Lesson Twenty One

Wanted: A Mother For The Saviour Of The World

 

Introduction:

All of us have looked over the classifieds in regard to employment notices; we have seen job descriptions at the workplace. What if a job description was written for the position of "mother of the Saviour of the world?"

Obviously, the most well-known qualification was that she be a virgin, but further inspection shows us there was much more involved. If God had wanted just a virgin, I am certain there were plenty available. However, He wanted more for the mother of His Son. Let's examine what that was. 

I. Must be ready for unexpected company - (Lk. 1:26-29)

A. Are you prepared for a visit for a visit from an angel of God?

B. Mary is troubled not by his presence but by his saying. She surely must have wondered what this was leading up to, but she said nothing. What a refreshing change for a woman! 

II. Must believe the unbelievable - (Lk. 1:30-38)

A. The first question Mary raises is in regard to the conception of this child, but she doesn't question the explanation.

B. Furthermore, in (vs. 35), this "holy thing" will be called, unbelievably, the Son of God. 

III. Must be willing to give God the glory - (Lk. 1:46-55)

A. In all generations this has been difficult to do. Professor S. F. Morse, inventor of the telegraph, gave credit for his ingenious invention to God. The first phrase sent over the telegraph: "What hath God wrought!"

B. Mary very wisely doesn't beat her own drum or applaud herself. God receives all the glory in this event. 

IV. Must be capable of keeping private things to herself - (Lk. 2:19)

A. Foreign concept in today's "tell-all" society. Mary didn't appear on "Oprah" and tell her whole life's story! (Prov. 11:22) says, "As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion."
B. Mary - the ultimate example of discretion. 

V. Must have a realistic opinion of herself - (Lk. 1:48)

"Be yourself" is about the worst advise you can give to some people.

A. She readily recognized her position in relation to God and the great honor He was bestowing on her.
B. Never does Mary indicate she expects to be an object of worship - just a tool of service in God's plan. 

VI. Must be willing to take a subordinate role when it is time - (Matt. 12:46-48)

A. All mothers reach a point in their children's lives when they have to retreat and allow their children to become responsible adults.

B. This was even more accentuated in Mary's life since her Son was preparing to begin a public ministry and preparing for the cross. 

VII. Must be willing to give Son up to die for the sins of the mankind - (Jn. 19:25-27)

A. All that Mary had experienced from the beginning of Gabriel's message through the next 33 years had led her on an unalterable path to this end.

B. He wasn't born to be a joy to her, which I am sure He was. He wasn't born to give her pride at His accomplishments, which He did. He wasn't born to care for her in her old age... he relegated that responsibility to John. He was born to die for her sins... and ours. 

Conclusion:

If it was difficult to fulfill this "job description" 2000 years ago, how much more impossible would it be today? How many of these criteria could any of us meet? What a woman Mary was!

Mary, did you know that your baby boy was God's precious gift to mankind? I think she did.

 

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