favor with God and man. If he was all-knowing and wise as an infant, how could he "grow in favor with God?" Wouldn't he have already attained the highest status possible with God if he had been born with these attributes? It sounds to me like Jesus had a CHOICE. He chose to stay behind asking questions in the temple courts. He chose to be obedient to his parents. He increased in his wisdom, his physical growth, and his favor with others. He became better and better. He didn't begin at the point in which he would finish. Mary must have had a lot to do with that. All the while she was treasuring these things in her heart. Did she have all of the answers? No, it tells us that she and Joseph didn't understand what Jesus meant about being in his Father's house. But she kept on keeping on. She was persistent in pointing him toward the Father.
4. Mary pointed her child toward God.
Mary had an enormous job to do! She, like any mother, was responsible for teaching, admonishing, disciplining, guiding, and loving her son. She needed to know God's law. She needed to teach it to her son. She needed to discipline her son when necessary in order to keep him on the straight path. She needed to guide him.
So did Mary have an easy task? I would say not. From the moment the angel revealed her fate to the day she watched her son die on a cross, Mary's life would be defined by fulfilling the monumental task she had been given. She would have to give up any selfish dreams she may have once had. She would need to teach and disciple her child in God's law. As we read on through her story, we read that Mary encouraged Jesus to perform his first miracle. Although unpredictable and dangerous at times, she believed in him and followed him. And she stood by him until the unexpected end- at the foot of a cross watching him die. How excruciatingly painful and hopeless this must have seemed. Such an ironic ending to Mary's successful discipling.
As we parent our own children that God has entrusted to us, we can examine Mary and see that we actually have a lot in common. No, we are not the mother of the only begotten son of God, but we ARE the parents to ones who may be called children of God!
28 And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming. 29 If you know that he is righteous, you know that everyone who does what is right has been born of him. 1 See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. I John 2:28-3:1
Is our road always easy? Are there never times when we are confused by what is happening? Do things always turn out as we had hoped or expected? Just as in Mary's story, our answer is "No." Parenting can be tiring, messy, perplexing, and deflating at times. Even so, we should humbly put our faith in God, persevere, and treasure up all these moments in our hearts.
Mary.
God hand-picked this humble servant to birth, teach, discipline, and point his son toward Him in order that he could be the sinless sacrifice for the entire world!
"For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;" I Peter 3:18
What an amazing woman Mary must have been. As God looks down on our parenting efforts, may he see his servants and say, "You are highly favored. The Lord is with you."
As we parent our own children that God has entrusted to us, we can examine Mary and see that we actually have a lot in common. No, we are not the mother of the only begotten son of God, but we ARE the parents to ones who may be called children of God!
Is our road always easy? Are there never times when we are confused by what is happening? Do things always turn out as we had hoped or expected? Just as in Mary's story, our answer is "No." Parenting can be tiring, messy, perplexing, and deflating at times. Even so, we should humbly put our faith in God, persevere, and treasure up all these moments in our hearts.
Mary.
God hand-picked this humble servant to birth, teach, discipline, and point his son toward Him in order that he could be the sinless sacrifice for the entire world!
"For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;" I Peter 3:18
What an amazing woman Mary must have been. As God looks down on our parenting efforts, may he see his servants and say, "You are highly favored. The Lord is with you."
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