Lesson Eight
“Honored Among All Women”
Scripture Reference: Matthew 1:18-25; 2:1-23; Luke 1:26-56; 2:1-52; John 19:25-27; Acts 1:13-14
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Mary means “bitterness.”
Mary’s name was perhaps a prediction of the sorrow that she would endure in her life. Mary used wisdom to be silent and listen to God. She fully trusted in the Lord with all her heart, mind and soul. She was not a woman to be put above other women, but she was a great woman among women.
MARY THE VIRGIN:
In Isaiah 7:14, we read, “Therefore the Lord Himself shall give a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Mary was the virgin that God had chosen. Mary was from the tribe (family) of Judah, being a descendant of King David. Mary was poor in material things but rich toward God. She had knowledge of the Old Testament and the promises and prophecies concerning the coming Messiah. Mary lived a holy life. God knew Mary would NOT become proud because she gave birth to the Savior of the world. Mary was just right for the Master’s use. Mary was espoused (engaged) to a carpenter named Joseph. Before they were married, a very special thing happened. Something that would test Joseph’s love and trust for Mary.
MARY THE VESSEL:
The angel, Gabriel, was sent by God to tell Mary she was blessed among women. God had chosen Mary to be the mother of Jesus, the Son of God (Luke 1:30-33). Mary did not understand how this could be, since she was a virgin and had not slept with a man. The angel told her the child would be conceived by the Holy Ghost (Spirit) (Luke 1:34-35). Mary could not comprehend all this, but she was humble and accepted God’s will for her life (Luke 1:37-38). Mary had to share the news with Joseph. While Joseph was considering what to do, the angel of the Lord came to Joseph and revealed the special event that was about to happen (Matthew 2:18-25). Mary gave birth to Jesus in humble surroundings (Luke 2:1-20). After the angels announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds, they came to worship the Christ-child. Mary remembered all the words said and pondered (thought about – meditated) them in her heart. Mary rejoiced in the greatness and goodness of God. Mary not only gave birth to Jesus but gave him a home. Joseph and Mary taught him in the things of God. As a child, Jesus obeyed Mary and Joseph (Luke 2:51-52). Mary was a vessel used of God.
MARY THE VOLUNTEER:
Mary and Joseph did not fully understand all that would happen (Luke 2:48-50). Jesus knew he came into the world to die on the cross for our sins. When Jesus was brought as a baby to the temple for circumcision, Simeon predicted to Mary, “A sword shall pierce through thy own soul also” (Luke 2:35). Mary’s deepest sorrow was when she stood beneath the old rugged cross and watched Jesus die. Although Mary was the mother of Jesus, her beloved son, she did not interfere with the plan of God. The last glimpse we have of Mary is her praying with other believers in the upper room (Acts 1:12-14). She volunteered her life as a vessel to be used for God.
A Thought to Remember – Maybe you had your life all planned and circumstances came to change your goals. Don’t become bitter but be submissive to God’s will for your life. God knows what is best for you. With God all things are possible (Luke 1:37).
Lesson to Learn – God used common places and people to bring His Son into the world. He used a humble woman instead of a princess; a simple manger instead of a mansion; a small city, Jerusalem, instead of Rome. God can do extraordinary things with ordinary people. God can use you!