It’s Mother’s Day! As we continue our look at praying mothers in the Bible, meet Mary, a willing servant and the mother of Jesus.
In Matthew and Luke we learn, Mary was chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus. As with most of the women in the Bible, there isn’t a lot of detail on each woman, but we know that Mary was chosen because of her character. She was highly favored and God was with her.
Mary, like many other women, knew of the prophecies for the coming Messiah. She was looking forward to the time when the Deliverer would come. When the angel Gabriel came to Mary and told her she would conceive, Mary responds with a willingness to be a servant. Knowing that this pregnancy could only be from the hand of God, Mary was willing to become the mother of the Son of God.
In Luke 1:46-55 we get a glimpse at Mary’s prayer… My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name.His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”
Mary’s prayers as a mother for her child took on new meaning as she watched Jesus develop and grow. Her Son was teaching the teachers in the temple as a child. He had a following of a group of men, but she knew that He had a higher purpose. The ways of her household were focused on providing a biblical education to Jesus as he grew.
Because of Mary’s prayers and her selfless willingness to accept God’s call on her life, she was used to complete the plan of salvation offering eternal life through Jesus. All the days of her life were impacted by Jesus. Even as she heard reports of Jesus’ baptism and the loud voice that spoke of God’s favor on Jesus, her role of a mother stayed closer to her heart.
To God Be The Glory for Mary, the humble mother of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was a special mom who truly believed in the power of prayer. This phenomenal woman in the bible is a wonderful example of a godly mother filled with the love of God.
Happy Mothers Day!
Sister Cathy Black
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