Calling and Purpose 27—Mary--the Mother of Jesus

Mary is young. Faithful.  Unsuspecting. Unmarried.  One conversation with the angel Gabriel, and her calling and purpose become crystal clear—both celebratory and difficult.  She is to be the virgin mother of the Messiah, “Immanuel,” “God with us.”

 We are told that Mary is chosen because she has “found favor with God.”  Her response to this confusing message—and being chosen for this huge job, fraught with consequences good and bad and unknown--was “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” [“May everything you have said about me come true.” NLT] (Luke 1:38).  When Mary visits Elizabeth a few days later—perhaps to process this news—perhaps to get out of town--Elizabeth says to her “You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said” (Luke 1:45).

 Mary receives this news with praise, giving glory to God, referring to His Might and her humble position.  She extols God’s holiness, mercy, power, provision, help.  In spite of this worshipful stance, her marriage to Joseph, her betrothed, almost doesn’t happen.

 Then, we learn that Caesar Augustus desires a census of the Roman empire, requiring everyone to return to their hometown to register.  Joseph and a very pregnant Mary travel there to do so.  While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them (v 6-7). Total strangers, shepherds, come to visit them and spread the news.  Her life is no longer her own, no longer private.

 We are told that in the midst of what must have felt like chaos and lack of stability, “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19).  Jesus’ presentation at the temple reveals prophecies that most likely were disconcerting:  “Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: ‘This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.’” (Luke 2:34-35).

 Foreign wise men visit and provide gifts.  Then, perhaps using these gifts as funding, the little family flees under cover of night to Egypt—remaining away from murderous Herod until his death.

 Her life to this point cannot have been easy—to be pregnant prior to marriage, to have a child outside of the comfort of home, to entertain strangers so soon after giving birth, to flee to an unknown land (known for holding the Jews in captivity) to save her son’s life knowing that friends, family, neighbors with children the same age or younger were slaughtered while her son survived. And, when they can finally return to Israel, they cannot return home to Judea but have to resettle in Nazareth—a place unfamiliar to them.

 Mary then has at least four more sons and two more daughters:  James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas (Matthew 13:55) and daughters (Mark 6:3) (Jesus “sisters”)—a total family size of at least nine (two parents and seven children).

 Mary and Joseph remain faithful to God, raising Jesus and the rest of their family.  Luke 2:40 says of Jesus:  “And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.”  The family went to Jerusalem every year to celebrate the Passover.  They lost Jesus there when He was 12.  After frantic searching for three days, “they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. 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” (Luke 2:46-48).  Jesus’ reply was “’Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?’ But they did not understand what he was saying to them” (v. 49-50).  Jesus returned home and obeyed his parents, growing “in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man,” but we are told that “his mother treasured all these things in her heart” (Luke 2:51-52).

 Later, before Jesus had begun his public ministry, he and his mother and disciples were at a wedding in Cana.  When the hosts ran out of wine, Jesus’ mother involves him, telling the servants to follow his instructions.  In the end, after a brief protest, Jesus causes 120-180 gallons of the best wine to suddenly appear.  This would be the first of His recorded miracles—encouraged by his own mother.

 Throughout Jesus’ ministry, we see reference to Jesus’ mother and brothers.  We also notice tension—perhaps a house divided. His family is forced to wade through the crowd to try to speak with him (Matthew 12:46-50) and, when Jesus is made aware of this, He responds with  “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”  In Mark 3, Jesus is so busy that he and his disciples cannot stop to eat.  His family hears and goes to “take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind” (v. 31).  In John 7:5 we learn that “even his own brothers did not believe in him.”

 Jesus’ teachings in Mark 10, Luke 14, and Luke 18 emphasize the cost of being Jesus’ disciple—including language about leaving home and brothers and sisters and mother and father and children for Jesus’ sake. How difficult that might have been for Mary to hear over and over again.

 Mary was present at the Jesus’ crucifixion.  She saw Him surrounded by soldiers; carrying His own cross; crucified with two others; marked with a sign Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews; publicly disgraced and humiliated; his clothing taken and gambled for.  Mary was near the cross where Jesus spoke to her and to John—telling them to be family to one another, and from then on Mary lived in John’s home (John 19:17-27).

 After Jesus was resurrected and taken to heaven, the church in Jerusalem “all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers” (Acts 1:14).  Apparently, at this point, perhaps prior to it, Mary and Jesus’ brothers have come to faith in Jesus as Lord.  [Her son, James, becomes the leader of the church in Jerusalem.]

 Mary lives out her God-given purpose and calling—one day at a time.  One challenge at a time.  One celebration at a time.  Pondering that which she knows and does not know.  Praising God and praying.  Showing up.  Being present.  Faithful.  No matter what.

·        How can you live out your purpose one day at a time, one challenge and celebration at a time?

 ·        What about your purpose seems far-fetched, impossible?  How can you trust the God of the impossible with your future?

 ·        How can focusing on a Holy, Powerful, Mighty God and your own humble position help you gain perspective on your calling?

 ·        Can you set aside time to “ponder” and “treasure” these things in your heart?

For more on these subjects, see the Gifts-Calling-Purpose blog.  Check out other resources and a six-week workbook at GodGiftsYou.com.

 Shirley Giles Davis, author of the God. Gifts. You. Your Unique Calling and Design workbook, is a consultant, coach, facilitator who has worked with faith-based organizations, nonprofit agencies, and executive leaders for over 30 years.  Shirley has been EquipConnectServe Director at First Pres Boulder since 1999.  She has worked with leaders and organizations in 47 of the United States as well as having clients outside the U.S.  Contact Shirley