Luke 1:26-56 Mary was a young woman living in Nazareth who was betrothed to Joseph. The angel, Gabriel, came to her with a mind-blowing message–she would bear the future king of Israel! She courageously accepted this role with the words, “I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” In these words, Mary exemplifies to all of us courageous faith.
Matthew 1:18-25 Joseph was deeply disturbed to discover his betrothed was with child. God intervened with Joseph through dreams to confirm her wild assertion that she was pregnant through a miracle rather than another man.
Luke 2:19 When the shepherds arrived shortly after Jesus’ birth, Mary saw God’s confirmation and treasured these things in her heart. (See also Luke 2:51.) Other validations of Jesus’ identity occurred when Simeon and Anna testified in the temple as well as when the strange men from the east arrived with treasures.
Matthew 2 After God warned Joseph in a dream, Mary and her family fled to Africa to take refuge from the evil king. It is likely that some of Jesus’ siblings were born then, but also afterward when they settled in Nazareth (Mat 13:55-56). An experience like this must have greatly bolstered Mary’s confidence and trust in God to take care of her.
Mark 3:20-21, 31 Even though Mary had been through so much, she came to doubt Jesus during his ministry.
John 19:25; Matthew 27:55-56 However, she accompanied him to Jerusalem during his last fateful week and was there during his crucifixion.
Acts 1:14 In the end, Mary was there, at one accord with the early church, devoting herself to prayer.
0 Comments