Mary Did You Know?

I have seen it many times. Parents who watch their child come into the world and are filled with hopes and dreams, only to see that child grow and struggle. Yet these parents never give up on their child. In Luke 2:15–19; John 2:1–5; 19:25–27, we see Mary at various stages in Jesus life and His death on the cross, never fully understanding what was happening with Him, but still maintaining her faith in Him. I pray that we would hold on to our faith, even when we don’t understand what God is doing and how He is working in our lives. Amen

“Mary Did You Know?” sung by Pentatonix

“Mary Did You Know?” sung by Maverick City

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. (Luke 2:15–19)

The shepherds who had heard the angels message that the Messiah had been born, believed it and determined to go see the baby for themselves. When they found Mary and Joseph, and had seen the baby, they spread the word. They became the first messengers, telling everyone what they had heard and seen. Everyone who heard it were amazed (astonished). And Mary pondered in her heart on this momentous event in history.

On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.”

“Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.”

His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” (John 2:1–5)

Jesus’ first miracle recorded in the Bible occurred at this wedding in Cana. His mother went to Him and told him that there was no more wine, they had run out. Her expectation was for Jesus to do something about what have been an embarrassing situation. Despite Jesus’ protest that it was not yet His time, Mary did not hesitate. She didn’t know just what Jesus would do, but in complete faith that he would respond to her petition, Mary instructed the servants to do whatever Jesus told them to do.

Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. (John 19:25–27)

When the angel came to her with the conception announcement and called her highly favored. When the wise men came from the east bearing gifts for a king and the shepherds came from their fields after witnessing a celestial chorus. When she saw Him debate scholars at the temple and witnessed Him perform miracles…this was surely not the end that Mary had envisioned for Jesus. What a painful thing to see her son dying on a cross. Being mocked by the very people that Gabriel told her He was sent to reign over. So much joy and so much hope at the start… but now, so much pain and agony. In His dying moments on the cross, Jesus took care of the one who had borne and taken care of Him. He gave Mary a son in His stead, to comfort and care for her. She had fulfilled her mission and remained faithful to the end of it.

Conclusion

From His birth, to His first miracle, to His death on the cross, Mary was there with Jesus. It is evident through the scriptures that she never fully understood how Jesus went about the execution of His mission. But she remained faithful even when she didn’t understand. Mary is the only person that we see in the Bible from Jesus conception to His death on Calvary’s cross. From the joy and light of a new baby to the darkness and pain of His state sponsored execution she never lost faith. She is an example to all of us to hold on to our faith, even when we don’t understand what God is doing and even when we suffer the pains of life. Did Mary know and understand all that Jesus would do? Probably not, and neither do we. But she did know enough to keep the faith….and we can too!

Blessings, Rev. Glenn

Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered
will soon deliver you.

Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will calm a storm with His hand?
Did you know
that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little baby
You've kissed the face of God.

Mary, did you know? Mary, did you know?

The blind will see
The deaf will hear
The dead will live again
The lame will leap
The dumb will speak
The praises of The Lamb

Mary, did you know
that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know
that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding
is the Great I Am.