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[0:00] I'm not sure you realize this or not, but the song you just sang has mighty words.

[0:12] ! Help me to learn the important lesson of abiding in you.

[0:33] Of course, that's a good prayer. That's a mighty prayer. That's an important prayer, but it's not always an easy prayer. It doesn't always lead to easy things. That the work that God has to do in our life so often leads us through hard places, hard things, and that's good for us.

[0:53] So God, would you do that? Would you draw us close? Teach us to abide. Well, Mary serves as a wonderful example of that lesson of welcoming the Lord Jesus to do that work for her.

[1:09] And we're going to see that this morning. These snapshots of her life as God is helping her to grow in faith and grow in relationship. And we're going to see that through the testimony of her life as we look at it in the Gospel of Luke.

[1:24] I would encourage you to turn there with me. Luke chapter 1. It's on page 855 if you're using the Pew Bible. But I want to do say happy Mother's Day to those of you who are mothers here.

[1:37] Those who have mothers. I suppose that all of us can celebrate in some way Mother's Day. But I also do want to acknowledge that Mother's Day, while it is a time of celebration for many of us because of the investment of our mothers in our lives.

[1:55] And maybe God is giving you the joy of being a mother and being a part of that experience. There are definitely blessings about Mother's Day. But there's also challenges. And I want to acknowledge just that it comes sometimes with mixed emotions.

[2:10] Sometimes it comes with hardness. Some of you who don't have moms that really treated you with the kind of grace that moms should administer. And some of you perhaps have been trying to be a mom and have not been able to be a mom yet.

[2:25] And I know that there's heartbreak in that. There's pain in the experience of wanting to be a mom. And God, for whatever reason, has withheld that. And some of you, I know, are coming off of fresh experiences of losing a mother.

[2:40] And that relationship was sweet. But those memories of losing your mother are fresh and hard. And I just want to acknowledge the joys and also some of the pains and heartbreak that comes with this day.

[2:54] But we want to capitalize on this moment because motherhood is so essential, so special in the eyes of the Lord. That God himself has gifted us with children.

[3:07] And that is a blessing from him. And we want to acknowledge not only the privilege but also the responsibility of motherhood. And call mothers to the kind of life that is exemplary.

[3:19] The kind of life that can be used by the Lord. And really it's the kind of life for all of us. That God is helping all of us to draw close. Draw me close, Lord. Teach me to abide.

[3:30] Right? So we're going to see this morning the joy of motherhood, I trust, as we look at these snapshots of Mary. And seeing how God is moving her faith.

[3:43] You see, Mary was blessed by God. She was blessed because God blessed her. She enjoyed the benefits of that blessing. Not because she earned it, but because of God's grace on her life.

[3:56] It is, by the way, a grace that God has made available to all of us in this room. His grace extended through his son, Jesus. And it is what Mary got to experience and enjoy herself.

[4:10] So this morning we're not coming to talk about Mary because Mary in any way is meant to be revered. Mary is meant to be worshipped in any way. Mary would stand alone as this model mother that we need to follow after.

[4:24] But she does set a pattern. Not of drawing attention to herself, but of drawing attention to the Lord Jesus. And that's why we look at Mary. We look at Mary because Mary wants to direct our attention to Christ.

[4:37] And it was through her obedience and faith and love and humility that we see in her someone to emulate. Someone to enjoy and appreciate.

[4:50] We've been working through the book of Acts. And I want to just begin with this. We're going to begin with this and end with this. As we call attention to the work of God in Mary's life. We see in Acts chapter 1 verse 14.

[5:02] It says this. Mary will have learned the joy of drawing close and being instructed on how to abide.

[5:26] She moves really from being a mother to being a disciple. She moves from being one who is in charge and in control to one who is devoted and worshipping. And humble service and obedience to her Lord, her Savior, Jesus Christ.

[5:41] We see her in the very first parts of the book of Acts. God has done a work of transforming work in her life. And we're going to see as we look through her life this example of humble faith in the Lord.

[5:56] It is an innocent faith. Sometimes it's a naive faith. And of course it's a faith that needs to be instructed. But Mary is willing to work through that process. And we see that God is moving her and working in her life to help her to be the kind of disciple that is following after the Lord Jesus.

[6:16] Mary is a mother worth following. Not because she had it perfect. Not because her life was all together. But because in her brokenness, in humility, she sought to follow after the Lord.

[6:29] We're going to see this morning six marks of Mary's life. Six marks that help us see this faith that's working in her. And it's a faith to emulate for ourselves as well.

[6:40] We'll begin in Luke chapter 1. We're going to see that she's a mother worth following because she receives God's word humbly. She receives God's word humbly.

[6:51] I'm going to draw that truth from Luke chapter 1 verse 38. It says this, And Mary said, Behold, I am the servant of the Lord.

[7:02] Let it be to me according to your word. And the angel departed from her. These words, while simple, demonstrate the resilience and the steadiness of her faith.

[7:14] It was innocent. It was new. She was still young. And yet, in the things that she had heard from the angel, she decided to press in and to trust.

[7:26] To really understand what's going on. Let's move back just a little further in our story. And you remember, moving back to the beginning of this gospel, the gospel of Luke. You remember that there had been 400 years of silence.

[7:40] 400 years without a prophetic voice. 400 years where God had not spoken to his people. And yet, we see at the beginning parts of this story that while God seemed distant, his people were still faithful.

[7:55] And the spotlight zooms in on this couple. A couple. Zachariah and Elizabeth. And we see their faithfulness that's coming to the forefront. We see that Zachariah is a priest.

[8:09] And he's married to his wife Elizabeth. He not only comes from a priestly line. But we find that they're here in Jerusalem. And Zachariah has been chosen. A very unique responsibility.

[8:21] He's been chosen by Lot to enter into the temple. And to offer sacrifices. To offer incense on the altar. Under the Holy of Holies.

[8:32] This is going to be a sign. A symbol. An illustration of the prayers that are ascending before the Lord. And Zachariah will go into the temple.

[8:42] And while he's offering incense. He gets this message from the angel Gabriel. Who says, Your prayers have been heard. And because of his prayers being heard.

[8:53] He's going to have a son. Now that might seem very extraordinary. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the story. But those of you who know. Zachariah and Elizabeth.

[9:04] Are well beyond the age of childbearing. It says, On multiple occasions. In the very first parts of the first chapter. They are well advanced in years. And not only that.

[9:15] Elizabeth is barren. Their time for having kids is over. At least as far as they're concerned. But now their prayers. To have a baby. Are finally going to be answered.

[9:28] And six months later. Now Gabriel will make another visit. To a young woman named Mary. We find that in verse 26. It says this. In the sixth month. The angel Gabriel was sent from. From God to a city of Galilee.

[9:40] Named Nazareth. To a virgin betrothed to a man. Whose name was Joseph. Of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said. Greetings oh favored one.

[9:51] The Lord is with you. And the contrast that we find here. In the text. Are meant to be startling to us. That Elizabeth. Was well advanced in years.

[10:02] And Mary is quite tender. A family of notoriety. Zachariah and Elizabeth. And this young girl. Of a humble estate. No credentials.

[10:14] A couple who had prayed for years. To have a baby. To no avail. And Mary. Who hadn't even considered. About having a baby at all. And here they are. But there are similarities.

[10:28] And the similarities. Are also deliberate. Both are visited by an angel. Both are selected. As significant representatives. Of the Lord. Both will have a baby. Through impossible circumstances.

[10:40] Both are meant to showcase. The wonder of God's ability. To answer promises. In unique ways. Find that Mary is betrothed. To a man. In this. In this day and age.

[10:52] The first century. Marriage would. Would consist of two distinct stages. An engagement. Which was called a betrothal. And the actual. Wedding itself. And Gabriel will say to Mary.

[11:03] Greetings. Oh favored one. The Lord is with you. This word favored. Is the word for grace. See she's been chosen by God. To enjoy the benefits.

[11:15] Of God's particular. And unique grace. Not because she possessed. A measure of holiness. Not because she deserved it. In any way. But because it was. In fact grace. God's unmerited favor.

[11:27] To her. And what will follow. Is this testimony. Of Mary's. Humble surrender. To God's plan. We find in. In verse 30.

[11:37] The angel said to her. Do not be afraid. For you have found favor. With God. And behold. You will conceive. In your womb. And bear a son. And you will call his name. Jesus. He will be great. And will be called.

[11:48] The son of the most high. And the Lord God. Will give to him. The throne of his father. David. And he will reign. Over the house of Jacob. Forever. And of his kingdom. There will be no end. And Mary said to the angel.

[12:00] How will this be. Since I'm only a virgin. And the angel said to her. The Holy Spirit. Will come upon you. And the power of the most high. Will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born.

[12:12] Will be called holy. The son of God. And behold. Your relative Elizabeth. In her old age. Has also conceived a son. And this is the sixth month. With her.

[12:23] Who is called barren. For nothing. Will be impossible. With God. And Mary said. Behold. I am the servant of the Lord. Let it be to me.

[12:34] According to your word. And the angel departed from her. Two truths. I want to just draw out briefly. We see. This. Acknowledgement. Of human impossibility.

[12:45] Mary understands. The impossibility. Of this situation. How can this be? I don't know a man. And then her response. To the angels. Reply.

[12:57] The Holy Spirit. Will come upon you. And as a result. Of this message. From the angel. The humility. And the humble response. The acceptance of Mary. To say. I.

[13:09] Am the Lord's servant. Let it be to me. According to his word. The Greek. The word. Bond servant. Is the word for slave. She has resigned herself.

[13:21] To be available. She has committed herself. To the very word. The. This impossible word. That was given to her. By the angel. She is a willing vessel. The choice is up to him.

[13:32] Not to me. I am. Willing to. To do. What God has. Said is right. I will do. What the Lord. Deems best. We can easily imagine.

[13:43] The kinds of challenges. That Mary. Must have. Thought about. In that moment. What are my parents. Going to think. About this news. What is Joseph. Going to do.

[13:53] When he hears. That I'm pregnant. What is the community. Going to say. When they find out. That. That there's a baby. Growing inside. God. How in the world. Am I going to be able. To cope.

[14:04] With all the pressure. That's going to be upon me. But her. Humble response. Demonstrates. Mary's willing. Submission. To the word of God. She hears the word.

[14:16] She receives the word. She willingly. Accepts the word. She doesn't push back. She doesn't oppose. She doesn't resist. And Mary serves. As an example. To us. Of hearing God's word.

[14:28] In responding. In humility. Uncertainty. She didn't say. Or as. As some of us. Would say. Well I did it my way. I'm going to. I'm going to. Work this out. On my own.

[14:38] I'm going to. Figure this out. No. Mary. Has a heart. Of willing. Surrender. And while she. May not understand. All the implications. Or all of the.

[14:49] The challenges. That she will face. She says. I'm willing. I'm ready. I'm available. You see. We may face times. Of real uncertainty. But. But like Mary. We need to.

[14:59] Also receive. God's word. And trust. That God's word. Is not only true. But God's word. Is best. And while we may not. Understand the implications. Of following. And obeying God's word.

[15:09] We press in. We humbly accept. We humbly. Receive it. See. A godly mother. Does not have to understand. Everything. She just has to. Willingly.

[15:20] Surrender. Abandon herself. To what God has said. She is a mother. Worth following. Because she receives. God's word humbly. But she is also. A mother worth following. Because she rejoices.

[15:31] In God's plan. Sincerely. We see that. In the next scene. Mary will make her way. To her. Relative. Elizabeth. We find that in. Verse 39. Of chapter 1.

[15:42] In those days. Mary arose. And went. With haste. Into the hill country. To a town. In Judah. You see. Mary and Elizabeth. Have so much in common. They have so much to share.

[15:52] So many joys. So many experiences. But what stands. At the forefront. Of. Of. Of. Of. Their attention. Is joy. In God.

[16:03] Not fear. Of rejoicing. Not complaining. Of faith. Not worry. Of confirmation. About what God is doing.

[16:15] And not abandoning themselves. To confusion. It's celebrating. And blessing. Not the shame. Living in shame. And Mary's praise. Is especially Godward.

[16:26] It's saturated. In the scripture. It's permeated. In the truth. Of God's word. It's. It's steeped. In the messages. Of the Lord. And it comes through. Her life. We see.

[16:36] That she's been meditating. On the word of God. And it spills out. In praise. To God. Through song. I want to give you. An opportunity. Just to listen. To these.

[16:47] Verses. In song. As we. Just listen. For a moment. To this word. From the seeds. Of family worship. My soul.

[16:58] Thank you.

[17:28] My spirit rejoices in God, my Savior. My soul magnifies the Lord. And my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior.

[17:45] For He has looked on the humble estate of His servant.

[17:56] For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed.

[18:07] For He who is mighty has done great things. For me and holy is His name.

[18:17] My soul magnifies the Lord. And my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior.

[18:27] My soul magnifies the Lord. And my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior.

[18:38] And His mercy is for those who fear Him.

[18:49] From generation to generation. To generation.

[19:00] To generation. To generation. My soul magnifies the Lord.

[19:14] And my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior. My soul magnifies the Lord.

[19:25] And my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior. My Savior. Those words are drawn directly from our text today.

[19:41] Can you hear the heart of Mary exploding in praise to the Lord Jesus? And that song that we find in Luke chapter 1 is drawn out of the scriptures.

[19:54] There are as many as 31 different Old Testament passages that Mary will go to to access. The word of God has been pouring into her life. And so when pressure comes, what comes out is praise.

[20:08] Praise to God through the word of God. Mary is a mother worth following because she rejoices in God's plan sincerely. She's also a mother worth following because she treasures God's word deeply.

[20:24] Treasures God's word deeply. That truth is drawn out of Luke chapter 2 verse 19. This is where we see this. It says, But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.

[20:39] She treasured God's works deeply. Well, as you know, familiar with the story, Mary and Joseph make their way to Bethlehem. A census is being taken. And this couple have come to be registered as a family.

[20:53] Well, because Joseph was of the tribe of Judah and because he was of the family of David, and so they come to Bethlehem.

[21:04] They come to Bethlehem as in response to the census that had been taken. We find in Luke chapter 2, In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.

[21:15] This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem because he was of the house in lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.

[21:39] And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son, wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger because there was no place for them in the inn.

[21:50] And in the same region, there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And you know that that night scene was punctuated by light. It was punctuated by voices.

[22:02] It was punctuated by speaking and praising of God. As the angels would say, glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased.

[22:13] So the shepherds make their way to Bethlehem. They go to see the baby. They go to worship. They make known the saying that had been made known to them by the angels.

[22:24] And this is where we get to this statement in Luke chapter 2, verse 19. Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.

[22:36] This word treasured means that she kept them. It meant that she preserved them. It meant that she did not let them go. It meant that she allowed those truths, those works of God, to settle in.

[22:48] She meditated on them. She reflected on them. She didn't just pass them by. She understood that something significant was taking place. And she allowed the truths and the wonder of the moment to spill into her life and to transform her thinking.

[23:05] She did not dismiss or hold lightly the great work of God that was unfolding right in front of her. And she pondered, which means that she gave serious reflection. It's the word for casting together, putting all the pieces together.

[23:20] She meditated on God's words and works. She recognizes the promises that God had given to her just a few months earlier, however impossible they seemed, were unfolding in reality right in front of her.

[23:33] And as she sees this work of God, this clear work of God, she doesn't just let it pass her by. She allows it to settle in. Her heart is learning to wonder at the greatness and glory of the Lord.

[23:50] And this is a crucial lesson for us to learn as well. Because when we see the clear hand of God, it's essential, it's vital for us, not just to let those things pass us by, but to let those truths, those wonders, those moments of God's greatness, His power, His answers to prayer, the things that He does that make us see how wonderful He is, to let those settle in.

[24:16] Let those truths of God's faithfulness take root in our life. And let those seeds grow. And as the roots go down into our life, and those roots of faith begin to flourish, it will be an anchor for us in the storms when the wind begins to blow, when the crisis comes, when the heartache hits hard, the roots of faith have anchored themselves and provided strength and stability and endurance and refuge and help.

[24:53] See, Mary was a mother worth following because she treasured God's Word deeply. But she also is a mother worth following because she obeys God's will faithfully.

[25:05] We find that in the next several verses, this obedient heart. But even before we get to verse 21, we need to remind ourselves of what happened in the first part of chapter 2. Well, why does Joseph and Mary find themselves in Bethlehem to begin with?

[25:21] Well, it's because they're following a human edict. They're following a census. They're obeying orders, as it were. This mandate for a census from the Roman authorities, these occupiers, these oppressors.

[25:35] And what are Mary and Joseph doing? Not resisting. Their hearts are compliant. There's submission there. This is inconvenient, to say the least, that Mary is in the hardest parts of her pregnancy, and she's about to give birth.

[25:50] She's great with child. This is not a convenient time to pull up stakes and move to a new place. But they're trusting in God. They believe in His sovereignty.

[26:03] And because of their faithful obedience, God places them exactly where they're supposed to be in Bethlehem. This is the grand design, what the prophets had promised, what they had foretold.

[26:15] And through their willing obedience, Mary and Joseph find themselves in the very center of God's will. As we continue to see their compliant hearts, we see how faithful and obedient they are in verse 21.

[26:28] At the end of eight days, it says in verse 21, when He was circumcised, He was called Jesus. The name given by the angel because He was conceived in the womb. Well, why eight days?

[26:41] Well, because the law of Moses instructed that He would be circumcised on the eighth day. And this dedication ceremony had two parts. The first was circumcision, which was the sign of the covenant.

[26:54] It was the way for Jesus to express that He was a part of this covenant family, this promised family. He belonged to God. And then we find in verse 22, this second part, this time of purification.

[27:07] And when the time came for their purification, according to the law of Moses, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord. And this would have happened 33 days after His circumcision, on the 40th day after His birth.

[27:23] And Mary and Joseph would go up again to the temple to perform the rites of purification that we find in verse 23 and 24. As it is written, in the law of the Lord, every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord and offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtle doves or two young pigeons.

[27:45] You see, their purification required three elements. First was Mary's purification, which we find involves sacrifice in the temple. Also, the redemption of the firstborn, which involved giving five shekels to the priest.

[28:02] And then the consecration of the firstborn son. And this was a ritual which would have dedicated Jesus' life to God. He belongs to God. His life belongs to Him. And this was not only good, this was essential.

[28:17] You remember that Jesus fulfilled all the law and the prophets. How did He do that? Well, in the initial phases of His life, He did that because of the obedience of Mary and Joseph.

[28:29] That Jesus was passive in this. Jesus was the one who was brought to the temple. Jesus is the one who was circumcised. Jesus is the one who was consecrated to God. We find in verse 39 how total their obedience was.

[28:46] And when they had performed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. Their obedience was complete.

[28:59] Their obligation was fulfilled. And their obedience wasn't momentary. It was a consistent pattern of their life, which we see in Luke 2, verses 41 and 42.

[29:09] His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of Passover. And when He was 12 years old, they went up according to custom.

[29:20] This is a continuing pattern of their obedience in bringing Jesus to the temple as was required by the law. Every Passover, the males were to come to the temple to carry out their religious duties.

[29:36] Mothers, don't underestimate the importance of obedience to God. That even when you don't understand what the end, what the finish line is, there is a significance even in ordinary obedience.

[29:54] Mary and Joseph did not always have angels. They didn't always have shepherds. They didn't always have songs. But they did have God's Word. And they faithfully and humbly followed God's Word.

[30:05] And God used that instrumentally. Not only to get them where they needed to be, but to fulfill His Word in His Son, Jesus Christ. Mary is a mother worth following because she obeys God's will faithfully.

[30:20] But also because she surrenders to God's plan willingly. We find that in verse 34 of chapter 2. And Simeon blesses them and said to Mary, his mother, Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel and for a sign that is opposed.

[30:43] A sword will pierce through your own soul also so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed. There was lots of joys. There was much joy in the early parts of Mary's life.

[30:58] There was much rejoicing over what God had accomplished. But Simeon offers this warning, Mary, even in your obedience, even in this son, how amazing he is and how God will use him instrumentally that you will not only experience joy but you'll also experience pain.

[31:18] There will be sorrow. Mary, there's going to be heartbreak. Mary, your own soul is going to be pierced. And I want you to understand, Mary, that this is coming but this is by design.

[31:29] This is God's plan. And it was their devotion. Joseph's and Mary's devotion that led them to this place. It led them to the temple again.

[31:41] And it was this time of purification that we see where Simeon, this devout and religious man who is coming into the temple, he recognizes Jesus even though he's very young and says, ah, finally, the consolation, the salvation has finally come.

[31:59] We see that in verse 29. These are Simeon's words. Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace according to your word for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.

[32:19] Jesus was the answer to the world's problems. He would bring salvation. He would bring light to the Gentiles. He would usher in glory for the nation Israel.

[32:32] But it was going to come at a cost. It was going to come with great heartache. And with these words, Mary ponders again. She reflects again. I believe she worships again.

[32:42] We see that in verse 33. And his father and mother marveled at what was said. They were amazed. They were astonished. They recognized that God was instrumentally working in this situation.

[32:56] But the glory, the glory that Jesus would ultimately experience and the nation would ultimately experience would come at a cost. It wasn't going to come the way they expected.

[33:08] And this is the piece that I want to emphasize just in this moment. We find that in verses 34 and 35. Reading this again. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary and his mother, Behold, this child is appointed for the fallen rising of many in Israel and for a sign that is opposed and a sword will pierce through your own soul so that thoughts from many hearts will be revealed.

[33:35] Jesus' life in ministry would be a stumbling block. The people won't understand. They won't appreciate. Matter of fact, the people will resist. They will oppose.

[33:45] And ultimately, Jesus will be killed. The nation's violent rejection of Mary's son would cause Mary to suffer. Simeon would graphically picture this pain and grief she would endure when her own soul would be pierced through because of how her son was treated.

[34:06] This prophecy hangs over Mary's motherhood from start to finish. And the blessing of carrying Christ will culminate in deep sorrow.

[34:18] But salvation must be purchased through a price. We know that the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

[34:29] I wonder this morning, do you know this salvation? Have you enjoyed and experienced the salvation that was purchased by our Lord Jesus Christ? And while he was killed and while he suffered he extends to us this offer, this invitation for us to enjoy the benefits of this sacrifice because of our sin.

[34:52] We deserve the punishment of death. But Jesus, having lived a righteous life, came to offer himself as a sacrifice for us so that we can enjoy the benefits of salvation.

[35:04] Salvation that Simeon celebrates celebrates but also through the pain that he also prophesies. Mary needs to understand that she can't manage Christ's mission.

[35:17] She can't determine the Lord Jesus' hour. She can't shield him from suffering. She cannot make his calling serve her own comfort.

[35:29] She needs to abandon herself to the role that God has placed on his son. And she needs to endure and accept all of the personal cost of hurt and suffering that that entails.

[35:43] Mary, Mary was willing to embrace this heartache for the sake of her Savior. Moms, I know that you carry a real emotional burden.

[35:56] I know that moms tend to feel the heartache the most. And that's why it's important for moms especially to recognize they have a faithful Savior. They have a faithful God.

[36:08] That Jesus isn't caught off guard. Simeon is here. He's pronouncing exactly what will happen. That Mary's own soul will be pierced through. And this did not take Mary by surprise.

[36:23] Shouldn't have taken Mary by surprise. We need to learn the lesson of entrusting. entrusting our children to the Lord Jesus because our children ultimately belong to him.

[36:35] So, she's a mother worth following because she surrenders to God's plan willingly. And finally, she's a mother worth following because she embraces God's purposes humbly.

[36:48] We see that throughout the testimony of her life. Mary shows us what it means to learn and grow. there is a working that happens in her heart. A transformation that takes place.

[37:01] There is the work of the Lord in fashioning her in just the way he wants her to be. We see very early on that she begins, that Christ begins to distance himself from Mary.

[37:15] It happens, we see the first snapshot of this in the temple in Luke chapter 2. you remember that Jesus is 12 years old and Mary and Joseph go up to the temple as they have done traditionally and they lose him.

[37:32] He stays in the temple while Mary and Joseph make their way back to Galilee and by the time they realize he's gone they've got to make their trek back and it's three days since they've seen him.

[37:44] And Mary will confront her son there in the temple and she'll say this, son why have you treated us this way? Why have you treated us this way?

[37:55] I think we can understand a little bit of that sympathy. But Jesus now begins this process of reshaping the way that Mary thinks. He says this, why were you looking for me?

[38:07] Did you not know that I must be in my father's house? Mary needed that gentle and tender confrontation.

[38:20] She needed to now begin this process of transition. Transitioning from being the mom who was in control to being now a disciple who was submissive to her savior.

[38:32] We find another event that takes place in John chapter 2 at this wedding feast in Cana. And Mary is there again. There's a wedding that's happening and they've run out of wine.

[38:45] And Mary makes this request. She says this, Jesus, they have no wine. And maybe you remember how Jesus responds. He says this, woman, what does this have to do with me?

[38:57] My hour has not yet come. Now this was a response of respect. This is a response of gentleness. He honored his mother through this process but he wanted to help address her appropriately.

[39:14] no longer as mother but now recognizing that she was a woman. And he addresses her in a way that helps to indicate that he's speaking to her but he has set aside this unique role because he has a greater purpose in mind.

[39:37] He's serving the father. It's the father's time. My hour has not yet come. And throughout Jesus' ministry Mary is needing to learn these lessons over and over again.

[39:48] We find in Mark chapter 3 verse 20 it says speaking of Jesus then he went home and the crowd gathered again so they could not even eat and when his family heard they went out to seize him for they were saying he is out of his mind.

[40:04] This is a mother's heart. She recognizes her son is experiencing a lot of the crush of the crowds the overwhelming aspects of ministry. She sees that he can't even get a good meal and addressing that she seeks to go and fetch him.

[40:22] She didn't understand really who was in control whose timing that Jesus whose instructions Jesus was following. And then in Mark chapter 3 verse 31 we see this his mother and brothers came and standing outside they sent to him and called to him and a crowd was sitting around him and they said to him your mother and your brothers are outside seeking you and he answered them who are my mother and my brothers and looking about at those who sat around him he said here are my mother my brothers for whoever does the will of God he is my brother and sister and mother.

[41:03] Jesus is trying to reconfigure expectation he is trying to help clarify identity he wants to transform help realign Mary's heart to recognize who he really is.

[41:17] There is learning moments that Mary needs to grow in her perspective he wasn't her little boy anymore and she needed to recognize that Jesus in fact was her Lord and her Savior and so when we come to Acts chapter 1 right back where we started we see now the culmination of that work of God in her heart to help her to draw her close into teaching her how to abide that was the goal Acts chapter 1 verses 13 and 14 and when they had entered they went up to the upper room where they were staying Peter and John and James and Andrew Philip and Thomas Bartholomew and Matthew James the son of Elpheus and Simon the Zelliot and Judas the son of James all these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer together with the woman and Mary Mary the mother of Jesus and his brothers Mary is finally in a place of believing

[42:19] Mary is finally in a spot of understanding Mary has come to a place she's her heart has been transformed her faith is now demonstrating the the confession of who Jesus really is she's come to behold him as Lord and Savior not just as son and that's where we must all eventually come we must all eventually come to the place of recognizing the true identity of who Jesus is recognizing not just for what we can get out of him or what we can tell him to do but recognizing that he is worthy of our worship he is worthy of our obedience he is worthy of our devotion we must embrace him embrace him in totality so we learn from Mary we learn from her example of drawing close and teaching us how to abide may the Lord help us to learn these lessons and be instructed as well just like Mary was Father we thank you thank you for this example this example that we get of Mary her innocent and sometimes naive faith and obedience in you but she was a work in progress her heart was pliable and tender and willing to be instructed thank you for her example

[43:40]  Lord may may we follow in her steps as we're following especially after the steps of our Savior our Lord Jesus Christ who sets the ultimate and perfect example who is worthy of our worship and our praise and so Lord I pray that you would go before us this week and that you would tune our hearts to do that to sing your praise in Jesus name Amen God bless you have a great Mother's Day thanks for coming that you that you have a great that you have a great love that you that you have a great love that you love that you have a great love that you have a great that you have a great love that you have a great love that you have a great love that you have a great love