Learning From Jesus' Human Family

Mary-An Unselfish Servant of God

Mary, Jesus' mother, was an excellent servant of God.  When the angel Gabriel announced that she was to give birth, she manifested surprise.  Being a virgin, she had not had "intercourse with a man."  On learning that the birth was to be by means of holy spirit, she humbly accepted the message, saying:  "Look! Jehovah's slave girl!  May it take place with me according to you declaration."  (Luke 1:30-38)  She valued the spiritual privilege so much that she was willing to bear any hardship that her decision might entail.   Indeed, accepting the commission changed her entire life as a woman.  When she went to Jerusalem for her purification, a reverent older man named Simeon told her:  "A long sword will be run through the soul of you yourself."  (Luke 2:25-35)  Evidently, he was referring to how Mary would feel upon seeing Jesus rejected by many and finally nailed to a torture stake. 

As Jesus grew up, Mary kept a mental not of what took place in his life,  "drawing conclusions in her heart."  (Luke 2:19, 51)  Like Joseph, she was a spiritual person and treasured up the events and sayings that fulfilled prophecies.  What the angel Gabriel said to her must  have stuck in here mind:  "This one will be greater and will be called Son of the Most High; and Jehovah God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule as king over the house of Jacob forever, and there will be no end to his kingdom." (Luke 1:32, 33)  Yes, she took seriously the privilege of being the human mother of the Messiah.

Mary's spirituality again became evid3ent when she met Elizabeth, her relative who also had become pregnant miraculously.  Upon seeing her, Mary lauded Jehovah and revealed her love for the Word of God.   She alluded to Hannah's prayer recorded in 1 Samuel chapter 2 and included thoughts from other books of the Hebrew Scriptures.  Such knowledge of the Scriptures showed that she was qualified to become a devoted  and God-fearing  mother.  She would cooperate with Joseph in spiritually nurturing her son.  -Genesis 30:13; 1 Samuel 2:1-10; Malachi 3:12; Luke 1:46-55.

Mary had strong faith in her son as the Messiah, and that did not wane even after Jesus' death.  Soon after the resurrection, she was among the faithful disciples who met for prayer among the apostles.  (Acts 1:13, 14) She maintained her faithfulness, despite having to go through the agony of seeing her dear son die on a torture stake. 

How can you benefit from learning about Mary's life?  Do you accept  the privilege of serving  God regardless of the sacrifices involved?   (Yes, I welcome them) Are you concerned with the seriousness of this privilege today?  Do you keep in mind what Jesus foretold and compare that with what is happening today, 'drawing conclusions in your heart?  (Matthew, chapter 21 Do you imitate Mary in becoming well-versed in the Word of God,m using it freely in your conversation?  Would you maintain your faith in Jesus despite mental anguish that you might have  to go through  because of being his follower?  ( The anguish of following Jesus would be welcomed, compared to being physically and mentally abused many years ago by an ex-husband)

Next time: Learning From Jesus' Human Family-Jesus' Brothers-Change Is Possible

The Watchtower, 2003