Mary’s life can teach lessons to everyone. She is the most known woman in the Bible besides Eve. People tend to put her on a pedestal, but she was a human being. The difference is she was chosen for her specific purpose.
Jesus’ mother was about thirteen when she was visited by the angel Gabriel. God’s message was one that Israel had waited to hear for centuries and it came to her. Mary would bare a son, but not just any baby boy. This child would also be the Son of God, Jehovah – the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This baby boy, Jesus, would come into the world to save it.
In the Jewish culture, a woman became engaged in a public ceremony that pledged her to her future husband. They remained betrothed for a period of time, sometimes a year, before they were actually married as husband and wife. Any woman found pregnant out of wedlock could be stoned to death. Mary knew that and must have been afraid when she heard the angel. How would any young girl feel about appearing as if they had done something immoral? Yet, knowing that God had decided to unfold His plan in this way, she must have felt many emotions. Unsure. Worried if her mother and Joseph would believe her story. Humbled. Unworthy. Fear of failure.
Mary was willing to trust in God and surrendered her own plans and thoughts to Him. Her story is found in each of the four gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Luke 1:26 – 38 is a favorite. We learn that Mary had a heart for God. Even though it was difficult for her to understand since she was a virgin, she trusted God and believed all things were possible through God.
People get side tracked when they try to do everything on their own and through their own power. Somehow in modern society surrender is looked on as a weakness. Surrender to God doesn’t take away personal power or identity, it strengthens the spirit. People are able to do things they could never do on their own. God works through us like He worked through Mary.
Mary’s response to Gabriel was “Behold, the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38, NKJV)
Through her entire life, Mary showed enduring faith and commitment. Her submissive spirit is a characteristic of her life. She didn’t always understand Jesus and His ministry. Like all mothers, she worried about Him and the rising controversy over His teachings and relationships with the religious leaders of the day. But, even in the end, God provided for her.
Mary is an example of complete trust in spite of her doubts or fears. She endured. It wasn’t easy raising a child who was God and man. It wasn’t easy when the twelve year old Jesus disappeared after Passover until three days later when they found Him teaching in the temple. It wasn’t easy when He left to begin His ministry. She must have felt blessed, confused, and full of wonder all at the same time.
One of the most important lessons people can learn from Mary is to trust in God no matter what the circumstances.
In Forever Touched: Significant Women in Jesus’ Life, by Gene and Elaine Getz, a principle of living is “Fear of the unknown and fear of failure can cripple your efforts to live for God. The antidote is inviting Jesus to touch your heart in such a way that His love and acceptance becomes real to you.”
Dianne Sagan - Dianne G. Sagan began a freelance writing career with 35 editorials for a regional newspaper. She is now an award winning, full-time ...
