IMITATE THEIR FAITH/MARY - "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 viewed the news as a signal; it was time to embark on his ministry.  (Matthew 3:1, 13) For Mary and her household, Jesus' absence would mean an upheaval of sorts.  Why? 

It seems likely that Mary's husband, Joseph had already died. If so, Mary a was no stranger to loss._Jesus was now called only "the carpenter's  son" But also "the carpenter."  Evidently, Jesus had taken over  he 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 the transiton?  We can only guess.  But here is a more informatant question: How would she repsond  when of Nazareth became Jesus Chrisrt, the long-promised Messiah?  One Bible account reveals something in that regard. - JOHN 2:1-12.

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/MARY - "DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU"

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