Luke 1 ~ “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

Luke 1

26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

A Several Part History

Let's study what God has recorded about the woman He picked to be pregnant with God.

Was Mary a worrier?
It appears perhaps she was. Courage is not the absence of fear. Endurance with unfailing perseverance is courage.

34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[b] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.”

38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.


Mary has courage and pluck. Smart. God requires belief and effort and work in this life.
With a dad named Heli, she had a fight on her hands. Her parents are not recorded except by the Pharisees. She is called a descendant of David. In a society where women are unrecognized, Mary is considered. And the Pharisees slandered Mary and Her Son, to their own discredit.

14 generations - these people lived to be OLD. Like John the disciple. Fair thee well Billy Joel!

Mary is recorded to be pledged. Solemn promise and undertaking giving a word of honor. Assurance, oath, guarantee, something of charitable nature. Payment of a debt, liable of forfeiture for in-completion. Love, favor, loyalty. And in the midst of her honor, she is found to be pregnant with God. God does not hand a neon sign over her. Mary's halo is not evident.

In implication, her parents do not necessarily believe her. Although she is not stoned to death. And later her sister would support them at the foot of the cross of Jesus.

Luke 1
39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”


Mark 13:11
Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.

This would be the Power of the Holy Spirit. Generally this would be quite loud. And the person is somewhat amazed the words poured forth from them and a little pleased and bewildered. No plan was ever formed in the brain to speak. Daniel experienced this blessing as he found favor with mankind. People in their sleep have spoken of what they could not know.

Mary really needed Elizabeth to assure her. Mary fully understands this is a message from God echoing and reassuring her the message Gabriel had given her. Her faith is bolstered!!! Message of God received with full faith.

Mary’s Song

46 And Mary said:

“My soul glorifies the Lord
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant!

From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name!


50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.

51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.

54 He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.”

How do we know life was rough for Mary at home to do God's will?

Luke 1:56
Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

We know from Scripture that the families lived about 70 miles apart, yet Jesus went across the Sea of Galilee's 16 miles three times a day.So her family was not showing her a lot of support. And still - upon mercy shown, her companion - Joseph - is given more Spiritual ability. This drew them closer. And they ived together being married but separate.









 

Part Two

Matthew 2:11

Mary is sitting beside Jesus, who is worshiped by the Magi. She proves she is far more able than King Herod and does not claim her authority, nor take away any worship from Her Son. Mary is content to be Jesus' Mother.

Her lack of demand for worship continues as Joseph dreams and directs their safety upon his decision to move them to Egypt.

Years later. Years indicate Joseph is still deciding their fate. Scriptures record that Joseph returns them to Nazareth.

Matthew 13:55
“Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas?
 
Years continue to show Joseph was not a whim of Mary's. And she is still considered.

Mary was surrounded by events so much larger than herself. An undertaking of the Holy Spirit.

Did Mary look like a stunning example of virtuous halo in her reactions? Can we find common ground with the Mother of God?

Jesus knew, as God His mother might be worshiped. As God would know this. And Jesus declared, "More blessed are those who DO the will of God." God is not for the worship of anything other than God. The Gospels open with Matthew telling more of Joseph than Mary.

And yet when John and James were interested in the seat right next to Jesus in Heaven for themselves, who would be more likely that the ones who tried to save Jesus from this death in Love and not just power for themselves?

Mary is betrothed and yet her priority is God. Luke sees more of the story unfolding around Mary as Elizabeth is her cousin making Zechariah more family.


This is what we know of the real woman - chosen of God

~ She was greatly troubled
~ Tried to discern
~ “Do not be afraid, Mary"
~ For nothing will be impossible with God.”And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”
~And Mary said,“My soul magnifies the Lord,and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.

~He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
 as he spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

~ wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

~ Shepherds made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.

~ Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.

~ and a sword will pierce through your own soul also, so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

~ when his parents saw Him, they were astonished.

~ His mother said to him, “Son, why...

~ And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them.

~ And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.


~ When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

~ 12 After this he went down to Capernaum, with his mother and his brothers and his disciples, and they stayed there for a few days.


To read God's written Word about Mary chosen to be pregnant with God is to see a real woman. She is not supernaturally fixed to be without fear.The Scriptures plainly say she is Not without wonder about what was going on around her. This wonder causes her to not always understand. An admission we all don't know what God has wrought. God's Way is not our way. The disciples mainly had awe, wonder and trepidation. God works with regular people with His Overwhelming Way and His Plan.

Mary wasn't always sure what God was doing - 

Luke 2:52
And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

God was in relationship with Mary, the longer she knew God the more she knew to trust Him. Mary told Jesus get the show on the road for His Ministry. She knew He was ready.

God didn't expect Mary to be perfect, just as Jesus gave His brothers time, Jesus allowed Mary time to grow into their relationship too.  Much of their relationship is told in few words. The way God recorded them gives us the richness of them in the Words used.

This is a pattern of God's! He points the direction and makes a path and fully expects like a Parent sending a child off to college that we are equipped to go the distance. And just as Jesus went to see Mary after He was an adult for the Wedding in Cana - God as Father expects to welcome us to the 12 open Gates of Heaven - Running to Greet us.

Remember with me, God says He equips us to do this Plan! And provides a cherished Mother to point out to us to the concept, regular people Please Father God!!!

God Bless Us All!!! Because HE does! Amen.





Part Three

Good Friday was evident to Mary when she arrived with Jesus' brothers to reclaim him away from the trouble - seeking a way to save His life. Not like Peter for Glory, but as His Mother.

Matthew 12

46 While he was still speaking to the people, behold, his mother and his brothers stood outside, asking to speak to him.a 48 But he replied to the man who told him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” 4 9And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

This sounds harsh, and probably felt harsh to them at the time. When we look at this after the Victor over Death - we see Jesus spoke Prophetically.

Jesus owned a garment we are all aware of His seamless Chiton, a coat. Seamless, made carefully with a stitch called circular knitting.

The Scriptures tell us who supported Jesus financially. Which tells us even more about Jesus' seamless Chiton.

Luke 8

The Twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; 3 Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.

Yet, it's important to see that when Jesus was on the cross He witnessed prophetic fulfillment of His garment being cast lots for His Garment, under the Roman Governor's sign proclaiming Him King of the Jews.

John 19

Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews. 20 Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek. 21 The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, “Do not write ‘The King of the Jews,’ but that this man claimed to be King of the Jews.”

22 Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”

23 When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom.

24 “Let’s not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.”

This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled that said,

“They divided my clothes among them

and cast lots for my garment.”

So this is what the soldiers did.

25 Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” 27 and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

Jesus thought of His Mother as that coat was prophetically fulfilled. There is no doubt Jesus emphatically knew the Word of God. And what Jesus saw as the garment was taken - He saw Mary.

Mary is recorded again.

Matthew 27:61

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.

Mary continued welcoming people to Jesus. Proving again Mary united people In the midst of crisis. When it would have far been easier to be in self mode.

Matthew 28:1
After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

Mary continues to be diligent. Perhaps Mary remembered her parents were embarrassed by her pregnancy and she was not going to be pushed back by infamy. Imagine how jarring her day had been, this time for Mary. Her Son was beaten and ruined for the blind seeing, the deaf hearing. Surely she felt completely slain by a sword to her heart. And rose to do for Him. This was probably so extreme that she physically struggled.

Many people would never survive seeing their Son reach fame for the blind seeing and the deaf hearing. Mayo Clinic doctor's report the manifestations of His suffering on the cross where emotional - the heart of Jesus was broken and died from the excruciating shame and horror of the event with the physical beating and the weight of the cross.
.
Acts 1:13-14

When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

The prophetic Words of Jesus came to be fulfilled. His Family was united. Mary is again placed with Scripture about casting lots. This time this is about hearts being revealed. As Simon during the Presentation of the Infant Jesus to the Temple had said. To bear witness to the Resurrection of Jesus.

Paul spoke of the uniting of the Family of Jesus - something for us today.

Hebrews 2:10-18

10 In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered. 11 Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. 12 He says,

“I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters;

in the assembly I will sing your praises.”

13 And again,

“I will put my trust in him.”

And again he says,

“Here am I, and the children God has given me.”

14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. 16 For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. 17 For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Mary saw a division in her family. And in Jesus, she lived to see them united again. Jesus had been patient with Mary to grow with Him. Jesus continued to provide for Mary's family and expanding this family in His Victory over Death.

Paul in the Power of the Holy Spirit was good to record the Family of God expanding and going forth in Jesus Christ the Lord.

1 Corinthians 9

5 Do we not have a right to take along a believing wife, even as the rest of the apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas ?


Early Church History records Mary went on to live to be old and in peace. Jesus provided for Mary. As Jesus provides for His Family today.

John 5:17

In his defense Jesus said to them, "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working."



A day to God is millions of years, Peter wrote in the Power of the Holy Spirit. God tells us His desire is to save the World through Jesus Christ. Jesus is our Salvation and we are the Family of God. God is that Vast and that Loving.

Jesus is the God who said , "How often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wing."

Father God, 
You are Vast and Loving.  The Source of Every Blessing we have received. 

Let us bask and be warmed in Your Love and reflect this to others. 

Help us each day to bring Your Love to those we would ask You to Gather to You. 

Teach us, guide us, lead us, to be on Your Path. Protect us and give us Your wisdom. Courage is not the absence of fear. Endurance with unfailing perseverance is courage.  Give us Your strength to accomplish Your Good Will for our lives. Rejoicing in our opportunities for You.

We ask this in the Name of Jesus - patient with His Mother, Brothers and His family for millenniums. The Exact Image of Father God.

 In Jesus. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †