Mary: The Woman of Obedience”
Read Matthew 1:1-17, Luke 1:26-55
The fifth woman listed in Matthew’s genealogy is Mary, the woman of obedience, whose actions revealed to us that no task is too great for God’s grace.
Mary could have been as young as 12-years old when the Holy Spirit “graced” her to be the mother of Jesus. Most historians speculate that she was no more than 14-years old at the time of Jesus’ birth. In Luke 1:48, even modest Mary said all generations would regard her as a woman profoundly blessed by God because of the wonderful privilege He gave to her, and over the next few weeks, her name will be mentioned more than any other name than Jesus.
Removing the Myths about Mary – Luke 1:26-30 – “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.”
The Greek word “favored” means “to be graced” or accepted by God for His purpose; to receive God’s unearned blessing. Some have exalted Mary beyond what the Scriptures teach. Some have given Mary attributes that belong only to God, making her the object of worship or the channel through which one worships God.
Some say Mary was untouched by the original sin, that she was perpetually filled with God’s grace; a perpetual virgin who never had children by Joseph and who ascended into heaven without experiencing death.
- In 1 Timothy 2:5, Paul said, “There is one God and one mediator between God and man; the man Christ Jesus.”
- In chapter 1:18-25, Matthew said Joseph kept Mary a virgin until Jesus was born, but in chapters 12-13, he identifies Jesus’ half-brothers as James, Joseph, Simon, and Judah.
Mary was an extraordinary woman, but she was born a sinner and in need of a Savior, like all women. In Luke 1:47-52, even Mary acknowledged her need for a Savior, and she rejoiced that God was providing a Savior for her, as well as for the whole world.