IMITATE THEIR FAITH/MARY - She Survived the Sword of Grief - "DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU"

 Let us go back three and a half years: Mary sensed that change was coming. Even in the little town of Nazareth, people were talking about John the Baptist and his stirring message of repentance. Mary could see that her eldest son views the news as a signal; it was time to embark on his ministry. (Matthew 3:1, 13) For Mary ad her household, Jesus' absence would mean and upheaval of sorts. Why?

It seems likely that Mary's husband, Joseph, had already died. If so, Mary no stranger to loss. Jesus was now called not only "the carpenter's son" but also the carpenter." Evidently, Jesus had taken over his father's business and had assumed the role of provider for the family, which included at least six children who were born after him. (Matthew 13:55, 56; Mark 6:3) Even if Jesus had been training James-likely the next oldest son-to carry on the trade, the departure of the eldest would not be easy for the family. Mary already bore a heavy load; did she dread this transition? We can only guess. But her is more important question: How would she respond when Jesus of Nazareth became Jesus Christ, the long-promised Messiah? One Bible account reveals something in that regard. - JOHN 2:1-12. 

Next time: "DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU"

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