A MOTHER’S LOVE, THE STRENGTH OF HER TESTIMONY
Luke 1:30-35
30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. 31 And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy 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 Most High: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. 34 And Mary said unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee: wherefore also the holy thing which is begotten shall be called the Son of God.
INTRODUCTION
Mary at the time of the visit of the Angel was a teenager, some say around 14 to 16. According to Jewish customs, arrangements had been made between Her father and Joseph’s father for her marriage, It was as good as
A marriage contract not to be broken. The wedding had not taken place
But was in the plans.
According to Jewish law for Mary to become pregnant before marriage would be adultery, punishable by stoning to death.
TEST THE WORD BY THE WORD
The Lord came to Mary in private and she accepted the assignment without checking with Joseph or her parents. To prove the Lord’s miracle, Mary was informed of her older cousin’s pregnancy
Luke 1:36-38
36 And behold, Elisabeth thy kinswoman, she also hath conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her that was called barren.
37 For no word from God shall be void of power.
38 And Mary said, Behold, the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
KNOW THE WORD FOR YOURSELF
Mary was an independent teenager, who knew the Lord and was obedient.
She easily distinguished the Word of the Lord from that of the world. She
She accepted Gabriel as an angel and questioned God’s plan for her. She
Accepted his explanation without hesitation. This says a lot about her
Training in the word by her parents.
The Word of God does not need to be qualified or justified or approved by
Any person. There are some things you have to keep to yourself. You need to’test the Word by the Word. The world may not accept God’s plan for you.
Mary immediately acted on the Word to test the Word. As teenagers we were always tempted to do things that made us feel good or because our friends are doing the same. Mary acted on God’s authority.
Luke 1:39-41
9 And Mary arose in these days and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Judah; 40 and entered into the house of Zacharias and saluted Elisabeth. 41 And it came to pass, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit;
ALLOW GOD TO DIRECT YOUR PATH
The text does not tell us that Mary sought permission from anyone
Before she left Galilee. It does not tell us that anyone knew she went
To visit her cousin. The text does not tell us how Mary traveled to
Elizabeth home. It does not tell us if she packed a bag to travel.
Elizabeth lived in a small town in the hills of the province of Judah, while Mary lived near Nazareth. All in all, it would have been about 80 to 100 miles to Elizabeth’s home, about a week’s travel (and not easy travel), and yet Mary made the trip.
Nazareth is 1100 to 1600 feet above sea level and Jerusalem is 2600 feet above sea level. Mary’s trip was traveling uphill for 80 to 100 miles.
Let me suggest that since Jesus was on the trip, Mary may have been transported by Lord Himself. When Jesus walked the earth He transported Himself alone from one place to another ( Matthew 14:22-33, Luke 4:28-30).
Think about it. Two women involved in miracles meet up. Mary by
Holy Spirit conception and Elizabeth womb opened by the Lord in
Her old age. Two women fulfilling Old Testament prophecies.
Why wouldn’t the trip to Jerusalem be a miracle of God.
FACE YOUR CONVICTIONS WITH CONFIDENCE
Mary traveled back to Nazareth 3 months pregnant. She knew show up
Three month pregnant could alter life forever. This news would be devastating to her parents. Joseph had the right to call off the marriage.
The community had the obligation to stone her to death. She faced these
Uncertainties with confidence.
The Lord said fear not. The Lord said the baby she was caring would be
King forever. She believed the Word. Se rejoiced in her condition and
She let the trouble to the Lord. Se boldly made 90 mile trip back to
Her home ready to continue this chapter in her life.
GOD CAN WORK IT OUT, YOU NEED TO GIVE A SHOUT OUT
Joseph a Righteous man informed of Mary’s condition wanted to put
Her away, but God changed His mind with new a the miracle
Birth.
Matt 1:20-21
20 But when he thought on these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she shall bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name JESUS; for it is he that shall save his people from their sins.
What God does to us is not just for us. God is just using you to bless the others in the world.
SOME THINGS ARE BEST KEPT TO YOURSELF
Mary and Joseph had to keep the manner of the birth of Jesus secret for the sake of Jesus and their other sons and daughters. Some claim
Joseph had children before marrying Mary. The Bible does not claim that.
Mary showed up at Bible Study with her family and all community was
Marveling over His teaching because they knew He had no formal education
Matt 13:55-56
Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joseph, and Simon, and Judas? And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?
Some things are best kept to yourself. Let me suggest that Mary and Joseph did not make known to their other children that Jesus was the
Son of God until after His death. None of Jesus half brothers and sisters were listed as disciples before His death.
Jesus had some on again and off again friends. They were for Him until they heard Him teach in ways they could not understand.
Mark 3:21
21 And when his friends heard it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself.
31 And there come his mother and his brethren; and, standing without, they sent unto him, calling him. 32 And a multitude was sitting about him; and they say unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee.
When you stand up for the Lord, even your family can get upset with you.
You make them feel bad before their friends.
Mark 3:31
For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
Good friends study the word, believe the Word and act according to the Word. Good friends don’t run with the crowd, they run to Jesus.
THE EVIDENCE OF YOUR FAITH IS YOUR ACTION
Mary knew Jesus was the Son of God and had faith in His power
And authority over all things. According to the text, she had never seen Jesus do a miracle before, but expected one at the wedding feast.
You don’t need to see Jesus do what seems impossible, to believe
He can do it. Mary may have remembered the angel Gabriel said to her that nothing is impossible for God (Luke 1:37)
Mary expected Jesus to produce wine for the guest when there was no place to get it.
John 2:3-8
3 And when the wine failed, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. 4 And Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. 5 His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. 6 Now there were six waterpots of stone set there after the Jews’ manner of purifying, containing two or three firkins apiece.
7 Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the ruler of the feast. And they bare it.
Our job as believers is to express our faith in Jesus. Some may hear the Word of God for the first time from you. The servant witness the water
Turned into wine at Jesus’ command. What do you think their response to Jesus was?
PATIENCE IS A VIRTURE NEEDED TO KEEP US CALM
Mary’s patience with Lord’s plan is evidence in what she kept to herself
Luke 2:19, 33
To protect the other children from ridicule and scrutiny Mary and Joseph may have kept the virgin birth of Jesus a secret. They may not have told them that Jesus was the Son Of God. I suggest this
Because Jesus did not choose any of His brothers as disciples. There is
No mention of them participating in the ministry before Jesus death
Jesus’ half sisters were not among the women who went to the tomb on Sunday morning. Jesus’ half sisters were not given names in scripture.
Mary was present at the death of her son during the Friday crucifixion. Jesus gave guardianship of Mary to John his disciple, according to
scripture, she went and lived with John (John 19:27). WHY? He had
Other brothers.
There are five points I want to consider in this text
The favor with God
Confidence in God
The purpose of God
The knowledge of God
The protection of God
THE FAVOR OF GOD
What is the favor of God? I have a favorite pair of shoes, a favorite
Suit, favorite place to eat. This is what I like. It’s all about me. The favor
Of God has to do with your obedience and humbleness to Him. It your heart and lifestyle that gains God’s favor.
Luke 1:30
30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God.
Mary’s lifestyle was pleasing to God. Think it was more than pleasing,
Because she was selected for the most important job of all time, the birth of His son, our salvation.
I believe that Mary’s favor was equal to or better than all the other servants God mentioned in the Old Testament. We find nothing negative
About Mary. Abraham, the father of faith lied that Sarah was his sister
To save his life. Noah the great ship builder got drunk and laid naked
After the Ark landed on Mount Arafat. David, a man after God’s own heart, committed adultery and killed the husband to cover his sin. Solomon, the wisest man of all times, had 700 wives and 300 concubines. Elijah, a faithful courageous prophet after killing all the prophets of Bael, ran and hid. All of the disciples of Jesus didn’t have the courage to face the cross with Him until given the Holy Spirit.
Here is the better than for Mary: All Old Testament prophets talked about
The coming of the Messiah. Mary was the fulfillment of the Messiah’s coming. Mary a teenage girl is introduced to us without any history. She
Was not educated, she did not come from a wealthy family, but she was in blood line of King David. I can only suggest that God had prepared her
Heart for the job. We know that she lived lifestyle pleasing to God.
CONFIDENCE IN THE LORD
Mary, a teenager between 14-16 years old, after hearing the plan of God for her life, believed it and acted on the Word immediately. In my mind she was a mature child that made a decision without reservations. I believe she only asked HOW to understand how God would accomplish a virgin birth. She did not ask permission from her parents, or her soon to be husband. She was an independent woman. When God speaks, his commands don’t need to be qualified or approved by anyone
To accept God’s plan, Mary’s whole life would be altered. To be pregnant
And unmarried, she could face ostracism, isolation and possibly stone to death. She faced the possibility of losing her reputation and her husband. The Angel Gabriel said fear not and she took that to mean God
Would take care of any problems.
Mary’s complete trust in God was evident in her immediately 90 mile
Trip to see Elizabeth who was well past child bearing age, The angel
Gabriel informed her that Elizabeth was six months pregnant. There is No Mention of an escort or how she traveled. There is no mention of
Mary informing anyone of her trip.
Complete trust in God is required to do His will. Oftentimes God exposes us to people doing His work for us to see His plan in action.
Mary was sent away from home to be with someone experienced in the Word to encourage her. Three months with Elizabeth was enough time to
Gain wisdom, knowledge and see the love of God in action.
THE PURPOSE OF GOD
God has a purpose for every believer. Every purpose is important. Some
Positions may be higher on God’s order of importance, but all are important. Mary’s position as mother of our Lord and Savior was the
Most important in life and the life of all believers.
Mary’s whole life was altered to accept God’s plan. I would guess that most women of that time looked forward to the Jewish tradition of marriage. The betroval arranged by the fathers, the courtship, the
Wedding banquet, the formal marriage and settling into a new home.
The Lord’s plan side tracked the frivolous stuff and move to the most
Part of life. God’s plan is void of man’s traditions but filled with the true
Love of mankind. His son was conceived in Mary the moment she accepted God’s plan for her life.
Luke 1:31
31 And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
Luke 1:38
38 And Mary said, Behold, the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
Mary made a choice to follow God. We all must make a choice to follow God or the world.
God’s plan for your life must over rule all other plans. God expects to be first in your thoughts and actions.
KNOWLEDGE OF THE WORD OF GOD
I believe we can credit Mary’s knowledge and love of God to the training of her parents. Mary and Joseph were cousins
“Matthew says Joseph was a son of Jacob, and Luke says that he was a son of Heli. It appears, however, that Jacob and Heli were brothers and that Heli was the father of Joseph and Jacob the father of Mary, making Joseph and Mary cousins with the same ancestral lines” (Bruce R.
It is highly likely that the word of God was taught to Mary and Joseph. Mary like most Jews was expecting the Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament scriptures Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 53 and Micah 5:2
Isa 9:6-7
6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David,
Mary was obedient to the Word of God putting her desires aside to take on God’s.
We must study the Word and bury it in our minds so we can distinguish the Word of God from the voice of the devil. The devil knows God and the Word and how to twist the Word to evil and make it seem right.
I don’t know if Mary had ever had an encounter with an Angel, but she knew
him to be from God.
THE PROTECTION OF GOD
Mary trusted God for her protection. First the Angel Gabriel said fear not.
And second she given access to the power of God
Luke 1:21
35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee: wherefore also the holy thing which is begotten shall be called the Son of God.
Mary at her young age understood that God would protect the baby that
She was caring. She was host to a baby that would be king forever. There
Was no doubt in her mind that she would be protested. She believed
She was blessed and highly favored by the almighty God.
When she went to Elizabeth her older cousin to test Word by the Word.
She found her cousin just as the Angel had said. She lifted up a song of praise to the lord
Luke 1:45-47
45 And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. 46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, 47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
The strength of Mary’s testimony is shown in her character
HER OBEDIENCE
SHE WAS OBEDIENT TO THE WORD OF GOD
SHE CARRIED HERSELF IN A MANNER THAT WAS PLEASING TO GOD
SHE PAID ATTENTION TO THE WORD AND APPLIED TO HER LIFE
B. HER HUMBLENESS
SHE HUMBLED HERSELF BEFORE THE LORD
SHE ACCEPTED GOD’S PLAN FOR HER LIFE
SHE PUT GOD’S PLAN BEFORE HER PLANS
SHE TRUSTED GOD TO HER LIFE
SHE RISK HER LIFE AND HER REPUTATION FOR GOD
C. HER LIFESTYLE
SHE HEARD THE WORD, BELIEVED THE WORD AND ACTED ACCORDING TO THE WORD
SHE TRAINED HER CHILDREN TO BE OBEDIENT TO THE WORD
SHE OBSERVED THE JEWS TRADITION OF WORSHIP
SHE TOOK HER CHILDREN TO BIBLE STUDY
SHE USED DISCRETION IN KEEPING THE VIRGIN BIRTH TO
HERSELF
SHE EXPRESSED HER FAITH IN JESUS
SHE SURROUNDED HERSELF WITH FAITHFUL WOMEN
