Women of the Bible (5)

Mary the Mother of Jesus

 

FILING INFORMATION:

2002026

Subject: women of the Bible; Mary; Joseph

Preached Originally: 05/05/02 – Rapid City, SD

 

Introduction:

A.    Not much is known of the background of Mary.

1.    a peasant & a resident of Nazareth in Galilee.

B.    Was daughter of either Heli or Jacob.  From tribe of Judah & in the lineage of David – hence she was in the royal line.

1.    difference between the genealogies of Matthew & Luke.

2.     Some say Matthew’s account shows us genealogy of Joseph – while Luke’s is an account of Mary’s family history.

3.     We do know that she was related to Elizabeth – the mother of John the Baptist.

C.   Scriptures mention Mary in a few places – and we will cover this in this lesson.

 

I.  The years around the birth of Jesus.

A.        Around 5 BC – she became engaged to Joseph.  Joseph was a carpenter.

1.    Lk. 1:26 – Gabriel sent from God to Nazareth to Mary.

2.    1:28-38

3.    Thus, we get just a little picture of Mary’s inner thoughts & feelings at being the mother of the Son of God.  We see:

a)    Her fears – 1:29, 35

b)    Her loyal submission – 1:38 – must have been of high character & faith.

c)    Her joy – 1:46-56

B.       Matthew’s account tells the story from a different perspective – the outward/public account.  Here we see her subject to:

1.    Mt. 1:18 – shame & suspicion as news leaked out that she was of child.

a)           engagement last 10-12 mths among the Jews.  Unfaithfulness to each other during this time was considered adultery.  See Deut. 22:25-28

2.    1:19 – imagine how she must have felt when she had to tell Joseph she was with child….bitter humiliation.

a)           Joseph could have reported to authorities – of which she would have been put to death.  Lev. 20:10. 

b)           Joseph was kind, tender, merciful.  Not willing to put her to shame. 

1)     was going to dissolve their relationship & restore her to her friends.

3.    This must have been a great trial to both of them.

a)           She was innocent.

b)           He did not believe her – but note…he did not act rashly or hastily.

4.    1:20 – Angel appears to Joseph in dream & tells him the truth.

a)           told not to have doubts about her character & virtue

b)           told child she had was a creation of divine power.

c)            Note:  God will guard our reputation.

1)     may be assailed by slander; and circumstances may seem to be against us. 

2)     In due time,…God will vindicate our character & save us from ruin.

3)     Psa. 37:5-6

5.    Mt. 1:24-2:1 – Joseph takes Mary as his wife.

a)           Lk. 2:7

b)           She would witness visits of shepherds – Lk. 2:15-20

c)            Focus:  2:19

d)           Sometime when Jesus between 0-2 yrs old – she witnessed visit of the Magi – Mt. 2:2-12

6.    Mt. 2:13 – goes w/Joseph to Egypt to flee from Herod.

7.    Neither Joseph/Mary appear again until Lk. 2:41-52 – when He stayed behind in the temple.

a)           They accept his explanation – realizing He was the Son of God.

b)           Lk. 2:51-52 – subject Himself to them.

 

II.  See Mary next at the wedding in Cana.

A.      Jhn. 2:1-12 - Asked Jesus to use His power to meet the crisis as they ran out of wine.

1.    Jesus tells her my hour has not yet come.

B.      But turned water into wine – working His first miracle.

 

III.  Mt. 12:46-47 – see her when she & kids come to visit Jesus.

A.    Story also mentioned in Mk. 3:21; 31; Lk. 8:19-21

B.    Not revealed as to the purpose of their visit.

1.    Perhaps they feared for Jesus as multitudes pressed against Him seeking healing…

2.    Tells them that the bond between He & His disciples were stronger than family ties.

3.    Joseph by this time had probably passed away.  He is no longer mentioned in any occurrence in Scripture.

 

IV.  At the cross – Jhn. 19:25-27

A.     Of His family at the time – seems that only Mary believed that He was the Messiah – even though all appeared to be lost.

B.    John told by Jesus to take care of his mother.

C.    Imagine pain she must have felt as He hung there on the cross.

1.    Prophesied as to her pain – Lk. 2:34-35

2.    endured her pain through her tremendous faith.

 

V.  Last see her in Acts 1:14

A.    She took her place among the worshippers.

1.      Imagine how she must have rejoiced when news surfaced of Christ’s resurrection.

2.      note…she worshipped Jesus and was NOT an object of worship herself.

B.    We do not know how/when Mary died.

C.   Mt. 13:55-56; Mk. 6:3 – Jesus had 4 brothers & unnamed sisters.

1.      James & Judas would become prominent leaders in the church & each would author epistles.

2.      Joses & Simon – not much known.

 

Conclusion:

A.    Mary gives us an example with her life.

1.    Ordinary woman used by the Lord – for His purpose.

2.    We also note her willingness to be used.  This is key for all mankind.

B.    We need to have a humble & submissive spirit – like Mary.

C.   We too must endure our struggles w/faithfulness – like Mary.

D.   We must learn to truly love Jesus w/all our hearts – like Mary.

E.    I N V I T A T I O N