Luke 2:15–19

15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

John 2:1–5

1 And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:

2 And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.

3 And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.

4 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.

5 His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.

John 19:25–27

25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.

26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!

27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.

Conclusion

A. Steadfast “Yes”

     Mary’s “yes” to God included cherishing her son’s identity through tender, exciting, and excruciating circumstances. She trusted God to sustain her journey and Jesus as her son and divine Lord. Mary held Jesus as He took His first breaths, and she was there with Him as He took His last. She was with Him as much as possible in between, even witnessing His first miracle. Mary observed Jesus’ earthly life in all its humble humanity and divine activity. She kept watch and cherished the glorious (albeit painful) unfolding of God’s perfect plan: the salvation of the world through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

     Mary’s consistent “yes” models a beautiful pathway through uncertainty for us. She believed so fiercely in God’s provision that she submitted her whole life to obedience and wonder. From the beginning, Mary collected and purposefully remembered the signs God sent that proved His prophetic word was true. She didn’t waiver in her belief. Mary’s love and loyalty were rewarded by continued care and belonging in God’s family.

     Mary was a model disciple. She knew the significance of Jesus’ life and trusted that He could make a difference in times of need. Jesus was a model son. He did all He could to provide care and support for His mother.

 

What Do You Think?

In what ways does Mary’s witness or specific “yes” to God inspire you toward greater loyalty to Jesus?

Digging Deeper

What promises from God are you incubating? What keeps you steadfast in your belief?

​

B. Prayer

    Father God, may we remain committed to You in the highs and lows of life. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

 

C. Thought to Remember

Loyalty to Jesus means a life of sacrificial love.

 

Key Text

  Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.  —  Luke 2:19

​​

Questions

​​

1. Mary pondered the events surrounding Jesus’ birth “in her _____.” Luke 2:19

2.  The wedding in Cana had problems when it ran out of what? (cake, roast lamb, wine) Luke 2:3