Mary – Mother’s Day 2009
-Introduction
-When God specifically picks somebody, that’s saying something!
-example of Job – Job 1:8
-example of Abraham – Gen 12:1-3, 18:17-19
-Luke 1:26-35 (Isa 7:14)
-Matt. 1:18-25
-Of all the people on the earth, God chose Joseph and Mary to be the parents of Jesus.
-Does that not speak volumes about Joseph and Mary? The care of the Son of
God, the Messiah, the hope of mankind was entrusted to them.
-Luke 2:51 – Jesus, as a child, was submissive to His earthly parents. And, while under
their supervision and care, He “increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with
God and man” (Luke 2:52).
-With that short statement, we know that Joseph and Mary did a fine job in their
role as parents.
-What Happened to Joseph?
-We find that Joseph and Mary received a message from an angel regarding the birth of
Jesus.
-Luke 2:22 – They brought him to the temple to present Him to the Lord.
-Matt. 2:13 – An angel appeared to Joseph through the avenue of a dream and instructed
Joseph to take Jesus and Mary and flee into Egypt.
-Matt. 2:19 – An angel, again in a dream, appeared to Joseph and indicated that it was
safe to return to Israel. They returned to Nazareth.
-Matt. 13:55 – Notice the reaction of the people of Nazareth to Jesus once He started
His public work.
-Luke 2:41-50 – account when Jesus was 12 – both parents involved
-This brings us back to Luke 2:51-52. Jesus submitted to Joseph and Mary. Yet, in the
rest of the scriptures we hear no more about Joseph. But, we do hear about Mary.
-Mary – Mother of Jesus
-John 2 – Mary was there when Jesus performed His first miracle.
-vs 5 – Mary displayed trust in Jesus to be able to handle the situation.
-Mark 3:31-32 – During the Galilean ministry portion of Jesus’ life, multitudes gathered
to Jesus. I’m confident that Jesus’ family (including Mary) did not know the
significance of the unfolding events. As a matter of fact, His brothers did not believe
in Him (John 7:5). That is, not yet.
-Here, we see motherly concern on the part of Mary. The people were pressing upon
Jesus. At times, He didn’t even have time to eat or sleep. Mary was concerned.
-Some time goes by before Mary is mentioned again.
-As a matter of fact, the next time that Mary is referenced in the scriptures, she is
enduring what I consider to be one of the most difficult possibilities for a mother –
she is witnessing the terrible death of her Son.
-John 19:25 – Where was Joseph at this time? Since Jesus assigned the care of Mary
to John, it seems that Joseph had already passed away. Jesus had no brothers at the
cross. Mary had none of her other sons there to comfort her (only her sister and
nephew were there by her side).
-A little while later, some viewed the crucifixion scene from afar – Matt. 27:55,
Mark 15:40. Notice, Mary is not included at that time. Evidently, she had left
with John. Undoubtedly, she was devastated and heart broken.
-Luke 2:34-35
-Yet, we aren’t done with Mary – Acts 1:9-14.
-Before Jesus was born, we are introduced to Mary. Following the resurrection of
Jesus, we find Mary.
-Mary was there all along the way – Mary, the mother of Jesus.
-Summary and Invitation
-We need to keep in mind that the first century, mid-eastern society was very male
dominant. Yet, in the life of Jesus, little is said regarding His earthly Father. He simply
disappears from the scene. Yet, his mother, Mary, is there from the beginning to end.
-What an honor is paid to motherhood by the inspired record!
-Rightfully so. The role of the mother is one of great importance and significance!