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The Sermon on the Mount is characterized as the best sermon of all time. Matthew dedicates three chapters to the retelling of the truths Christ clarified to the Jews who had lost the spirit of his Father’s love and intent. “You have heard that it was said, but I tell you...”His teaching style brought new life to what the teachers of the Law had lost sight of.
Jesus dedicates three years to teaching and training the twelve disciples so that they might teach others to teach others, to teach others...
Even at age twelve, Jesus was found in the temple discussing Scripture with the other teachers of the law (Luke 2:46-47).
No matter whom He was with or what He was teaching, the people were amazed at the way in which He spoke. Demons shuddered. Sinners repented. Crowds followed.
“And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes” (Mark 1:22).
What a blessing to sit at the feet of a teacher who truly knew what He was talking about!
How do you picture Jesus? A baby in the manger? Crucified on the cross? Absent from the tomb? Dwelling in your heart?
How do you think Mary pictured Jesus?
We know that Mary treasured all these things in her heart as Jesus grew in wisdom, in stature, and in favor with God and men.
When Mary saw Jesus turn the water to wine in Cana, did she see Him as the Christ, or as the little boy who ate and drank from her table?
When Jesus healed the sick, did she think back to the times when His brothers and sisters were sick at home?
We see Mary appear at various times during Jesus’ ministry. She seems to be a dedicated follower, but I wonder how much she knew about the child she had carried in her womb.
A recent reflection on the account in Luke 1 and her song of praise provided me with a new perspective—one that affirms why she was chosen to carry the Christ child.
When the angel first appeared to Zechariah, he responds with doubt, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years” (Luke 1:18). However Mary’s response, while one of surprise, questions the angel with a different spirit, “How can this be?” She doesn’t ask whether or not it is possible. She does not respond with doubt, but with belief and a request for clarification.
Then, her response immediately transitions to one of submission—humble acceptance of what God has called her to.
If I were Mary, I would’ve had a million questions: What if Joseph won’t marry me? What if others don’t believe me and I am stoned? Why me? How can I be sure? You’ve been silent for 400 years...
