Faithful on Fridays Blog

Mothers experience a vast array of emotions regarding their children. Mary, Jesus’ mother, was no different. She was promised a miraculous conception of a son who’ll be great and called the Son of God eternally reigning as King of His kingdom. Mary gratefully accepted the assignment, however, she had no indication that her acceptance would be excruciatingly painful; she’s only a teenager, how could she?

Her emotional response, called the Magnificat, begins with this statement from the depth of her heart:

My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. Luke 1:46

After Jesus’ birth shepherds recounted their own angelic visitation declaring His glory and shalom to His favored ones on the earth,

… but Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. Luke 2:19

Mary opened a treasure box in her mind when she remembered everything that had happened. As a teenager I’d be overwhelmed, but it seems Mary quietly meditated on all the ‘good words’ that were spoken over her baby and it’s not over yet. Jewish families were required, within about 40 days, to present new babies for dedication at the Temple. As they entered, the Holy Spirit arranged a specified time to encounter an older, godly man who was filled with the Spirit (Luke 2:22-35): Simeon. He took the Child Jesus, the Lord’s Christ, in his arms and blessed Him for this privilege; he can now die peacefully. 

As Simeon prophesied over Jesus, Joseph and Mary were awestruck, more promises about her baby, and then he turned to Mary to warn her of the future. She must add these words to her treasure box as well; her baby is a ‘sign’ to prove the predestination of many to spiritually fall or rise but He will also face opposition. It will be so bad for her Son that it’ll feel like a dagger has pierced her heart. A young woman full of hope and excitement about her new baby and now there’s suffering ahead as well? She’d better put those emotionally charged words in the bottom of her box.

They probably stayed in Bethlehem about two years during which the worshipping magi brought gifts including myrrh: bitterness. Mary’s name, derived from this prophetic word, pointed to bitter suffering for her. It was then that Herod began his oppositional search for her Son and murdered many male children. Thankfully, Joseph and Mary escaped to Egypt for safety. 

The emotions found in Mary’s heart are no different than ours since we desire what’s best for our kids too. As parents we must open the treasure boxes in our hearts as well, trusting God like Mary, to bring about His promises to us. 

 After Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection we find Mary one last time, present with other believers in the upper room (Acts 1:14) receiving strength from prayer. Never underestimate the power of gathering and praying with other believers trusting God with your children: It’s not over yet.