A young girl anxiously awaits her baby. The Angel who had visited earlier assured her saying, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God."
Imagine what went through her mind as she and Joseph, her betrothed, journeyed to the city of his forefathers for the mandated census which had been decreed by none other than Caesar Augustus himself.
The rich
lush fields and meadows surrounding Bethlehem, or as it is known in Hebrew, House of Bread, is where Ruth, Jesse and David lived, overlooking picturesque
valleys and farmlands, as sheep grazed on the hillside. This is the birth place
of the Baby, Who would later boldly declare, “I Am the Bread of Life” (John 6:35; 51).
This is where the
shepherds had received a message from an angel of the Lord. They were to go and
seek out the newly born babe, and pay Him homage, right there in their own
backyard. The Lamb of God was born in a stable a short distance from where
flocks of sheep were bedded down for the night. When they shared what the
angel had said to them with the new parents and others, everyone marveled.
Scripture tells us that “Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her
heart” (Luke 2:19).
She no doubt
shook her head as she remembered him saying, “And behold, you will conceive in
your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS.
He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God
will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house
of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”
What a journey it had been. She had surely seen the Lord God move in miraculous ways since that first greeting by His holy messenger.
What a journey it had been. She had surely seen the Lord God move in miraculous ways since that first greeting by His holy messenger.
Here is how I imagine some of the more memorable
moments she most likely recalled from
– After they circumcised their infant son, Mary and Joseph journeyed to the Temple in Jerusalem to present Him and redeem their firstborn as the law required. They were unexpectedly met by a holy, devout prophet named Simeon. Being moved by the Spirit, he took the child into his arms and blessed God saying, “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all people, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.” She and Joseph were taken aback and marveled at his words. (Luke 2:21-33)
– After they circumcised their infant son, Mary and Joseph journeyed to the Temple in Jerusalem to present Him and redeem their firstborn as the law required. They were unexpectedly met by a holy, devout prophet named Simeon. Being moved by the Spirit, he took the child into his arms and blessed God saying, “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all people, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.” She and Joseph were taken aback and marveled at his words. (Luke 2:21-33)
– Mary no doubt remembered how Joseph lovingly brought Jesus as
a boy into his carpentry shop as soon as he was able to follow simple
directions. He had built him a small bench and gave him his own set of tools to
use. She smiled as she recalled the days he spent building little tables and
stools. Then, when he turned twelve – Joseph make him a full apprentice in the
shop. What a proud day that was in their household! Ever since the incident in
Jerusalem, Jesus had been humble and submitted to them in Nazareth – gaining
wisdom, stature & favor with men and with God. (Luke 2:51-52)
– During one of their many trips to the Holy City for the Feast of the Passover, Mary and Joseph, supposing Jesus was with their relatives on the return trip, discovered He was missing. Upon circling back to the city, they discovered Him three days later sitting in the midst of the teachers, engaging them and inquiring about the holy scriptures. She and Joseph were amazed, but concerned, asking him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously!” Of course, she readily recalled His answer, “Why is it that you sought Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” (Luke 2:41-49)
– After Jesus was
baptized in the Jordan, He had several disciples join Him. Just a few days
later she had attended a wedding in Cana of Galilee with them. She remembered
how embarrassed the family was about running out of wine before the festivities
had ended. She recalled telling her Son about their dilemma, and His reply
of, “Woman, what does your
concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.” Though perplexed, she instructed the servants,
“Whatever He says to you, do it.” Well, what a celebration that was! Not only
were the guests enjoying themselves, but the master of the feast was so
impressed by the bridegroom’s choice of wine, he publicly commended him about
saving the best for last! Of course, she and the disciples knew Jesus had done
the miraculous – all as a manifestation of His glory for their benefit. (John
2:1-11)
– Mary had seen and heard so many incredible things while Jesus ministered throughout the region, but none could prepare her for that terrible day when she would watch the unthinkable – His crucifixion on Golgotha. Her Son had endured unspeakable torture and humiliation before His death, and yet, He lovingly presented her to His beloved disciple John to care for as his own mother. She could not comprehend such a selfless gesture as He hung suspended between life and death. Her Son had indeed been a special gift of God… (John 19:25-30)
Be blessed by this touching rendition of "Mary, Did You Know"
Deborah
is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is
written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their
passion. It will encourage and challenge
the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.
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