Mary

**Mary** was a young, devout Jewish girl and a descendant of David. She was engaged to Joseph of Nazareth when she was visited by the angel Gabriel. That's when she learned that she was to be the mother of God’s Son, the Messiah. Could you imagine getting that message? I would freak out. She was the only person present at Jesus’ birth who witnessed His death. At His crucifixion, Jesus gave Mary into the care of John. John took Mary to his home. She was to be his "mother" and he would be her "son" (John 19:26-27).

## Overview

Mary was a young, devout Jewish girl, a descendant of David. She was engaged to Joseph of Nazareth. (Matthew 1:16). Mary was the cousin of Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist (Luke 1:36). Her life changed forever when she received a visit from an angel of God named Gabriel. Mary learned she was to be the mother of God’s Son, the Messiah. Could you imagine receiving this message? Mary was afraid but she did not freak out! After hearing Gabriel’s explanation, she submitted to the will of God and made herself available. “Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her. (Luke 1:38). A few days after Gabriel left, Mary went to visit her cousin Elizabeth who was pregnant with her son, John. Mary greeted Elizabeth; and then an amazing thing happened. “At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Luke 1:41).

Elizabeth then said to Mary, “You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.”(Luke 1:45). Mary responded with a song of joy and praise to God! The song of joy she sang shows how deeply she knew and loved God and the Old Testament Scriptures (Luke 1: 47-55). Mary knew about the prophecies of how a Savior would be born – but she never had the slightest idea that it would be her baby! As Jesus grew, Mary took note of things that happened in His life. She knew that Jesus was not just her son; He was also the Son of the Most High! Mary remembered all that the shepherds had said at His birth. “After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often.” (Luke 1:32; 2:17-19). When Jesus was twelve years old His parents found Him in the Jerusalem Temple, sitting among the religious teachers, listening to them and asking questions. All who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers. His parents didn’t know what to think! Jesus then returned with His parents to Nazareth. Mary stored all these things in her heart! She continued to watch her Son Jesus, grow in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and man. (Luke 2:45-52). Mary knew deep inside that Jesus would soon do even greater things by the anointing of God’s Spirit and power! This is why it's not surprising that Mary told the servants at the wedding celebration to do whatever her son asked them to do. She knew first-hand that nothing is impossible with God! Jesus' first miracle was to honor a request from His mother.

Because of this miracle, Jesus’ disciples believed in Him. (John 2:1-12; Luke 1:37). When Jesus was dedicated as a young boy in the Temple, Mary and Joseph met Simeon and Anna, who recognized Jesus as the Messiah. Simeon predicted to Mary that a sword would pierce her very soul (Luke 2:35). No doubt these words came to mind when she watched Jesus being crucified. At the cross, Jesus committed her into the care of John, His beloved disciple, who took her into His home (John 19:25-27). The last reference we have of Mary in the Bible is in Acts 1:14. She was with the disciples and other believers in the upstairs room in Jerusalem. These people had gathered to pray and wait for God’s gift of the Holy Spirit!

Mary was the only person present at Jesus’ birth who witnessed His death. At His crucifixion, Jesus gave Mary into the care of John. John took Mary to his home. She was to be his "mother" and he would be her "son" (John 19:26-27).

## Life Lessons

* Submit to God's will.
* Trust God for your future.
* Obey God's instructions.
* Memorize scripture.
* Have a servant heart.
* Make yourself available to God.
* God has a plan for your life - trust Him.
* Have the strength of character to live the life God plans for you.
* Know and apply the Scriptures to your life.