WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:11.120 I'm not sure you realize this or not, but the song you just sang has mighty words. 00:00:12.120 --> 00:00:13.339 ! 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:32.799 Help me to learn the important lesson of abiding in you. 00:00:33.880 --> 00:00:35.719 Of course, that's a good prayer. 00:00:36.100 --> 00:00:37.140 That's a mighty prayer. 00:00:37.659 --> 00:00:41.179 That's an important prayer, but it's not always an easy prayer. 00:00:41.799 --> 00:00:43.820 It doesn't always lead to easy things. 00:00:44.719 --> 00:00:52.500 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. 00:00:53.519 --> 00:00:54.500 So God, would you do that? 00:00:54.879 --> 00:00:55.700 Would you draw us close? 00:00:56.700 --> 00:00:57.799 Teach us to abide. 00:00:58.539 --> 00:01:08.879 Well, Mary serves as a wonderful example of that lesson of welcoming the Lord Jesus to do that work for her. 00:01:09.519 --> 00:01:11.599 And we're going to see that this morning. 00:01:11.819 --> 00:01:18.120 These snapshots of her life as God is helping her to grow in faith and grow in relationship. 00:01:18.319 --> 00:01:24.519 And we're going to see that through the testimony of her life as we look at it in the Gospel of Luke. 00:01:24.519 --> 00:01:26.799 I would encourage you to turn there with me. 00:01:26.799 --> 00:01:28.619 Luke chapter 1. 00:01:28.719 --> 00:01:32.459 It's on page 855 if you're using the Pew Bible. 00:01:33.159 --> 00:01:37.500 But I want to do say happy Mother's Day to those of you who are mothers here. 00:01:37.719 --> 00:01:39.099 Those who have mothers. 00:01:39.299 --> 00:01:43.579 I suppose that all of us can celebrate in some way Mother's Day. 00:01:43.579 --> 00:01:55.280 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. 00:01:55.280 --> 00:02:00.439 And maybe God is giving you the joy of being a mother and being a part of that experience. 00:02:00.439 --> 00:02:03.480 There are definitely blessings about Mother's Day. 00:02:04.079 --> 00:02:05.240 But there's also challenges. 00:02:05.359 --> 00:02:09.639 And I want to acknowledge just that it comes sometimes with mixed emotions. 00:02:10.740 --> 00:02:12.060 Sometimes it comes with hardness. 00:02:12.060 --> 00:02:19.699 Some of you who don't have moms that really treated you with the kind of grace that moms should administer. 00:02:20.520 --> 00:02:25.219 And some of you perhaps have been trying to be a mom and have not been able to be a mom yet. 00:02:25.319 --> 00:02:27.539 And I know that there's heartbreak in that. 00:02:27.759 --> 00:02:31.800 There's pain in the experience of wanting to be a mom. 00:02:31.879 --> 00:02:34.599 And God, for whatever reason, has withheld that. 00:02:34.599 --> 00:02:40.079 And some of you, I know, are coming off of fresh experiences of losing a mother. 00:02:40.460 --> 00:02:42.680 And that relationship was sweet. 00:02:42.799 --> 00:02:47.900 But those memories of losing your mother are fresh and hard. 00:02:48.099 --> 00:02:54.840 And I just want to acknowledge the joys and also some of the pains and heartbreak that comes with this day. 00:02:54.959 --> 00:03:02.879 But we want to capitalize on this moment because motherhood is so essential, so special in the eyes of the Lord. 00:03:02.879 --> 00:03:06.620 That God himself has gifted us with children. 00:03:07.379 --> 00:03:08.659 And that is a blessing from him. 00:03:08.699 --> 00:03:14.159 And we want to acknowledge not only the privilege but also the responsibility of motherhood. 00:03:14.280 --> 00:03:18.960 And call mothers to the kind of life that is exemplary. 00:03:19.319 --> 00:03:21.500 The kind of life that can be used by the Lord. 00:03:21.599 --> 00:03:23.680 And really it's the kind of life for all of us. 00:03:24.099 --> 00:03:26.620 That God is helping all of us to draw close. 00:03:26.879 --> 00:03:27.900 Draw me close, Lord. 00:03:28.639 --> 00:03:30.280 Teach me to abide. 00:03:30.280 --> 00:03:30.319 Right? 00:03:31.319 --> 00:03:39.400 So we're going to see this morning the joy of motherhood, I trust, as we look at these snapshots of Mary. 00:03:39.580 --> 00:03:42.360 And seeing how God is moving her faith. 00:03:43.099 --> 00:03:45.259 You see, Mary was blessed by God. 00:03:45.960 --> 00:03:48.900 She was blessed because God blessed her. 00:03:49.680 --> 00:03:51.780 She enjoyed the benefits of that blessing. 00:03:51.780 --> 00:03:56.020 Not because she earned it, but because of God's grace on her life. 00:03:56.020 --> 00:04:00.700 It is, by the way, a grace that God has made available to all of us in this room. 00:04:01.460 --> 00:04:04.460 His grace extended through his son, Jesus. 00:04:04.760 --> 00:04:09.780 And it is what Mary got to experience and enjoy herself. 00:04:10.640 --> 00:04:15.920 So this morning we're not coming to talk about Mary because Mary in any way is meant to be revered. 00:04:16.400 --> 00:04:18.120 Mary is meant to be worshipped in any way. 00:04:18.120 --> 00:04:24.000 Mary would stand alone as this model mother that we need to follow after. 00:04:24.199 --> 00:04:25.860 But she does set a pattern. 00:04:26.280 --> 00:04:30.800 Not of drawing attention to herself, but of drawing attention to the Lord Jesus. 00:04:31.459 --> 00:04:33.000 And that's why we look at Mary. 00:04:33.560 --> 00:04:37.319 We look at Mary because Mary wants to direct our attention to Christ. 00:04:37.319 --> 00:04:45.879 And it was through her obedience and faith and love and humility that we see in her someone to emulate. 00:04:46.180 --> 00:04:48.079 Someone to enjoy and appreciate. 00:04:50.459 --> 00:04:52.959 We've been working through the book of Acts. 00:04:53.480 --> 00:04:54.779 And I want to just begin with this. 00:04:54.819 --> 00:04:56.959 We're going to begin with this and end with this. 00:04:56.980 --> 00:05:00.039 As we call attention to the work of God in Mary's life. 00:05:00.100 --> 00:05:02.279 We see in Acts chapter 1 verse 14. 00:05:02.279 --> 00:05:03.159 It says this. 00:05:03.160 --> 00:05:25.420 Mary will have learned the joy of drawing close and being instructed on how to abide. 00:05:26.060 --> 00:05:29.040 She moves really from being a mother to being a disciple. 00:05:29.040 --> 00:05:35.000 She moves from being one who is in charge and in control to one who is devoted and worshipping. 00:05:35.120 --> 00:05:40.540 And humble service and obedience to her Lord, her Savior, Jesus Christ. 00:05:41.620 --> 00:05:46.140 We see her in the very first parts of the book of Acts. 00:05:46.280 --> 00:05:49.180 God has done a work of transforming work in her life. 00:05:49.680 --> 00:05:55.000 And we're going to see as we look through her life this example of humble faith in the Lord. 00:05:56.000 --> 00:05:57.160 It is an innocent faith. 00:05:57.160 --> 00:05:59.200 Sometimes it's a naive faith. 00:05:59.520 --> 00:06:02.540 And of course it's a faith that needs to be instructed. 00:06:03.100 --> 00:06:05.880 But Mary is willing to work through that process. 00:06:05.980 --> 00:06:15.600 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. 00:06:16.500 --> 00:06:18.680 Mary is a mother worth following. 00:06:19.360 --> 00:06:20.780 Not because she had it perfect. 00:06:21.060 --> 00:06:23.220 Not because her life was all together. 00:06:23.220 --> 00:06:28.720 But because in her brokenness, in humility, she sought to follow after the Lord. 00:06:29.320 --> 00:06:32.140 We're going to see this morning six marks of Mary's life. 00:06:32.500 --> 00:06:37.000 Six marks that help us see this faith that's working in her. 00:06:37.220 --> 00:06:39.780 And it's a faith to emulate for ourselves as well. 00:06:40.660 --> 00:06:42.160 We'll begin in Luke chapter 1. 00:06:42.740 --> 00:06:48.160 We're going to see that she's a mother worth following because she receives God's word humbly. 00:06:48.160 --> 00:06:51.080 She receives God's word humbly. 00:06:51.640 --> 00:06:55.420 I'm going to draw that truth from Luke chapter 1 verse 38. 00:06:55.860 --> 00:06:56.480 It says this, 00:06:56.600 --> 00:06:57.640 And Mary said, 00:06:58.060 --> 00:07:01.660 Behold, I am the servant of the Lord. 00:07:02.520 --> 00:07:04.720 Let it be to me according to your word. 00:07:04.940 --> 00:07:06.360 And the angel departed from her. 00:07:07.420 --> 00:07:14.240 These words, while simple, demonstrate the resilience and the steadiness of her faith. 00:07:14.240 --> 00:07:15.720 It was innocent. 00:07:15.720 --> 00:07:17.560 It was new. 00:07:17.740 --> 00:07:18.780 She was still young. 00:07:19.160 --> 00:07:25.240 And yet, in the things that she had heard from the angel, she decided to press in and to trust. 00:07:26.280 --> 00:07:28.660 To really understand what's going on. 00:07:28.780 --> 00:07:31.500 Let's move back just a little further in our story. 00:07:31.579 --> 00:07:35.759 And you remember, moving back to the beginning of this gospel, the gospel of Luke. 00:07:36.019 --> 00:07:39.500 You remember that there had been 400 years of silence. 00:07:40.360 --> 00:07:42.699 400 years without a prophetic voice. 00:07:42.699 --> 00:07:46.319 400 years where God had not spoken to his people. 00:07:46.500 --> 00:07:53.800 And yet, we see at the beginning parts of this story that while God seemed distant, his people were still faithful. 00:07:55.000 --> 00:07:57.819 And the spotlight zooms in on this couple. 00:07:58.360 --> 00:07:58.919 A couple. 00:07:59.599 --> 00:08:00.839 Zachariah and Elizabeth. 00:08:01.000 --> 00:08:04.699 And we see their faithfulness that's coming to the forefront. 00:08:04.699 --> 00:08:08.719 We see that Zachariah is a priest. 00:08:09.060 --> 00:08:11.259 And he's married to his wife Elizabeth. 00:08:11.459 --> 00:08:13.680 He not only comes from a priestly line. 00:08:13.879 --> 00:08:16.479 But we find that they're here in Jerusalem. 00:08:16.879 --> 00:08:18.539 And Zachariah has been chosen. 00:08:18.800 --> 00:08:20.919 A very unique responsibility. 00:08:21.560 --> 00:08:24.579 He's been chosen by Lot to enter into the temple. 00:08:25.219 --> 00:08:27.019 And to offer sacrifices. 00:08:27.019 --> 00:08:29.860 To offer incense on the altar. 00:08:29.860 --> 00:08:31.780 Under the Holy of Holies. 00:08:32.480 --> 00:08:34.519 This is going to be a sign. 00:08:34.940 --> 00:08:36.300 A symbol. 00:08:36.419 --> 00:08:40.000 An illustration of the prayers that are ascending before the Lord. 00:08:40.779 --> 00:08:42.820 And Zachariah will go into the temple. 00:08:42.940 --> 00:08:44.220 And while he's offering incense. 00:08:44.419 --> 00:08:46.519 He gets this message from the angel Gabriel. 00:08:47.060 --> 00:08:47.680 Who says, 00:08:47.800 --> 00:08:49.840 Your prayers have been heard. 00:08:50.600 --> 00:08:53.879 And because of his prayers being heard. 00:08:53.960 --> 00:08:54.860 He's going to have a son. 00:08:54.860 --> 00:08:57.919 Now that might seem very extraordinary. 00:08:58.519 --> 00:09:01.039 For those of you who are unfamiliar with the story. 00:09:01.220 --> 00:09:02.560 But those of you who know. 00:09:03.000 --> 00:09:04.000 Zachariah and Elizabeth. 00:09:04.379 --> 00:09:06.500 Are well beyond the age of childbearing. 00:09:07.039 --> 00:09:07.580 It says, 00:09:08.000 --> 00:09:09.039 On multiple occasions. 00:09:09.039 --> 00:09:11.620 In the very first parts of the first chapter. 00:09:11.720 --> 00:09:13.620 They are well advanced in years. 00:09:14.539 --> 00:09:15.340 And not only that. 00:09:15.860 --> 00:09:16.759 Elizabeth is barren. 00:09:18.320 --> 00:09:20.300 Their time for having kids is over. 00:09:20.580 --> 00:09:22.139 At least as far as they're concerned. 00:09:22.139 --> 00:09:24.340 But now their prayers. 00:09:24.639 --> 00:09:25.500 To have a baby. 00:09:26.000 --> 00:09:27.500 Are finally going to be answered. 00:09:28.600 --> 00:09:29.519 And six months later. 00:09:29.639 --> 00:09:31.220 Now Gabriel will make another visit. 00:09:31.460 --> 00:09:33.080 To a young woman named Mary. 00:09:33.240 --> 00:09:34.659 We find that in verse 26. 00:09:34.779 --> 00:09:35.419 It says this. 00:09:35.899 --> 00:09:36.699 In the sixth month. 00:09:36.799 --> 00:09:38.179 The angel Gabriel was sent from. 00:09:38.399 --> 00:09:39.919 From God to a city of Galilee. 00:09:40.019 --> 00:09:40.759 Named Nazareth. 00:09:41.100 --> 00:09:42.519 To a virgin betrothed to a man. 00:09:42.539 --> 00:09:43.439 Whose name was Joseph. 00:09:43.899 --> 00:09:45.059 Of the house of David. 00:09:46.159 --> 00:09:47.580 And the virgin's name was Mary. 00:09:48.200 --> 00:09:49.460 And he came to her and said. 00:09:49.759 --> 00:09:51.139 Greetings oh favored one. 00:09:51.139 --> 00:09:52.379 The Lord is with you. 00:09:53.120 --> 00:09:55.000 And the contrast that we find here. 00:09:55.159 --> 00:09:55.819 In the text. 00:09:56.299 --> 00:09:59.139 Are meant to be startling to us. 00:09:59.819 --> 00:10:00.659 That Elizabeth. 00:10:01.279 --> 00:10:02.799 Was well advanced in years. 00:10:02.860 --> 00:10:04.480 And Mary is quite tender. 00:10:05.159 --> 00:10:06.699 A family of notoriety. 00:10:07.000 --> 00:10:08.319 Zachariah and Elizabeth. 00:10:08.559 --> 00:10:10.720 And this young girl. 00:10:11.379 --> 00:10:12.759 Of a humble estate. 00:10:13.279 --> 00:10:14.000 No credentials. 00:10:14.960 --> 00:10:16.720 A couple who had prayed for years. 00:10:16.960 --> 00:10:17.639 To have a baby. 00:10:17.759 --> 00:10:18.500 To no avail. 00:10:18.500 --> 00:10:19.419 And Mary. 00:10:19.419 --> 00:10:20.440 Who hadn't even considered. 00:10:21.879 --> 00:10:23.519 About having a baby at all. 00:10:24.000 --> 00:10:24.679 And here they are. 00:10:25.940 --> 00:10:27.340 But there are similarities. 00:10:28.179 --> 00:10:29.220 And the similarities. 00:10:29.220 --> 00:10:30.179 Are also deliberate. 00:10:31.240 --> 00:10:32.700 Both are visited by an angel. 00:10:33.440 --> 00:10:34.360 Both are selected. 00:10:34.360 --> 00:10:35.720 As significant representatives. 00:10:35.720 --> 00:10:36.299 Of the Lord. 00:10:36.399 --> 00:10:37.940 Both will have a baby. 00:10:37.940 --> 00:10:40.279 Through impossible circumstances. 00:10:40.720 --> 00:10:42.659 Both are meant to showcase. 00:10:42.659 --> 00:10:44.940 The wonder of God's ability. 00:10:44.940 --> 00:10:46.340 To answer promises. 00:10:46.340 --> 00:10:47.340 In unique ways. 00:10:48.580 --> 00:10:49.860 Find that Mary is betrothed. 00:10:49.899 --> 00:10:50.360 To a man. 00:10:50.480 --> 00:10:50.700 In this. 00:10:51.259 --> 00:10:52.440 In this day and age. 00:10:52.500 --> 00:10:53.300 The first century. 00:10:53.500 --> 00:10:54.080 Marriage would. 00:10:54.300 --> 00:10:56.340 Would consist of two distinct stages. 00:10:56.820 --> 00:10:57.560 An engagement. 00:10:57.720 --> 00:10:58.860 Which was called a betrothal. 00:10:58.980 --> 00:10:59.680 And the actual. 00:11:00.040 --> 00:11:01.040 Wedding itself. 00:11:01.759 --> 00:11:03.620 And Gabriel will say to Mary. 00:11:03.759 --> 00:11:04.280 Greetings. 00:11:04.460 --> 00:11:05.500 Oh favored one. 00:11:06.180 --> 00:11:07.180 The Lord is with you. 00:11:08.120 --> 00:11:08.780 This word favored. 00:11:08.899 --> 00:11:10.220 Is the word for grace. 00:11:10.220 --> 00:11:13.220 See she's been chosen by God. 00:11:13.759 --> 00:11:15.060 To enjoy the benefits. 00:11:15.700 --> 00:11:17.019 Of God's particular. 00:11:17.200 --> 00:11:17.940 And unique grace. 00:11:17.940 --> 00:11:19.500 Not because she possessed. 00:11:19.620 --> 00:11:20.660 A measure of holiness. 00:11:20.820 --> 00:11:21.980 Not because she deserved it. 00:11:22.019 --> 00:11:22.360 In any way. 00:11:22.540 --> 00:11:23.940 But because it was. 00:11:24.040 --> 00:11:24.960 In fact grace. 00:11:25.279 --> 00:11:26.660 God's unmerited favor. 00:11:27.139 --> 00:11:27.600 To her. 00:11:28.920 --> 00:11:29.700 And what will follow. 00:11:29.820 --> 00:11:30.580 Is this testimony. 00:11:30.720 --> 00:11:31.320 Of Mary's. 00:11:31.700 --> 00:11:32.740 Humble surrender. 00:11:33.300 --> 00:11:34.440 To God's plan. 00:11:36.080 --> 00:11:36.820 We find in. 00:11:36.940 --> 00:11:37.700 In verse 30. 00:11:37.779 --> 00:11:38.680 The angel said to her. 00:11:38.679 --> 00:11:39.579 Do not be afraid. 00:11:39.959 --> 00:11:41.039 For you have found favor. 00:11:41.039 --> 00:11:41.479 With God. 00:11:41.539 --> 00:11:42.019 And behold. 00:11:42.219 --> 00:11:43.000 You will conceive. 00:11:43.000 --> 00:11:43.519 In your womb. 00:11:43.659 --> 00:11:44.399 And bear a son. 00:11:44.439 --> 00:11:45.319 And you will call his name. 00:11:45.379 --> 00:11:45.699 Jesus. 00:11:45.959 --> 00:11:47.079 He will be great. 00:11:47.299 --> 00:11:47.959 And will be called. 00:11:48.039 --> 00:11:49.019 The son of the most high. 00:11:49.819 --> 00:11:50.539 And the Lord God. 00:11:50.559 --> 00:11:51.219 Will give to him. 00:11:51.299 --> 00:11:52.099 The throne of his father. 00:11:52.199 --> 00:11:52.459 David. 00:11:52.579 --> 00:11:53.419 And he will reign. 00:11:53.419 --> 00:11:54.439 Over the house of Jacob. 00:11:54.439 --> 00:11:54.879 Forever. 00:11:55.359 --> 00:11:56.459 And of his kingdom. 00:11:56.459 --> 00:11:57.419 There will be no end. 00:11:58.500 --> 00:11:59.779 And Mary said to the angel. 00:12:00.159 --> 00:12:01.719 How will this be. 00:12:01.919 --> 00:12:03.620 Since I'm only a virgin. 00:12:04.639 --> 00:12:05.740 And the angel said to her. 00:12:05.740 --> 00:12:06.379 The Holy Spirit. 00:12:06.379 --> 00:12:07.199 Will come upon you. 00:12:07.200 --> 00:12:09.080 And the power of the most high. 00:12:09.220 --> 00:12:10.080 Will overshadow you. 00:12:10.879 --> 00:12:12.420 Therefore the child to be born. 00:12:12.820 --> 00:12:14.300 Will be called holy. 00:12:14.640 --> 00:12:15.400 The son of God. 00:12:15.840 --> 00:12:16.200 And behold. 00:12:16.300 --> 00:12:17.080 Your relative Elizabeth. 00:12:17.340 --> 00:12:18.259 In her old age. 00:12:18.520 --> 00:12:19.940 Has also conceived a son. 00:12:20.240 --> 00:12:21.700 And this is the sixth month. 00:12:22.140 --> 00:12:23.020 With her. 00:12:23.240 --> 00:12:24.120 Who is called barren. 00:12:24.680 --> 00:12:25.420 For nothing. 00:12:25.620 --> 00:12:26.340 Will be impossible. 00:12:26.600 --> 00:12:27.000 With God. 00:12:28.080 --> 00:12:28.860 And Mary said. 00:12:29.540 --> 00:12:29.980 Behold. 00:12:30.660 --> 00:12:32.320 I am the servant of the Lord. 00:12:32.879 --> 00:12:34.560 Let it be to me. 00:12:34.800 --> 00:12:35.960 According to your word. 00:12:35.960 --> 00:12:37.860 And the angel departed from her. 00:12:38.740 --> 00:12:39.320 Two truths. 00:12:39.379 --> 00:12:40.580 I want to just draw out briefly. 00:12:40.820 --> 00:12:41.220 We see. 00:12:42.100 --> 00:12:42.440 This. 00:12:43.080 --> 00:12:43.580 Acknowledgement. 00:12:43.580 --> 00:12:44.980 Of human impossibility. 00:12:45.160 --> 00:12:46.139 Mary understands. 00:12:46.560 --> 00:12:47.840 The impossibility. 00:12:47.840 --> 00:12:48.700 Of this situation. 00:12:48.920 --> 00:12:50.060 How can this be? 00:12:50.139 --> 00:12:51.280 I don't know a man. 00:12:52.759 --> 00:12:54.180 And then her response. 00:12:54.259 --> 00:12:54.860 To the angels. 00:12:56.500 --> 00:12:56.980 Reply. 00:12:57.940 --> 00:12:58.639 The Holy Spirit. 00:12:58.639 --> 00:12:59.400 Will come upon you. 00:13:00.300 --> 00:13:01.500 And as a result. 00:13:01.680 --> 00:13:02.840 Of this message. 00:13:02.840 --> 00:13:03.680 From the angel. 00:13:03.679 --> 00:13:04.639 The humility. 00:13:04.899 --> 00:13:05.959 And the humble response. 00:13:06.239 --> 00:13:07.259 The acceptance of Mary. 00:13:07.339 --> 00:13:07.739 To say. 00:13:08.500 --> 00:13:08.959 I. 00:13:09.120 --> 00:13:10.599 Am the Lord's servant. 00:13:11.339 --> 00:13:12.239 Let it be to me. 00:13:12.319 --> 00:13:13.099 According to his word. 00:13:14.139 --> 00:13:15.199 The Greek. 00:13:15.500 --> 00:13:16.120 The word. 00:13:16.279 --> 00:13:17.019 Bond servant. 00:13:17.159 --> 00:13:18.139 Is the word for slave. 00:13:19.219 --> 00:13:20.819 She has resigned herself. 00:13:21.039 --> 00:13:22.059 To be available. 00:13:22.779 --> 00:13:24.099 She has committed herself. 00:13:24.099 --> 00:13:25.319 To the very word. 00:13:25.399 --> 00:13:25.479 The. 00:13:25.939 --> 00:13:26.939 This impossible word. 00:13:26.939 --> 00:13:27.799 That was given to her. 00:13:27.879 --> 00:13:28.740 By the angel. 00:13:28.959 --> 00:13:30.519 She is a willing vessel. 00:13:31.459 --> 00:13:32.699 The choice is up to him. 00:13:32.700 --> 00:13:33.180 Not to me. 00:13:33.259 --> 00:13:33.780 I am. 00:13:33.920 --> 00:13:34.680 Willing to. 00:13:34.820 --> 00:13:35.220 To do. 00:13:35.300 --> 00:13:35.940 What God has. 00:13:37.259 --> 00:13:38.120 Said is right. 00:13:38.740 --> 00:13:39.460 I will do. 00:13:39.520 --> 00:13:39.980 What the Lord. 00:13:40.140 --> 00:13:40.920 Deems best. 00:13:42.180 --> 00:13:43.220 We can easily imagine. 00:13:43.220 --> 00:13:44.200 The kinds of challenges. 00:13:44.200 --> 00:13:44.900 That Mary. 00:13:45.420 --> 00:13:46.100 Must have. 00:13:46.440 --> 00:13:47.040 Thought about. 00:13:47.120 --> 00:13:47.660 In that moment. 00:13:48.160 --> 00:13:49.180 What are my parents. 00:13:49.460 --> 00:13:50.080 Going to think. 00:13:50.280 --> 00:13:51.220 About this news. 00:13:52.140 --> 00:13:53.160 What is Joseph. 00:13:53.160 --> 00:13:53.740 Going to do. 00:13:53.800 --> 00:13:54.379 When he hears. 00:13:54.640 --> 00:13:55.440 That I'm pregnant. 00:13:56.160 --> 00:13:57.060 What is the community. 00:13:57.060 --> 00:13:57.820 Going to say. 00:13:58.140 --> 00:13:59.200 When they find out. 00:13:59.300 --> 00:13:59.400 That. 00:13:59.600 --> 00:14:00.320 That there's a baby. 00:14:00.420 --> 00:14:01.000 Growing inside. 00:14:01.000 --> 00:14:01.039 God. 00:14:01.220 --> 00:14:02.059 How in the world. 00:14:02.120 --> 00:14:02.919 Am I going to be able. 00:14:02.919 --> 00:14:03.840 To cope. 00:14:04.039 --> 00:14:05.299 With all the pressure. 00:14:05.480 --> 00:14:06.500 That's going to be upon me. 00:14:07.500 --> 00:14:08.139 But her. 00:14:08.500 --> 00:14:09.379 Humble response. 00:14:09.639 --> 00:14:10.080 Demonstrates. 00:14:10.620 --> 00:14:11.580 Mary's willing. 00:14:12.139 --> 00:14:12.580 Submission. 00:14:13.179 --> 00:14:13.940 To the word of God. 00:14:14.759 --> 00:14:15.899 She hears the word. 00:14:16.360 --> 00:14:17.340 She receives the word. 00:14:17.919 --> 00:14:18.519 She willingly. 00:14:18.759 --> 00:14:19.620 Accepts the word. 00:14:19.919 --> 00:14:20.820 She doesn't push back. 00:14:21.059 --> 00:14:21.799 She doesn't oppose. 00:14:22.039 --> 00:14:22.879 She doesn't resist. 00:14:24.100 --> 00:14:24.700 And Mary serves. 00:14:24.740 --> 00:14:25.340 As an example. 00:14:25.340 --> 00:14:25.899 To us. 00:14:26.620 --> 00:14:27.960 Of hearing God's word. 00:14:28.059 --> 00:14:28.860 In responding. 00:14:29.480 --> 00:14:30.080 In humility. 00:14:30.080 --> 00:14:30.240 Uncertainty. 00:14:31.440 --> 00:14:32.320 She didn't say. 00:14:33.100 --> 00:14:33.680 Or as. 00:14:33.759 --> 00:14:34.520 As some of us. 00:14:34.520 --> 00:14:35.180 Would say. 00:14:35.340 --> 00:14:36.120 Well I did it my way. 00:14:36.340 --> 00:14:36.600 I'm going to. 00:14:36.600 --> 00:14:36.879 I'm going to. 00:14:36.879 --> 00:14:37.660 Work this out. 00:14:37.660 --> 00:14:38.480 On my own. 00:14:38.620 --> 00:14:39.020 I'm going to. 00:14:39.139 --> 00:14:40.040 Figure this out. 00:14:40.360 --> 00:14:40.500 No. 00:14:40.560 --> 00:14:40.860 Mary. 00:14:41.379 --> 00:14:42.080 Has a heart. 00:14:42.160 --> 00:14:42.900 Of willing. 00:14:43.220 --> 00:14:43.660 Surrender. 00:14:45.000 --> 00:14:45.740 And while she. 00:14:46.120 --> 00:14:47.280 May not understand. 00:14:47.480 --> 00:14:48.200 All the implications. 00:14:48.420 --> 00:14:49.080 Or all of the. 00:14:49.080 --> 00:14:49.740 The challenges. 00:14:49.740 --> 00:14:50.639 That she will face. 00:14:50.860 --> 00:14:51.320 She says. 00:14:51.379 --> 00:14:51.860 I'm willing. 00:14:52.139 --> 00:14:52.780 I'm ready. 00:14:53.460 --> 00:14:54.060 I'm available. 00:14:55.259 --> 00:14:55.680 You see. 00:14:55.740 --> 00:14:56.620 We may face times. 00:14:56.620 --> 00:14:57.400 Of real uncertainty. 00:14:57.560 --> 00:14:57.660 But. 00:14:58.000 --> 00:14:58.680 But like Mary. 00:14:58.679 --> 00:14:59.379 We need to. 00:14:59.479 --> 00:15:00.339 Also receive. 00:15:00.339 --> 00:15:00.879 God's word. 00:15:00.879 --> 00:15:01.679 And trust. 00:15:02.000 --> 00:15:02.599 That God's word. 00:15:02.699 --> 00:15:03.759 Is not only true. 00:15:03.919 --> 00:15:04.599 But God's word. 00:15:04.639 --> 00:15:05.099 Is best. 00:15:06.299 --> 00:15:06.979 And while we may not. 00:15:07.019 --> 00:15:08.079 Understand the implications. 00:15:08.079 --> 00:15:08.719 Of following. 00:15:08.779 --> 00:15:09.679 And obeying God's word. 00:15:09.779 --> 00:15:10.479 We press in. 00:15:10.779 --> 00:15:11.699 We humbly accept. 00:15:11.959 --> 00:15:12.559 We humbly. 00:15:13.839 --> 00:15:14.479 Receive it. 00:15:15.120 --> 00:15:15.279 See. 00:15:15.319 --> 00:15:15.959 A godly mother. 00:15:15.959 --> 00:15:17.219 Does not have to understand. 00:15:17.419 --> 00:15:17.859 Everything. 00:15:18.759 --> 00:15:19.579 She just has to. 00:15:19.659 --> 00:15:20.000 Willingly. 00:15:20.399 --> 00:15:20.839 Surrender. 00:15:21.379 --> 00:15:22.359 Abandon herself. 00:15:22.759 --> 00:15:24.139 To what God has said. 00:15:24.879 --> 00:15:25.659 She is a mother. 00:15:25.659 --> 00:15:26.219 Worth following. 00:15:26.220 --> 00:15:27.160 Because she receives. 00:15:27.160 --> 00:15:27.920 God's word humbly. 00:15:28.000 --> 00:15:28.639 But she is also. 00:15:28.980 --> 00:15:29.940 A mother worth following. 00:15:30.080 --> 00:15:31.100 Because she rejoices. 00:15:31.399 --> 00:15:32.340 In God's plan. 00:15:32.480 --> 00:15:33.160 Sincerely. 00:15:33.720 --> 00:15:34.379 We see that. 00:15:34.420 --> 00:15:35.320 In the next scene. 00:15:36.279 --> 00:15:37.420 Mary will make her way. 00:15:37.639 --> 00:15:38.080 To her. 00:15:38.720 --> 00:15:39.160 Relative. 00:15:39.279 --> 00:15:39.639 Elizabeth. 00:15:39.800 --> 00:15:40.500 We find that in. 00:15:40.580 --> 00:15:41.139 Verse 39. 00:15:41.139 --> 00:15:41.940 Of chapter 1. 00:15:42.180 --> 00:15:42.740 In those days. 00:15:42.820 --> 00:15:43.480 Mary arose. 00:15:43.639 --> 00:15:43.980 And went. 00:15:44.220 --> 00:15:44.800 With haste. 00:15:44.840 --> 00:15:45.960 Into the hill country. 00:15:46.180 --> 00:15:46.759 To a town. 00:15:46.899 --> 00:15:47.460 In Judah. 00:15:48.620 --> 00:15:48.940 You see. 00:15:49.019 --> 00:15:49.620 Mary and Elizabeth. 00:15:49.620 --> 00:15:50.740 Have so much in common. 00:15:51.420 --> 00:15:52.840 They have so much to share. 00:15:52.920 --> 00:15:53.860 So many joys. 00:15:53.860 --> 00:15:55.379 So many experiences. 00:15:56.220 --> 00:15:57.580 But what stands. 00:15:57.620 --> 00:15:58.320 At the forefront. 00:15:58.980 --> 00:15:59.460 Of. 00:15:59.779 --> 00:16:00.100 Of. 00:16:00.259 --> 00:16:00.379 Of. 00:16:00.379 --> 00:16:00.620 Of. 00:16:00.620 --> 00:16:01.320 Their attention. 00:16:01.820 --> 00:16:02.720 Is joy. 00:16:02.940 --> 00:16:03.639 In God. 00:16:03.820 --> 00:16:04.500 Not fear. 00:16:05.540 --> 00:16:07.160 Of rejoicing. 00:16:07.519 --> 00:16:08.360 Not complaining. 00:16:09.340 --> 00:16:10.279 Of faith. 00:16:10.480 --> 00:16:11.220 Not worry. 00:16:11.899 --> 00:16:12.980 Of confirmation. 00:16:13.320 --> 00:16:14.700 About what God is doing. 00:16:15.420 --> 00:16:16.820 And not abandoning themselves. 00:16:16.920 --> 00:16:17.560 To confusion. 00:16:18.480 --> 00:16:19.340 It's celebrating. 00:16:19.519 --> 00:16:20.040 And blessing. 00:16:20.820 --> 00:16:21.700 Not the shame. 00:16:21.920 --> 00:16:22.680 Living in shame. 00:16:23.560 --> 00:16:24.879 And Mary's praise. 00:16:24.879 --> 00:16:26.120 Is especially Godward. 00:16:26.660 --> 00:16:27.680 It's saturated. 00:16:27.680 --> 00:16:28.540 In the scripture. 00:16:29.100 --> 00:16:30.060 It's permeated. 00:16:30.200 --> 00:16:30.660 In the truth. 00:16:30.700 --> 00:16:31.340 Of God's word. 00:16:31.440 --> 00:16:31.600 It's. 00:16:31.660 --> 00:16:32.740 It's steeped. 00:16:32.820 --> 00:16:33.620 In the messages. 00:16:33.620 --> 00:16:34.200 Of the Lord. 00:16:34.320 --> 00:16:35.240 And it comes through. 00:16:35.379 --> 00:16:35.840 Her life. 00:16:36.379 --> 00:16:36.800 We see. 00:16:36.899 --> 00:16:37.779 That she's been meditating. 00:16:37.779 --> 00:16:38.660 On the word of God. 00:16:38.759 --> 00:16:39.879 And it spills out. 00:16:39.980 --> 00:16:40.580 In praise. 00:16:40.580 --> 00:16:41.279 To God. 00:16:41.420 --> 00:16:42.279 Through song. 00:16:43.620 --> 00:16:44.420 I want to give you. 00:16:44.500 --> 00:16:44.840 An opportunity. 00:16:45.019 --> 00:16:45.540 Just to listen. 00:16:46.180 --> 00:16:47.100 To these. 00:16:47.920 --> 00:16:48.399 Verses. 00:16:48.580 --> 00:16:49.440 In song. 00:16:50.060 --> 00:16:50.420 As we. 00:16:50.600 --> 00:16:50.980 Just listen. 00:16:51.080 --> 00:16:51.540 For a moment. 00:16:51.820 --> 00:16:52.700 To this word. 00:16:53.000 --> 00:16:54.000 From the seeds. 00:16:54.000 --> 00:16:55.000 Of family worship. 00:16:55.700 --> 00:16:58.480 My soul. 00:16:58.480 --> 00:16:58.480 00:16:58.480 --> 00:16:58.480 00:16:58.480 --> 00:16:58.480 00:16:58.480 --> 00:16:58.480 00:16:58.480 --> 00:16:58.480 00:16:58.480 --> 00:16:58.480 00:16:58.480 --> 00:16:58.480 00:16:58.480 --> 00:16:58.480 00:16:58.480 --> 00:16:58.480 00:16:58.480 --> 00:16:58.480 00:16:58.480 --> 00:16:58.480 00:16:58.480 --> 00:16:58.480 00:16:58.480 --> 00:16:58.480 00:16:58.480 --> 00:16:58.480 00:16:58.480 --> 00:16:58.480 00:16:58.480 --> 00:16:58.480 00:16:58.480 --> 00:16:58.480 00:16:58.480 --> 00:16:58.480 00:16:58.480 --> 00:16:58.480 00:16:58.480 --> 00:16:58.480 00:16:58.480 --> 00:16:58.480 00:16:58.480 --> 00:16:58.480 00:16:58.480 --> 00:16:58.480 00:16:58.480 --> 00:16:58.480 00:16:58.480 --> 00:16:58.480 00:16:58.480 --> 00:16:58.480 00:16:58.480 --> 00:16:58.480 00:16:58.480 --> 00:16:58.480 00:16:58.480 --> 00:16:58.480 00:16:58.480 --> 00:16:58.480 00:16:58.480 --> 00:16:58.480 00:16:58.480 --> 00:16:58.480 00:16:58.480 --> 00:16:58.480 00:16:58.480 --> 00:16:58.480 00:16:58.480 --> 00:16:58.480 00:16:58.480 --> 00:16:58.480 00:16:58.480 --> 00:16:58.480 00:16:58.480 --> 00:16:58.480 00:16:58.480 --> 00:16:58.480 00:16:58.480 --> 00:16:58.480 00:16:58.480 --> 00:16:58.480 00:16:58.480 --> 00:16:58.480 00:16:58.480 --> 00:16:58.480 00:16:58.480 --> 00:17:28.460 Thank you. 00:17:28.480 --> 00:17:33.380 My spirit rejoices in God, my Savior. 00:17:33.839 --> 00:17:38.400 My soul magnifies the Lord. 00:17:38.759 --> 00:17:44.380 And my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior. 00:17:45.599 --> 00:17:56.240 For He has looked on the humble estate of His servant. 00:17:56.240 --> 00:18:06.680 For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed. 00:18:07.120 --> 00:18:11.240 For He who is mighty has done great things. 00:18:12.200 --> 00:18:17.460 For me and holy is His name. 00:18:17.460 --> 00:18:22.360 My soul magnifies the Lord. 00:18:22.680 --> 00:18:27.940 And my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior. 00:18:27.940 --> 00:18:33.000 My soul magnifies the Lord. 00:18:33.160 --> 00:18:38.860 And my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior. 00:18:38.859 --> 00:18:49.859 And His mercy is for those who fear Him. 00:18:49.859 --> 00:18:56.299 From generation to generation. 00:18:56.819 --> 00:19:00.019 To generation. 00:19:00.019 --> 00:19:03.019 To generation. 00:19:03.019 --> 00:19:05.019 To generation. 00:19:09.019 --> 00:19:14.500 My soul magnifies the Lord. 00:19:14.500 --> 00:19:20.019 And my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior. 00:19:20.019 --> 00:19:25.119 My soul magnifies the Lord. 00:19:25.119 --> 00:19:31.000 And my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior. 00:19:31.000 --> 00:19:31.700 My Savior. 00:19:31.700 --> 00:19:31.700 00:19:31.700 --> 00:19:31.700 00:19:31.700 --> 00:19:31.700 00:19:31.700 --> 00:19:31.700 00:19:31.700 --> 00:19:31.700 00:19:31.700 --> 00:19:31.700 00:19:31.700 --> 00:19:31.700 00:19:31.700 --> 00:19:31.700 00:19:31.700 --> 00:19:31.700 00:19:31.700 --> 00:19:31.700 00:19:31.700 --> 00:19:31.700 00:19:31.700 --> 00:19:31.700 00:19:31.700 --> 00:19:31.700 00:19:31.700 --> 00:19:31.700 00:19:31.700 --> 00:19:31.700 00:19:31.700 --> 00:19:31.700 00:19:31.700 --> 00:19:31.700 00:19:31.700 --> 00:19:31.700 00:19:31.700 --> 00:19:31.700 00:19:31.700 --> 00:19:31.700 00:19:31.700 --> 00:19:31.700 00:19:31.700 --> 00:19:31.700 00:19:31.700 --> 00:19:31.700 00:19:31.700 --> 00:19:31.700 00:19:31.700 --> 00:19:31.700 00:19:31.700 --> 00:19:31.700 00:19:31.700 --> 00:19:31.700 00:19:31.700 --> 00:19:31.700 00:19:31.700 --> 00:19:31.700 00:19:31.700 --> 00:19:31.700 00:19:31.700 --> 00:19:31.700 00:19:31.700 --> 00:19:31.700 00:19:31.700 --> 00:19:31.700 00:19:31.700 --> 00:19:31.700 00:19:31.700 --> 00:19:31.700 00:19:31.700 --> 00:19:31.700 00:19:31.700 --> 00:19:31.700 00:19:31.700 --> 00:19:31.700 00:19:31.700 --> 00:19:31.700 00:19:31.700 --> 00:19:31.700 00:19:31.700 --> 00:19:31.700 00:19:31.700 --> 00:19:31.700 00:19:31.700 --> 00:19:31.700 00:19:31.700 --> 00:19:40.779 Those words are drawn directly from our text today. 00:19:41.519 --> 00:19:43.840 Can you hear the heart of Mary 00:19:43.840 --> 00:19:46.640 exploding in praise to the Lord Jesus? 00:19:47.840 --> 00:19:52.059 And that song that we find in Luke chapter 1 00:19:52.059 --> 00:19:54.160 is drawn out of the scriptures. 00:19:54.160 --> 00:19:58.340 There are as many as 31 different Old Testament passages 00:19:58.339 --> 00:20:01.359 that Mary will go to to access. 00:20:01.699 --> 00:20:04.079 The word of God has been pouring into her life. 00:20:04.379 --> 00:20:05.659 And so when pressure comes, 00:20:06.359 --> 00:20:07.779 what comes out is praise. 00:20:08.480 --> 00:20:11.279 Praise to God through the word of God. 00:20:12.459 --> 00:20:14.319 Mary is a mother worth following 00:20:14.319 --> 00:20:18.439 because she rejoices in God's plan sincerely. 00:20:19.579 --> 00:20:21.240 She's also a mother worth following 00:20:21.240 --> 00:20:24.159 because she treasures God's word deeply. 00:20:24.659 --> 00:20:26.139 Treasures God's word deeply. 00:20:26.140 --> 00:20:30.080 That truth is drawn out of Luke chapter 2 verse 19. 00:20:30.280 --> 00:20:31.200 This is where we see this. 00:20:31.340 --> 00:20:31.600 It says, 00:20:32.080 --> 00:20:35.520 But Mary treasured up all these things, 00:20:35.840 --> 00:20:37.860 pondering them in her heart. 00:20:39.120 --> 00:20:41.120 She treasured God's works deeply. 00:20:42.220 --> 00:20:42.900 Well, as you know, 00:20:43.080 --> 00:20:44.080 familiar with the story, 00:20:44.220 --> 00:20:46.860 Mary and Joseph make their way to Bethlehem. 00:20:47.320 --> 00:20:48.840 A census is being taken. 00:20:49.600 --> 00:20:53.020 And this couple have come to be registered as a family. 00:20:53.019 --> 00:20:57.900 Well, because Joseph was of the tribe of Judah 00:20:57.900 --> 00:21:01.299 and because he was of the family of David, 00:21:01.960 --> 00:21:03.599 and so they come to Bethlehem. 00:21:04.059 --> 00:21:06.799 They come to Bethlehem as in response 00:21:06.799 --> 00:21:08.660 to the census that had been taken. 00:21:08.759 --> 00:21:10.359 We find in Luke chapter 2, 00:21:11.160 --> 00:21:13.279 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus 00:21:13.279 --> 00:21:15.000 that all the world should be registered. 00:21:15.619 --> 00:21:17.019 This was the first registration 00:21:17.019 --> 00:21:19.619 when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 00:21:19.619 --> 00:21:21.379 And all went to be registered, 00:21:21.559 --> 00:21:23.099 each to his own town. 00:21:23.639 --> 00:21:25.719 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, 00:21:26.079 --> 00:21:27.339 from the town of Nazareth, 00:21:27.539 --> 00:21:28.299 to Judea, 00:21:28.739 --> 00:21:29.979 to the city of David, 00:21:30.039 --> 00:21:30.959 which is called Bethlehem 00:21:30.959 --> 00:21:32.459 because he was of the house 00:21:32.459 --> 00:21:33.759 in lineage of David, 00:21:34.639 --> 00:21:35.939 to be registered with Mary, 00:21:36.119 --> 00:21:36.619 his betrothed, 00:21:37.259 --> 00:21:38.379 who was with child. 00:21:39.239 --> 00:21:40.139 And while they were there, 00:21:40.439 --> 00:21:41.779 the time came for her to give birth. 00:21:41.939 --> 00:21:43.839 And she gave birth to her firstborn son, 00:21:44.199 --> 00:21:45.539 wrapped him in swaddling clothes, 00:21:45.619 --> 00:21:46.879 and laid him in a manger 00:21:46.880 --> 00:21:49.520 because there was no place for them in the inn. 00:21:50.640 --> 00:21:51.580 And in the same region, 00:21:51.700 --> 00:21:53.200 there were shepherds out in the field, 00:21:53.460 --> 00:21:55.520 keeping watch over their flocks by night. 00:21:56.320 --> 00:21:58.280 And you know that that night scene 00:21:58.280 --> 00:22:00.060 was punctuated by light. 00:22:00.300 --> 00:22:01.740 It was punctuated by voices. 00:22:02.040 --> 00:22:03.760 It was punctuated by speaking 00:22:03.760 --> 00:22:05.120 and praising of God. 00:22:06.420 --> 00:22:07.380 As the angels would say, 00:22:07.380 --> 00:22:09.040 glory to God in the highest, 00:22:09.320 --> 00:22:11.040 and on earth peace among those 00:22:11.040 --> 00:22:12.420 with whom he is pleased. 00:22:13.480 --> 00:22:15.540 So the shepherds make their way to Bethlehem. 00:22:15.539 --> 00:22:17.759 They go to see the baby. 00:22:17.859 --> 00:22:18.879 They go to worship. 00:22:19.859 --> 00:22:21.339 They make known the saying 00:22:21.339 --> 00:22:22.819 that had been made known to them 00:22:22.819 --> 00:22:23.559 by the angels. 00:22:24.399 --> 00:22:26.079 And this is where we get to this statement 00:22:26.079 --> 00:22:27.960 in Luke chapter 2, verse 19. 00:22:29.000 --> 00:22:32.500 Mary treasured up all these things, 00:22:33.240 --> 00:22:34.460 pondering them in her heart. 00:22:36.000 --> 00:22:38.119 This word treasured means that she kept them. 00:22:38.940 --> 00:22:40.740 It meant that she preserved them. 00:22:41.200 --> 00:22:42.779 It meant that she did not let them go. 00:22:42.779 --> 00:22:44.960 It meant that she allowed those truths, 00:22:45.119 --> 00:22:46.440 those works of God, 00:22:46.539 --> 00:22:47.599 to settle in. 00:22:48.460 --> 00:22:49.619 She meditated on them. 00:22:49.700 --> 00:22:50.819 She reflected on them. 00:22:51.019 --> 00:22:52.519 She didn't just pass them by. 00:22:53.240 --> 00:22:54.920 She understood that something significant 00:22:54.920 --> 00:22:55.839 was taking place. 00:22:56.079 --> 00:22:57.720 And she allowed the truths 00:22:57.720 --> 00:22:59.440 and the wonder of the moment 00:22:59.440 --> 00:23:01.440 to spill into her life 00:23:01.440 --> 00:23:04.079 and to transform her thinking. 00:23:05.460 --> 00:23:07.599 She did not dismiss or hold lightly 00:23:07.599 --> 00:23:09.299 the great work of God 00:23:09.299 --> 00:23:11.440 that was unfolding right in front of her. 00:23:11.440 --> 00:23:13.000 And she pondered, 00:23:13.120 --> 00:23:15.160 which means that she gave serious reflection. 00:23:15.880 --> 00:23:17.740 It's the word for casting together, 00:23:18.019 --> 00:23:19.320 putting all the pieces together. 00:23:20.200 --> 00:23:22.799 She meditated on God's words and works. 00:23:23.100 --> 00:23:24.620 She recognizes the promises 00:23:24.620 --> 00:23:25.980 that God had given to her 00:23:25.980 --> 00:23:28.120 just a few months earlier, 00:23:28.340 --> 00:23:30.120 however impossible they seemed, 00:23:30.340 --> 00:23:32.080 were unfolding in reality 00:23:32.080 --> 00:23:33.000 right in front of her. 00:23:33.880 --> 00:23:36.539 And as she sees this work of God, 00:23:36.620 --> 00:23:38.580 this clear work of God, 00:23:38.579 --> 00:23:40.519 she doesn't just let it pass her by. 00:23:40.639 --> 00:23:42.740 She allows it to settle in. 00:23:43.899 --> 00:23:46.699 Her heart is learning to wonder 00:23:46.699 --> 00:23:49.500 at the greatness and glory of the Lord. 00:23:50.139 --> 00:23:51.419 And this is a crucial lesson 00:23:51.419 --> 00:23:52.579 for us to learn as well. 00:23:52.919 --> 00:23:54.299 Because when we see 00:23:54.299 --> 00:23:55.939 the clear hand of God, 00:23:56.939 --> 00:23:58.259 it's essential, 00:23:58.379 --> 00:23:59.220 it's vital for us, 00:23:59.259 --> 00:24:01.899 not just to let those things pass us by, 00:24:02.079 --> 00:24:03.359 but to let those truths, 00:24:03.639 --> 00:24:04.379 those wonders, 00:24:04.380 --> 00:24:06.680 those moments of God's greatness, 00:24:06.800 --> 00:24:07.360 His power, 00:24:07.820 --> 00:24:09.120 His answers to prayer, 00:24:09.480 --> 00:24:10.980 the things that He does 00:24:10.980 --> 00:24:12.760 that make us see 00:24:12.760 --> 00:24:14.220 how wonderful He is, 00:24:14.340 --> 00:24:15.760 to let those settle in. 00:24:16.960 --> 00:24:19.260 Let those truths of God's faithfulness 00:24:19.260 --> 00:24:21.840 take root in our life. 00:24:22.500 --> 00:24:24.700 And let those seeds grow. 00:24:25.740 --> 00:24:27.380 And as the roots 00:24:27.380 --> 00:24:29.280 go down into our life, 00:24:29.400 --> 00:24:30.880 and those roots of faith 00:24:30.880 --> 00:24:33.160 begin to flourish, 00:24:33.160 --> 00:24:36.100 it will be an anchor for us 00:24:36.100 --> 00:24:37.140 in the storms 00:24:37.140 --> 00:24:38.759 when the wind begins to blow, 00:24:39.660 --> 00:24:41.220 when the crisis comes, 00:24:41.779 --> 00:24:43.680 when the heartache hits hard, 00:24:44.200 --> 00:24:45.920 the roots of faith 00:24:45.920 --> 00:24:47.660 have anchored themselves 00:24:47.660 --> 00:24:49.000 and provided strength 00:24:49.000 --> 00:24:49.920 and stability 00:24:49.920 --> 00:24:51.040 and endurance 00:24:51.040 --> 00:24:52.340 and refuge and help. 00:24:53.980 --> 00:24:55.580 See, Mary was a mother worth following 00:24:55.580 --> 00:24:57.279 because she treasured 00:24:57.279 --> 00:24:58.980 God's Word deeply. 00:24:59.460 --> 00:25:01.759 But she also is a mother worth following 00:25:01.759 --> 00:25:04.119 because she obeys God's will faithfully. 00:25:05.240 --> 00:25:07.140 We find that in the next several verses, 00:25:07.480 --> 00:25:09.119 this obedient heart. 00:25:09.359 --> 00:25:11.480 But even before we get to verse 21, 00:25:11.680 --> 00:25:12.839 we need to remind ourselves 00:25:12.839 --> 00:25:13.359 of what happened 00:25:13.359 --> 00:25:15.240 in the first part of chapter 2. 00:25:15.940 --> 00:25:18.640 Well, why does Joseph and Mary 00:25:18.640 --> 00:25:20.339 find themselves in Bethlehem 00:25:20.339 --> 00:25:20.980 to begin with? 00:25:21.140 --> 00:25:21.720 Well, it's because 00:25:21.720 --> 00:25:24.119 they're following a human edict. 00:25:24.539 --> 00:25:25.859 They're following a census. 00:25:26.099 --> 00:25:27.400 They're obeying orders, 00:25:27.480 --> 00:25:27.980 as it were. 00:25:27.980 --> 00:25:29.940 This mandate for a census 00:25:29.940 --> 00:25:31.299 from the Roman authorities, 00:25:31.779 --> 00:25:33.180 these occupiers, 00:25:33.460 --> 00:25:34.400 these oppressors. 00:25:35.059 --> 00:25:37.400 And what are Mary and Joseph doing? 00:25:37.440 --> 00:25:38.000 Not resisting. 00:25:39.000 --> 00:25:39.980 Their hearts are compliant. 00:25:40.200 --> 00:25:41.099 There's submission there. 00:25:42.299 --> 00:25:43.799 This is inconvenient, 00:25:43.960 --> 00:25:44.759 to say the least, 00:25:45.000 --> 00:25:47.400 that Mary is in the hardest parts 00:25:47.400 --> 00:25:48.759 of her pregnancy, 00:25:49.039 --> 00:25:50.640 and she's about to give birth. 00:25:50.900 --> 00:25:52.079 She's great with child. 00:25:52.740 --> 00:25:54.220 This is not a convenient time 00:25:54.220 --> 00:25:55.660 to pull up stakes 00:25:55.660 --> 00:25:57.700 and move to a new place. 00:25:58.740 --> 00:26:00.540 But they're trusting in God. 00:26:01.279 --> 00:26:02.519 They believe in His sovereignty. 00:26:03.460 --> 00:26:05.140 And because of their faithful obedience, 00:26:05.320 --> 00:26:07.200 God places them exactly 00:26:07.200 --> 00:26:08.779 where they're supposed to be 00:26:08.779 --> 00:26:09.600 in Bethlehem. 00:26:10.420 --> 00:26:12.320 This is the grand design, 00:26:12.620 --> 00:26:14.019 what the prophets had promised, 00:26:14.180 --> 00:26:15.220 what they had foretold. 00:26:15.500 --> 00:26:16.840 And through their willing obedience, 00:26:16.960 --> 00:26:18.519 Mary and Joseph find themselves 00:26:18.519 --> 00:26:21.200 in the very center of God's will. 00:26:22.320 --> 00:26:23.460 As we continue to see 00:26:23.460 --> 00:26:25.100 their compliant hearts, 00:26:25.099 --> 00:26:26.159 we see how faithful 00:26:26.159 --> 00:26:27.000 and obedient they are 00:26:27.000 --> 00:26:28.119 in verse 21. 00:26:28.799 --> 00:26:30.439 At the end of eight days, 00:26:30.519 --> 00:26:31.619 it says in verse 21, 00:26:32.000 --> 00:26:33.279 when He was circumcised, 00:26:33.359 --> 00:26:34.279 He was called Jesus. 00:26:34.779 --> 00:26:36.219 The name given by the angel 00:26:36.219 --> 00:26:37.599 because He was conceived 00:26:37.599 --> 00:26:38.139 in the womb. 00:26:38.839 --> 00:26:40.419 Well, why eight days? 00:26:41.359 --> 00:26:43.419 Well, because the law of Moses 00:26:43.419 --> 00:26:46.119 instructed that He would be circumcised 00:26:46.119 --> 00:26:47.959 on the eighth day. 00:26:48.659 --> 00:26:50.059 And this dedication ceremony 00:26:50.059 --> 00:26:50.839 had two parts. 00:26:51.359 --> 00:26:52.659 The first was circumcision, 00:26:52.879 --> 00:26:54.279 which was the sign of the covenant. 00:26:54.279 --> 00:26:56.420 It was the way for Jesus 00:26:56.420 --> 00:26:57.980 to express that He was a part 00:26:57.980 --> 00:26:59.319 of this covenant family, 00:26:59.500 --> 00:27:00.599 this promised family. 00:27:00.799 --> 00:27:01.639 He belonged to God. 00:27:02.899 --> 00:27:04.220 And then we find in verse 22, 00:27:04.359 --> 00:27:05.200 this second part, 00:27:05.899 --> 00:27:07.019 this time of purification. 00:27:07.819 --> 00:27:08.700 And when the time came 00:27:08.700 --> 00:27:09.879 for their purification, 00:27:10.299 --> 00:27:11.720 according to the law of Moses, 00:27:12.139 --> 00:27:13.819 they brought Him up to Jerusalem 00:27:13.819 --> 00:27:15.539 to present Him to the Lord. 00:27:16.139 --> 00:27:17.079 And this would have happened 00:27:17.079 --> 00:27:19.720 33 days after His circumcision, 00:27:19.720 --> 00:27:22.980 on the 40th day after His birth. 00:27:23.400 --> 00:27:24.839 And Mary and Joseph would go up again 00:27:24.839 --> 00:27:25.839 to the temple to perform 00:27:25.839 --> 00:27:27.860 the rites of purification 00:27:27.860 --> 00:27:30.180 that we find in verse 23 and 24. 00:27:31.000 --> 00:27:31.839 As it is written, 00:27:32.559 --> 00:27:34.059 in the law of the Lord, 00:27:34.559 --> 00:27:36.160 every male who opens the womb 00:27:36.160 --> 00:27:37.740 shall be called holy to the Lord 00:27:37.740 --> 00:27:39.720 and offer a sacrifice 00:27:39.720 --> 00:27:40.860 according to what is said 00:27:40.860 --> 00:27:42.539 in the law of the Lord, 00:27:43.079 --> 00:27:44.339 a pair of turtle doves 00:27:44.339 --> 00:27:45.620 or two young pigeons. 00:27:45.619 --> 00:27:47.919 You see, their purification 00:27:47.919 --> 00:27:49.779 required three elements. 00:27:50.079 --> 00:27:51.659 First was Mary's purification, 00:27:52.419 --> 00:27:54.479 which we find involves sacrifice 00:27:54.479 --> 00:27:55.619 in the temple. 00:27:56.199 --> 00:27:57.439 Also, the redemption 00:27:57.439 --> 00:27:58.259 of the firstborn, 00:27:58.559 --> 00:28:00.500 which involved giving five shekels 00:28:00.500 --> 00:28:01.179 to the priest. 00:28:02.000 --> 00:28:03.319 And then the consecration 00:28:03.319 --> 00:28:04.219 of the firstborn son. 00:28:04.959 --> 00:28:06.159 And this was a ritual 00:28:06.159 --> 00:28:07.099 which would have dedicated 00:28:07.099 --> 00:28:08.919 Jesus' life to God. 00:28:09.099 --> 00:28:10.099 He belongs to God. 00:28:10.159 --> 00:28:11.619 His life belongs to Him. 00:28:12.619 --> 00:28:14.419 And this was not only good, 00:28:14.420 --> 00:28:16.279 this was essential. 00:28:17.400 --> 00:28:19.759 You remember that Jesus fulfilled 00:28:19.759 --> 00:28:21.400 all the law and the prophets. 00:28:21.600 --> 00:28:22.580 How did He do that? 00:28:23.539 --> 00:28:25.160 Well, in the initial phases 00:28:25.160 --> 00:28:25.640 of His life, 00:28:25.680 --> 00:28:27.120 He did that because of the obedience 00:28:27.120 --> 00:28:28.800 of Mary and Joseph. 00:28:29.740 --> 00:28:31.720 That Jesus was passive in this. 00:28:32.380 --> 00:28:33.200 Jesus was the one 00:28:33.200 --> 00:28:34.519 who was brought to the temple. 00:28:34.820 --> 00:28:35.500 Jesus is the one 00:28:35.500 --> 00:28:36.800 who was circumcised. 00:28:37.120 --> 00:28:37.860 Jesus is the one 00:28:37.860 --> 00:28:39.660 who was consecrated to God. 00:28:42.140 --> 00:28:43.420 We find in verse 39 00:28:43.420 --> 00:28:45.860 how total their obedience was. 00:28:46.759 --> 00:28:48.259 And when they had performed 00:28:48.259 --> 00:28:50.039 everything according 00:28:50.039 --> 00:28:51.120 to the law of the Lord, 00:28:51.920 --> 00:28:53.360 they returned to Galilee 00:28:53.360 --> 00:28:55.519 to their own town of Nazareth. 00:28:56.240 --> 00:28:58.740 Their obedience was complete. 00:28:59.000 --> 00:29:00.620 Their obligation was fulfilled. 00:29:01.400 --> 00:29:02.360 And their obedience 00:29:02.360 --> 00:29:03.779 wasn't momentary. 00:29:04.080 --> 00:29:05.900 It was a consistent pattern 00:29:05.900 --> 00:29:06.880 of their life, 00:29:06.960 --> 00:29:08.620 which we see in Luke 2, 00:29:08.740 --> 00:29:09.800 verses 41 and 42. 00:29:09.799 --> 00:29:12.819 His parents went to Jerusalem 00:29:12.819 --> 00:29:14.220 every year 00:29:14.220 --> 00:29:15.919 at the feast of Passover. 00:29:16.579 --> 00:29:18.220 And when He was 12 years old, 00:29:18.279 --> 00:29:20.039 they went up according to custom. 00:29:20.779 --> 00:29:22.139 This is a continuing pattern 00:29:22.139 --> 00:29:23.319 of their obedience 00:29:23.319 --> 00:29:26.220 in bringing Jesus to the temple 00:29:26.220 --> 00:29:28.559 as was required by the law. 00:29:29.700 --> 00:29:31.200 Every Passover, 00:29:31.700 --> 00:29:33.159 the males were to come 00:29:33.159 --> 00:29:33.839 to the temple 00:29:33.839 --> 00:29:36.500 to carry out their religious duties. 00:29:36.500 --> 00:29:38.259 Mothers, 00:29:38.519 --> 00:29:39.660 don't underestimate 00:29:39.660 --> 00:29:41.299 the importance 00:29:41.299 --> 00:29:42.680 of obedience to God. 00:29:43.680 --> 00:29:44.700 That even when 00:29:44.700 --> 00:29:45.819 you don't understand 00:29:45.819 --> 00:29:47.140 what the end, 00:29:47.240 --> 00:29:48.740 what the finish line is, 00:29:49.440 --> 00:29:50.940 there is a significance 00:29:50.940 --> 00:29:53.200 even in ordinary obedience. 00:29:54.319 --> 00:29:55.039 Mary and Joseph 00:29:55.039 --> 00:29:56.640 did not always have angels. 00:29:56.940 --> 00:29:58.420 They didn't always have shepherds. 00:29:58.599 --> 00:29:59.720 They didn't always have songs. 00:29:59.779 --> 00:30:01.019 But they did have God's Word. 00:30:01.640 --> 00:30:02.740 And they faithfully 00:30:02.740 --> 00:30:04.120 and humbly followed 00:30:04.120 --> 00:30:05.120 God's Word. 00:30:05.200 --> 00:30:06.839 And God used that instrumentally. 00:30:07.200 --> 00:30:08.339 Not only to get them 00:30:08.339 --> 00:30:09.099 where they needed to be, 00:30:09.200 --> 00:30:11.400 but to fulfill His Word 00:30:11.400 --> 00:30:12.059 in His Son, 00:30:12.539 --> 00:30:13.220 Jesus Christ. 00:30:14.480 --> 00:30:15.099 Mary is a mother 00:30:15.099 --> 00:30:16.180 worth following 00:30:16.180 --> 00:30:17.740 because she obeys 00:30:17.740 --> 00:30:19.799 God's will faithfully. 00:30:20.339 --> 00:30:21.240 But also because 00:30:21.240 --> 00:30:22.920 she surrenders 00:30:22.920 --> 00:30:24.940 to God's plan willingly. 00:30:25.940 --> 00:30:26.920 We find that 00:30:26.920 --> 00:30:29.359 in verse 34 of chapter 2. 00:30:29.359 --> 00:30:32.859 And Simeon blesses them 00:30:32.859 --> 00:30:34.299 and said to Mary, 00:30:34.439 --> 00:30:34.799 his mother, 00:30:34.899 --> 00:30:35.379 Behold, 00:30:35.619 --> 00:30:37.719 this child is appointed 00:30:37.719 --> 00:30:39.759 for the fall and rising 00:30:39.759 --> 00:30:40.679 of many in Israel 00:30:40.679 --> 00:30:42.559 and for a sign 00:30:42.559 --> 00:30:43.319 that is opposed. 00:30:43.979 --> 00:30:45.639 A sword will pierce 00:30:45.639 --> 00:30:47.119 through your own soul also 00:30:47.119 --> 00:30:49.679 so that thoughts 00:30:49.679 --> 00:30:50.719 from many hearts 00:30:50.719 --> 00:30:51.579 may be revealed. 00:30:52.819 --> 00:30:53.959 There was lots of joys. 00:30:54.039 --> 00:30:54.799 There was much joy 00:30:54.799 --> 00:30:56.359 in the early parts 00:30:56.359 --> 00:30:58.179 of Mary's life. 00:30:58.180 --> 00:31:00.120 There was much rejoicing 00:31:00.120 --> 00:31:00.900 over what God 00:31:00.900 --> 00:31:01.500 had accomplished. 00:31:01.779 --> 00:31:03.140 But Simeon offers 00:31:03.140 --> 00:31:03.900 this warning, 00:31:04.039 --> 00:31:04.200 Mary, 00:31:05.200 --> 00:31:06.460 even in your obedience, 00:31:07.420 --> 00:31:08.920 even in this son, 00:31:09.019 --> 00:31:11.200 how amazing he is 00:31:11.200 --> 00:31:11.720 and how God 00:31:11.720 --> 00:31:13.120 will use him instrumentally 00:31:13.120 --> 00:31:15.400 that you will not only 00:31:15.400 --> 00:31:16.160 experience joy 00:31:16.160 --> 00:31:16.680 but you'll also 00:31:16.680 --> 00:31:17.440 experience pain. 00:31:18.299 --> 00:31:19.120 There will be sorrow. 00:31:19.880 --> 00:31:20.060 Mary, 00:31:20.140 --> 00:31:21.120 there's going to be heartbreak. 00:31:21.820 --> 00:31:22.000 Mary, 00:31:22.080 --> 00:31:22.759 your own soul 00:31:22.759 --> 00:31:23.660 is going to be pierced. 00:31:24.360 --> 00:31:24.900 And I want you 00:31:24.900 --> 00:31:26.060 to understand, 00:31:26.400 --> 00:31:26.519 Mary, 00:31:26.519 --> 00:31:28.119 that this is coming 00:31:28.119 --> 00:31:29.900 but this is by design. 00:31:29.980 --> 00:31:31.000 This is God's plan. 00:31:32.079 --> 00:31:33.779 And it was their devotion. 00:31:34.559 --> 00:31:36.099 Joseph's and Mary's devotion 00:31:36.099 --> 00:31:38.279 that led them to this place. 00:31:38.339 --> 00:31:40.299 It led them to the temple again. 00:31:41.299 --> 00:31:42.160 And it was this time 00:31:42.160 --> 00:31:43.319 of purification 00:31:43.319 --> 00:31:44.220 that we see 00:31:44.220 --> 00:31:45.220 where Simeon, 00:31:45.379 --> 00:31:46.680 this devout 00:31:46.680 --> 00:31:48.819 and religious man 00:31:48.819 --> 00:31:49.779 who is coming 00:31:49.779 --> 00:31:50.960 into the temple, 00:31:51.359 --> 00:31:52.599 he recognizes Jesus 00:31:52.599 --> 00:31:53.859 even though he's very young 00:31:53.859 --> 00:31:54.240 and says, 00:31:54.439 --> 00:31:54.619 ah, 00:31:54.719 --> 00:31:55.119 finally, 00:31:55.639 --> 00:31:56.619 the consolation, 00:31:56.719 --> 00:31:57.259 the salvation 00:31:57.259 --> 00:31:58.939 has finally come. 00:31:59.719 --> 00:32:00.899 We see that in verse 29. 00:32:01.740 --> 00:32:02.779 These are Simeon's words. 00:32:03.059 --> 00:32:03.279 Lord, 00:32:03.839 --> 00:32:05.379 now you are letting 00:32:05.379 --> 00:32:05.939 your servant 00:32:05.939 --> 00:32:06.740 depart in peace 00:32:06.740 --> 00:32:08.199 according to your word 00:32:08.199 --> 00:32:09.639 for my eyes have seen 00:32:09.639 --> 00:32:10.659 your salvation 00:32:10.659 --> 00:32:12.099 that you have prepared 00:32:12.099 --> 00:32:12.679 in the presence 00:32:12.679 --> 00:32:13.439 of all peoples 00:32:13.439 --> 00:32:14.759 a light for revelation 00:32:14.759 --> 00:32:15.599 to the Gentiles 00:32:15.599 --> 00:32:17.000 and for glory 00:32:17.000 --> 00:32:18.659 to your people Israel. 00:32:19.519 --> 00:32:21.620 Jesus was the answer 00:32:21.620 --> 00:32:23.340 to the world's problems. 00:32:24.340 --> 00:32:25.759 He would bring salvation. 00:32:26.080 --> 00:32:27.120 He would bring light 00:32:27.120 --> 00:32:28.040 to the Gentiles. 00:32:28.400 --> 00:32:29.880 He would usher in glory 00:32:29.880 --> 00:32:31.180 for the nation Israel. 00:32:32.000 --> 00:32:33.160 But it was going to come 00:32:33.160 --> 00:32:33.720 at a cost. 00:32:34.680 --> 00:32:35.440 It was going to come 00:32:35.440 --> 00:32:37.080 with great heartache. 00:32:38.120 --> 00:32:39.040 And with these words, 00:32:39.160 --> 00:32:40.220 Mary ponders again. 00:32:40.320 --> 00:32:41.259 She reflects again. 00:32:41.480 --> 00:32:42.820 I believe she worships again. 00:32:42.880 --> 00:32:43.920 We see that in verse 33. 00:32:43.920 --> 00:32:45.600 And his father and mother 00:32:45.600 --> 00:32:48.300 marveled at what was said. 00:32:49.220 --> 00:32:49.960 They were amazed. 00:32:50.100 --> 00:32:50.860 They were astonished. 00:32:51.620 --> 00:32:52.759 They recognized that God 00:32:52.759 --> 00:32:54.259 was instrumentally working 00:32:54.259 --> 00:32:55.220 in this situation. 00:32:56.400 --> 00:32:57.880 But the glory, 00:32:58.320 --> 00:32:59.340 the glory that Jesus 00:32:59.340 --> 00:33:01.060 would ultimately experience 00:33:01.060 --> 00:33:01.660 and the nation 00:33:01.660 --> 00:33:03.340 would ultimately experience 00:33:03.340 --> 00:33:04.340 would come at a cost. 00:33:05.100 --> 00:33:06.340 It wasn't going to come 00:33:06.340 --> 00:33:07.660 the way they expected. 00:33:08.860 --> 00:33:10.060 And this is the piece 00:33:10.060 --> 00:33:10.900 that I want to emphasize 00:33:10.900 --> 00:33:12.800 just in this moment. 00:33:13.300 --> 00:33:15.259 We find that in verses 34 and 35. 00:33:15.380 --> 00:33:16.160 Reading this again. 00:33:16.160 --> 00:33:18.300 And Simeon blessed them 00:33:18.300 --> 00:33:19.259 and said to Mary 00:33:19.259 --> 00:33:20.120 and his mother, 00:33:21.259 --> 00:33:22.400 Behold, this child 00:33:22.400 --> 00:33:23.759 is appointed for the fallen 00:33:23.759 --> 00:33:25.460 rising of many in Israel 00:33:25.460 --> 00:33:27.140 and for a sign that is opposed 00:33:27.140 --> 00:33:29.080 and a sword will pierce 00:33:29.080 --> 00:33:30.480 through your own soul 00:33:30.480 --> 00:33:32.279 so that thoughts 00:33:32.279 --> 00:33:33.200 from many hearts 00:33:33.200 --> 00:33:34.259 will be revealed. 00:33:35.400 --> 00:33:36.779 Jesus' life in ministry 00:33:36.779 --> 00:33:38.120 would be a stumbling block. 00:33:39.680 --> 00:33:41.080 The people won't understand. 00:33:41.720 --> 00:33:42.460 They won't appreciate. 00:33:42.620 --> 00:33:42.960 Matter of fact, 00:33:42.960 --> 00:33:44.900 the people will resist. 00:33:45.039 --> 00:33:45.620 They will oppose. 00:33:45.740 --> 00:33:46.340 And ultimately, 00:33:46.519 --> 00:33:48.160 Jesus will be killed. 00:33:49.340 --> 00:33:51.160 The nation's violent rejection 00:33:51.160 --> 00:33:52.460 of Mary's son 00:33:52.460 --> 00:33:54.059 would cause Mary to suffer. 00:33:55.740 --> 00:33:56.920 Simeon would graphically picture 00:33:56.920 --> 00:33:57.960 this pain and grief 00:33:57.960 --> 00:33:58.900 she would endure 00:33:58.900 --> 00:34:00.940 when her own soul 00:34:00.940 --> 00:34:02.200 would be pierced through 00:34:02.200 --> 00:34:04.160 because of how her son 00:34:04.160 --> 00:34:05.220 was treated. 00:34:06.240 --> 00:34:07.700 This prophecy hangs over 00:34:07.700 --> 00:34:08.820 Mary's motherhood 00:34:08.820 --> 00:34:09.760 from start to finish. 00:34:09.760 --> 00:34:11.380 And the blessing 00:34:11.380 --> 00:34:13.420 of carrying Christ 00:34:13.420 --> 00:34:15.480 will culminate 00:34:15.480 --> 00:34:16.540 in deep sorrow. 00:34:18.000 --> 00:34:18.880 But salvation 00:34:18.880 --> 00:34:20.320 must be purchased 00:34:20.320 --> 00:34:21.220 through a price. 00:34:22.680 --> 00:34:23.480 We know that the wages 00:34:23.480 --> 00:34:25.080 of sin is death 00:34:25.080 --> 00:34:26.640 but the gift of God 00:34:26.640 --> 00:34:27.860 is eternal life 00:34:27.860 --> 00:34:29.240 through Jesus Christ our Lord. 00:34:29.300 --> 00:34:30.160 I wonder this morning, 00:34:30.700 --> 00:34:31.300 do you know 00:34:31.300 --> 00:34:32.320 this salvation? 00:34:33.280 --> 00:34:34.020 Have you enjoyed 00:34:34.020 --> 00:34:34.640 and experienced 00:34:34.640 --> 00:34:35.240 the salvation 00:34:35.240 --> 00:34:36.420 that was purchased 00:34:36.420 --> 00:34:38.820 by our Lord Jesus Christ? 00:34:38.820 --> 00:34:41.260 And while he was killed 00:34:41.260 --> 00:34:42.440 and while he suffered 00:34:42.440 --> 00:34:43.900 he extends to us 00:34:43.900 --> 00:34:44.660 this offer, 00:34:44.960 --> 00:34:46.019 this invitation for us 00:34:46.019 --> 00:34:47.480 to enjoy the benefits 00:34:47.480 --> 00:34:50.080 of this sacrifice 00:34:50.080 --> 00:34:52.580 because of our sin. 00:34:52.660 --> 00:34:53.840 We deserve the punishment 00:34:53.840 --> 00:34:54.320 of death. 00:34:54.600 --> 00:34:55.100 But Jesus, 00:34:55.880 --> 00:34:57.340 having lived a righteous life, 00:34:57.580 --> 00:34:59.260 came to offer himself 00:34:59.260 --> 00:35:01.240 as a sacrifice for us 00:35:01.240 --> 00:35:01.920 so that we can enjoy 00:35:01.920 --> 00:35:03.820 the benefits of salvation. 00:35:04.340 --> 00:35:06.820 Salvation that Simeon celebrates 00:35:06.820 --> 00:35:08.280 celebrates but also 00:35:08.280 --> 00:35:09.120 through the pain 00:35:09.120 --> 00:35:11.220 that he also prophesies. 00:35:12.820 --> 00:35:13.780 Mary needs to understand 00:35:13.780 --> 00:35:15.059 that she can't manage 00:35:15.059 --> 00:35:16.200 Christ's mission. 00:35:17.320 --> 00:35:18.720 She can't determine 00:35:18.720 --> 00:35:20.620 the Lord Jesus' hour. 00:35:21.500 --> 00:35:22.800 She can't shield him 00:35:22.800 --> 00:35:23.660 from suffering. 00:35:25.120 --> 00:35:27.100 She cannot make his calling 00:35:27.100 --> 00:35:28.620 serve her own comfort. 00:35:29.740 --> 00:35:31.440 She needs to abandon herself 00:35:31.440 --> 00:35:32.519 to the role that God 00:35:32.519 --> 00:35:34.000 has placed on his son. 00:35:34.000 --> 00:35:36.099 And she needs to endure 00:35:36.099 --> 00:35:36.760 and accept 00:35:36.760 --> 00:35:39.400 all of the personal cost 00:35:39.400 --> 00:35:40.880 of hurt and suffering 00:35:40.880 --> 00:35:43.139 that that entails. 00:35:43.500 --> 00:35:43.739 Mary, 00:35:44.340 --> 00:35:45.920 Mary was willing 00:35:45.920 --> 00:35:48.679 to embrace this heartache 00:35:48.679 --> 00:35:50.760 for the sake of her Savior. 00:35:52.139 --> 00:35:52.440 Moms, 00:35:52.559 --> 00:35:53.500 I know that you carry 00:35:53.500 --> 00:35:55.380 a real emotional burden. 00:35:56.380 --> 00:35:58.219 I know that moms tend 00:35:58.219 --> 00:36:00.119 to feel the heartache the most. 00:36:00.119 --> 00:36:02.219 And that's why it's important 00:36:02.219 --> 00:36:03.500 for moms especially 00:36:03.500 --> 00:36:04.579 to recognize 00:36:04.579 --> 00:36:06.079 they have a faithful Savior. 00:36:06.779 --> 00:36:07.759 They have a faithful God. 00:36:08.920 --> 00:36:11.279 That Jesus isn't caught off guard. 00:36:12.279 --> 00:36:12.960 Simeon is here. 00:36:13.759 --> 00:36:15.099 He's pronouncing 00:36:15.099 --> 00:36:16.480 exactly what will happen. 00:36:16.880 --> 00:36:18.019 That Mary's own soul 00:36:18.019 --> 00:36:18.859 will be pierced through. 00:36:19.299 --> 00:36:20.699 And this did not take 00:36:20.699 --> 00:36:23.299 Mary by surprise. 00:36:23.719 --> 00:36:24.539 Shouldn't have taken Mary 00:36:24.539 --> 00:36:25.119 by surprise. 00:36:26.440 --> 00:36:27.239 We need to learn 00:36:27.239 --> 00:36:28.259 the lesson of entrusting. 00:36:28.260 --> 00:36:30.280 entrusting our children 00:36:30.280 --> 00:36:31.320 to the Lord Jesus 00:36:31.320 --> 00:36:32.460 because our children 00:36:32.460 --> 00:36:34.520 ultimately belong to him. 00:36:35.840 --> 00:36:36.180 So, 00:36:36.620 --> 00:36:38.220 she's a mother worth following 00:36:38.220 --> 00:36:39.500 because she surrenders 00:36:39.500 --> 00:36:41.120 to God's plan 00:36:41.120 --> 00:36:41.960 willingly. 00:36:42.880 --> 00:36:43.380 And finally, 00:36:43.520 --> 00:36:44.480 she's a mother worth following 00:36:44.480 --> 00:36:46.000 because she embraces 00:36:46.000 --> 00:36:47.100 God's purposes 00:36:47.100 --> 00:36:47.840 humbly. 00:36:48.840 --> 00:36:49.700 We see that 00:36:49.700 --> 00:36:50.560 throughout the testimony 00:36:50.560 --> 00:36:51.540 of her life. 00:36:51.800 --> 00:36:52.580 Mary shows us 00:36:52.580 --> 00:36:53.600 what it means 00:36:53.600 --> 00:36:54.540 to learn and grow. 00:36:54.539 --> 00:36:56.559 there is a working 00:36:56.559 --> 00:36:57.639 that happens 00:36:57.639 --> 00:36:58.420 in her heart. 00:36:58.619 --> 00:36:59.380 A transformation 00:36:59.380 --> 00:37:00.820 that takes place. 00:37:01.059 --> 00:37:02.380 There is 00:37:02.380 --> 00:37:03.860 the work 00:37:03.860 --> 00:37:04.639 of the Lord 00:37:04.639 --> 00:37:05.980 in fashioning her 00:37:05.980 --> 00:37:06.880 in just the way 00:37:06.880 --> 00:37:08.039 he wants her to be. 00:37:08.980 --> 00:37:10.440 We see very early on 00:37:10.440 --> 00:37:11.259 that she begins, 00:37:11.639 --> 00:37:12.420 that Christ 00:37:12.420 --> 00:37:13.539 begins to distance 00:37:13.539 --> 00:37:15.059 himself from Mary. 00:37:15.779 --> 00:37:16.360 It happens, 00:37:16.920 --> 00:37:18.199 we see the first snapshot 00:37:18.199 --> 00:37:18.659 of this 00:37:18.659 --> 00:37:19.420 in the temple 00:37:19.420 --> 00:37:21.679 in Luke chapter 2. 00:37:21.679 --> 00:37:23.039 you remember 00:37:23.039 --> 00:37:23.839 that Jesus 00:37:23.839 --> 00:37:25.019 is 12 years old 00:37:25.019 --> 00:37:26.419 and Mary and Joseph 00:37:26.419 --> 00:37:27.319 go up to the temple 00:37:27.319 --> 00:37:29.219 as they have done 00:37:29.219 --> 00:37:30.399 traditionally 00:37:30.399 --> 00:37:32.739 and they lose him. 00:37:32.980 --> 00:37:34.179 He stays in the temple 00:37:34.179 --> 00:37:35.779 while Mary and Joseph 00:37:35.779 --> 00:37:36.399 make their way 00:37:36.399 --> 00:37:37.079 back to Galilee 00:37:37.079 --> 00:37:38.399 and by the time 00:37:38.399 --> 00:37:39.460 they realize he's gone 00:37:39.460 --> 00:37:40.319 they've got to make 00:37:40.319 --> 00:37:41.019 their trek back 00:37:41.019 --> 00:37:41.839 and it's three days 00:37:41.839 --> 00:37:43.099 since they've seen him. 00:37:44.239 --> 00:37:44.719 And Mary 00:37:44.719 --> 00:37:47.319 will confront her son 00:37:47.319 --> 00:37:47.960 there in the temple 00:37:47.960 --> 00:37:48.859 and she'll say this, 00:37:48.860 --> 00:37:50.460 son why 00:37:50.460 --> 00:37:51.940 have you treated us 00:37:51.940 --> 00:37:52.519 this way? 00:37:53.780 --> 00:37:55.000 Why have you treated us 00:37:55.000 --> 00:37:55.599 this way? 00:37:55.620 --> 00:37:56.519 I think we can understand 00:37:56.519 --> 00:37:57.059 a little bit 00:37:57.059 --> 00:37:57.700 of that sympathy. 00:37:58.920 --> 00:37:59.440 But Jesus 00:37:59.440 --> 00:38:00.519 now begins 00:38:00.519 --> 00:38:01.260 this process 00:38:01.260 --> 00:38:02.599 of reshaping 00:38:02.599 --> 00:38:03.099 the way 00:38:03.099 --> 00:38:04.099 that Mary thinks. 00:38:04.180 --> 00:38:04.880 He says this, 00:38:05.539 --> 00:38:06.500 why were you 00:38:06.500 --> 00:38:07.280 looking for me? 00:38:07.920 --> 00:38:09.579 Did you not know 00:38:09.579 --> 00:38:11.280 that I must be 00:38:11.280 --> 00:38:13.400 in my father's house? 00:38:14.900 --> 00:38:15.519 Mary needed 00:38:15.519 --> 00:38:17.019 that gentle 00:38:17.019 --> 00:38:17.960 and tender 00:38:17.960 --> 00:38:19.280 confrontation. 00:38:20.420 --> 00:38:20.880 She needed 00:38:20.880 --> 00:38:21.519 to now begin 00:38:21.519 --> 00:38:22.179 this process 00:38:22.179 --> 00:38:22.960 of transition. 00:38:23.300 --> 00:38:23.880 Transitioning 00:38:23.880 --> 00:38:25.139 from being the mom 00:38:25.139 --> 00:38:26.199 who was in control 00:38:26.199 --> 00:38:26.759 to being 00:38:26.759 --> 00:38:27.800 now a disciple 00:38:27.800 --> 00:38:29.000 who was 00:38:29.000 --> 00:38:30.239 submissive 00:38:30.239 --> 00:38:31.019 to her savior. 00:38:32.079 --> 00:38:32.960 We find another 00:38:32.960 --> 00:38:34.280 event that takes place 00:38:34.280 --> 00:38:35.199 in John chapter 2 00:38:35.199 --> 00:38:37.719 at this wedding feast 00:38:37.719 --> 00:38:38.340 in Cana. 00:38:39.400 --> 00:38:40.860 And Mary 00:38:40.860 --> 00:38:41.639 is there again. 00:38:41.780 --> 00:38:42.759 There's a wedding 00:38:42.759 --> 00:38:43.400 that's happening 00:38:43.400 --> 00:38:44.400 and they've run 00:38:44.400 --> 00:38:45.079 out of wine. 00:38:45.079 --> 00:38:46.340 And Mary 00:38:46.340 --> 00:38:47.279 makes this request. 00:38:47.360 --> 00:38:48.039 She says this, 00:38:48.299 --> 00:38:48.679 Jesus, 00:38:49.019 --> 00:38:50.299 they have no wine. 00:38:51.619 --> 00:38:52.400 And maybe you remember 00:38:52.400 --> 00:38:53.360 how Jesus responds. 00:38:53.480 --> 00:38:54.039 He says this, 00:38:54.119 --> 00:38:54.319 woman, 00:38:55.139 --> 00:38:55.900 what does this 00:38:55.900 --> 00:38:56.539 have to do 00:38:56.539 --> 00:38:57.079 with me? 00:38:57.739 --> 00:38:58.599 My hour 00:38:58.599 --> 00:39:00.019 has not yet come. 00:39:01.619 --> 00:39:02.480 Now this was 00:39:02.480 --> 00:39:03.599 a response 00:39:03.599 --> 00:39:04.819 of respect. 00:39:04.940 --> 00:39:05.840 This is a response 00:39:05.840 --> 00:39:07.340 of gentleness. 00:39:07.960 --> 00:39:09.539 He honored 00:39:09.539 --> 00:39:10.119 his mother 00:39:10.119 --> 00:39:11.340 through this process 00:39:11.340 --> 00:39:11.880 but he wanted 00:39:11.880 --> 00:39:12.940 to help address 00:39:12.940 --> 00:39:14.059 her appropriately. 00:39:14.059 --> 00:39:14.980 no longer 00:39:14.980 --> 00:39:15.699 as mother 00:39:15.699 --> 00:39:17.219 but now 00:39:17.219 --> 00:39:18.579 recognizing 00:39:18.579 --> 00:39:19.960 that she was 00:39:19.960 --> 00:39:21.920 a woman. 00:39:22.960 --> 00:39:23.779 And he addresses 00:39:23.779 --> 00:39:24.380 her in a way 00:39:24.380 --> 00:39:25.219 that helps 00:39:25.219 --> 00:39:27.119 to indicate 00:39:27.119 --> 00:39:28.059 that he's speaking 00:39:28.059 --> 00:39:28.619 to her 00:39:28.619 --> 00:39:29.840 but he has set 00:39:29.840 --> 00:39:30.360 aside 00:39:30.360 --> 00:39:32.340 this unique 00:39:32.340 --> 00:39:33.940 role 00:39:33.940 --> 00:39:34.960 because he has 00:39:34.960 --> 00:39:35.639 a greater purpose 00:39:35.639 --> 00:39:36.039 in mind. 00:39:37.279 --> 00:39:38.039 He's serving 00:39:38.039 --> 00:39:38.500 the father. 00:39:39.139 --> 00:39:40.099 It's the father's time. 00:39:40.980 --> 00:39:41.420 My hour 00:39:41.420 --> 00:39:42.400 has not yet come. 00:39:42.400 --> 00:39:43.880 And throughout 00:39:43.880 --> 00:39:44.860 Jesus' ministry 00:39:44.860 --> 00:39:46.039 Mary is needing 00:39:46.039 --> 00:39:46.559 to learn 00:39:46.559 --> 00:39:47.280 these lessons 00:39:47.280 --> 00:39:48.220 over and over again. 00:39:48.740 --> 00:39:49.599 We find in Mark 00:39:49.599 --> 00:39:50.119 chapter 3 00:39:50.119 --> 00:39:50.700 verse 20 00:39:50.700 --> 00:39:51.760 it says 00:39:51.760 --> 00:39:53.079 speaking of Jesus 00:39:53.079 --> 00:39:54.160 then he went home 00:39:54.160 --> 00:39:55.539 and the crowd 00:39:55.539 --> 00:39:56.300 gathered again 00:39:56.300 --> 00:39:57.500 so they could not 00:39:57.500 --> 00:39:58.099 even eat 00:39:58.099 --> 00:39:59.539 and when his family 00:39:59.539 --> 00:40:00.019 heard 00:40:00.019 --> 00:40:00.820 they went out 00:40:00.820 --> 00:40:01.700 to seize him 00:40:01.700 --> 00:40:02.700 for they were saying 00:40:02.700 --> 00:40:03.860 he is out of his mind. 00:40:04.780 --> 00:40:05.800 This is a mother's heart. 00:40:06.300 --> 00:40:06.920 She recognizes 00:40:06.920 --> 00:40:07.519 her son 00:40:07.519 --> 00:40:08.480 is experiencing 00:40:08.480 --> 00:40:09.579 a lot of 00:40:09.579 --> 00:40:10.099 the crush 00:40:10.099 --> 00:40:10.639 of the crowds 00:40:10.639 --> 00:40:11.759 the overwhelming 00:40:11.759 --> 00:40:13.380 aspects of ministry. 00:40:13.619 --> 00:40:14.539 She sees that 00:40:14.539 --> 00:40:15.039 he can't even 00:40:15.039 --> 00:40:15.579 get a good 00:40:15.579 --> 00:40:16.299 meal 00:40:16.299 --> 00:40:17.599 and addressing 00:40:17.599 --> 00:40:18.480 that she seeks 00:40:18.480 --> 00:40:19.659 to go 00:40:19.659 --> 00:40:20.719 and fetch him. 00:40:22.480 --> 00:40:23.659 She didn't understand 00:40:23.659 --> 00:40:24.039 really 00:40:24.039 --> 00:40:26.059 who was in control 00:40:26.059 --> 00:40:27.159 whose timing 00:40:27.159 --> 00:40:28.500 that Jesus 00:40:28.500 --> 00:40:30.559 whose instructions 00:40:30.559 --> 00:40:31.539 Jesus was following. 00:40:32.299 --> 00:40:32.819 And then in Mark 00:40:32.819 --> 00:40:33.319 chapter 3 00:40:33.319 --> 00:40:33.880 verse 31 00:40:33.880 --> 00:40:34.619 we see this 00:40:34.619 --> 00:40:35.579 his mother 00:40:35.579 --> 00:40:36.079 and brothers 00:40:36.079 --> 00:40:36.440 came 00:40:36.440 --> 00:40:37.319 and standing 00:40:37.319 --> 00:40:37.679 outside 00:40:37.679 --> 00:40:38.179 they sent 00:40:38.179 --> 00:40:38.519 to him 00:40:38.519 --> 00:40:39.859 and called 00:40:39.859 --> 00:40:40.199 to him 00:40:40.199 --> 00:40:41.460 and a crowd 00:40:41.460 --> 00:40:41.960 was sitting 00:40:41.960 --> 00:40:42.599 around him 00:40:42.599 --> 00:40:43.719 and they said 00:40:43.719 --> 00:40:43.919 to him 00:40:43.919 --> 00:40:44.339 your mother 00:40:44.339 --> 00:40:44.960 and your brothers 00:40:44.960 --> 00:40:45.480 are outside 00:40:45.480 --> 00:40:46.199 seeking you 00:40:46.199 --> 00:40:47.399 and he answered 00:40:47.399 --> 00:40:47.679 them 00:40:47.679 --> 00:40:48.839 who are my mother 00:40:48.839 --> 00:40:49.539 and my brothers 00:40:49.539 --> 00:40:51.079 and looking about 00:40:51.079 --> 00:40:52.460 at those who sat 00:40:52.460 --> 00:40:53.059 around him 00:40:53.059 --> 00:40:53.659 he said 00:40:53.659 --> 00:40:55.619 here are my mother 00:40:55.619 --> 00:40:56.619 my brothers 00:40:56.619 --> 00:40:58.000 for whoever does 00:40:58.000 --> 00:40:58.739 the will of God 00:40:58.739 --> 00:41:00.799 he is my brother 00:41:00.799 --> 00:41:01.839 and sister 00:41:01.839 --> 00:41:02.639 and mother. 00:41:03.639 --> 00:41:04.159 Jesus 00:41:04.159 --> 00:41:05.199 is trying to 00:41:05.199 --> 00:41:05.819 reconfigure 00:41:05.819 --> 00:41:06.559 expectation 00:41:06.559 --> 00:41:07.699 he is trying 00:41:07.699 --> 00:41:08.000 to help 00:41:08.000 --> 00:41:08.460 clarify 00:41:08.460 --> 00:41:09.139 identity 00:41:09.139 --> 00:41:10.259 he wants 00:41:10.259 --> 00:41:11.519 to transform 00:41:11.519 --> 00:41:12.880 help realign 00:41:12.880 --> 00:41:13.480 Mary's heart 00:41:13.480 --> 00:41:14.219 to recognize 00:41:14.219 --> 00:41:15.719 who he really 00:41:15.719 --> 00:41:16.199 is. 00:41:17.559 --> 00:41:18.340 There is learning 00:41:18.340 --> 00:41:18.980 moments 00:41:18.980 --> 00:41:20.019 that Mary 00:41:20.019 --> 00:41:20.880 needs to grow 00:41:20.880 --> 00:41:21.719 in her perspective 00:41:21.719 --> 00:41:23.820 he wasn't her 00:41:23.820 --> 00:41:24.759 little boy 00:41:24.759 --> 00:41:25.179 anymore 00:41:25.179 --> 00:41:25.739 and she needed 00:41:25.739 --> 00:41:26.679 to recognize 00:41:26.679 --> 00:41:27.279 that Jesus 00:41:27.279 --> 00:41:27.840 in fact 00:41:27.840 --> 00:41:28.779 was her Lord 00:41:28.779 --> 00:41:29.679 and her Savior 00:41:29.679 --> 00:41:31.059 and so when we 00:41:31.059 --> 00:41:31.840 come to Acts 00:41:31.840 --> 00:41:32.519 chapter 1 00:41:32.519 --> 00:41:33.340 right back 00:41:33.340 --> 00:41:33.980 where we started 00:41:33.980 --> 00:41:35.079 we see now 00:41:35.079 --> 00:41:35.880 the culmination 00:41:36.559 --> 00:41:37.519 of that work 00:41:37.519 --> 00:41:38.219 of God 00:41:38.219 --> 00:41:39.019 in her heart 00:41:39.019 --> 00:41:40.619 to help her 00:41:40.619 --> 00:41:41.659 to draw her 00:41:41.659 --> 00:41:42.259 close 00:41:42.259 --> 00:41:43.480 into teaching 00:41:43.480 --> 00:41:43.860 her 00:41:43.860 --> 00:41:45.340 how to abide 00:41:45.340 --> 00:41:46.960 that was the goal 00:41:46.960 --> 00:41:48.820 Acts chapter 1 00:41:48.820 --> 00:41:50.019 verses 13 and 14 00:41:50.019 --> 00:41:50.480 and when 00:41:50.480 --> 00:41:51.559 they had entered 00:41:51.559 --> 00:41:52.159 they went up 00:41:52.159 --> 00:41:52.920 to the upper room 00:41:52.920 --> 00:41:53.380 where they were 00:41:53.380 --> 00:41:53.840 staying 00:41:53.840 --> 00:41:55.000 Peter and John 00:41:55.000 --> 00:41:56.000 and James and Andrew 00:41:56.000 --> 00:41:57.199 Philip and Thomas 00:41:57.199 --> 00:41:58.000 Bartholomew 00:41:58.000 --> 00:41:58.940 and Matthew 00:41:58.940 --> 00:42:00.960 James the son 00:42:00.960 --> 00:42:01.539 of Elpheus 00:42:01.539 --> 00:42:02.880 and Simon the Zelliot 00:42:02.880 --> 00:42:03.940 and Judas 00:42:03.940 --> 00:42:04.340 the son 00:42:04.340 --> 00:42:04.840 of James 00:42:04.840 --> 00:42:06.059 all these 00:42:06.059 --> 00:42:07.300 with one accord 00:42:07.300 --> 00:42:08.220 were devoting 00:42:08.220 --> 00:42:09.019 themselves to prayer 00:42:09.019 --> 00:42:10.559 together with the woman 00:42:10.559 --> 00:42:11.579 and Mary 00:42:11.579 --> 00:42:13.019 Mary 00:42:13.019 --> 00:42:14.440 the mother of Jesus 00:42:14.440 --> 00:42:15.579 and his brothers 00:42:15.579 --> 00:42:16.820 Mary 00:42:16.820 --> 00:42:18.500 is finally in a place 00:42:18.500 --> 00:42:19.539 of believing 00:42:19.539 --> 00:42:21.480 Mary is finally 00:42:21.480 --> 00:42:22.220 in a spot 00:42:22.220 --> 00:42:23.880 of understanding 00:42:23.880 --> 00:42:25.380 Mary has come 00:42:25.380 --> 00:42:25.980 to a place 00:42:25.980 --> 00:42:26.360 she's 00:42:26.360 --> 00:42:26.920 her heart 00:42:26.920 --> 00:42:27.920 has been transformed 00:42:27.920 --> 00:42:28.820 her faith 00:42:28.820 --> 00:42:29.480 is now 00:42:29.480 --> 00:42:30.400 demonstrating 00:42:30.400 --> 00:42:31.260 the 00:42:31.260 --> 00:42:32.019 the 00:42:32.019 --> 00:42:32.740 confession 00:42:32.740 --> 00:42:33.680 of who Jesus 00:42:33.680 --> 00:42:34.460 really is 00:42:34.460 --> 00:42:34.960 she's come 00:42:34.960 --> 00:42:36.220 to behold him 00:42:36.220 --> 00:42:37.840 as Lord and Savior 00:42:37.840 --> 00:42:39.139 not just as son 00:42:39.139 --> 00:42:41.440 and that's where 00:42:41.440 --> 00:42:42.000 we must all 00:42:42.000 --> 00:42:42.680 eventually come 00:42:42.680 --> 00:42:44.360 we must all 00:42:44.360 --> 00:42:45.039 eventually come 00:42:45.039 --> 00:42:45.519 to the place 00:42:45.519 --> 00:42:46.139 of recognizing 00:42:46.139 --> 00:42:47.019 the true identity 00:42:47.019 --> 00:42:48.639 of who Jesus is 00:42:48.639 --> 00:42:49.760 recognizing 00:42:49.760 --> 00:42:50.900 not just for what 00:42:50.900 --> 00:42:52.240 we can get out of him 00:42:52.240 --> 00:42:54.000 or what we can tell him 00:42:54.000 --> 00:42:54.340 to do 00:42:54.340 --> 00:42:55.079 but recognizing 00:42:55.079 --> 00:42:56.180 that he is worthy 00:42:56.180 --> 00:42:56.960 of our worship 00:42:56.960 --> 00:42:57.760 he is worthy 00:42:57.760 --> 00:42:58.420 of our obedience 00:42:58.420 --> 00:42:59.179 he is worthy 00:42:59.179 --> 00:42:59.880 of our devotion 00:42:59.880 --> 00:43:03.340 we must embrace him 00:43:03.340 --> 00:43:04.920 embrace him 00:43:04.920 --> 00:43:06.000 in totality 00:43:06.000 --> 00:43:07.260 so we learn 00:43:07.260 --> 00:43:07.679 from Mary 00:43:07.679 --> 00:43:09.019 we learn from her 00:43:09.019 --> 00:43:10.019 example of drawing 00:43:10.019 --> 00:43:10.420 close 00:43:10.420 --> 00:43:12.240 and teaching us 00:43:12.240 --> 00:43:13.119 how to abide 00:43:13.119 --> 00:43:13.740 may the Lord 00:43:13.740 --> 00:43:14.420 help us 00:43:14.420 --> 00:43:15.900 to learn these 00:43:15.900 --> 00:43:16.360 lessons 00:43:16.360 --> 00:43:18.019 and be instructed 00:43:18.019 --> 00:43:18.460 as well 00:43:18.460 --> 00:43:19.079 just like Mary 00:43:19.079 --> 00:43:19.440 was 00:43:19.440 --> 00:43:21.179 Father we thank you 00:43:21.179 --> 00:43:22.720 thank you for this 00:43:22.720 --> 00:43:23.099 example 00:43:23.099 --> 00:43:23.760 this example 00:43:23.760 --> 00:43:24.760 that we get 00:43:24.760 --> 00:43:25.360 of Mary 00:43:25.360 --> 00:43:27.559 her innocent 00:43:27.559 --> 00:43:28.440 and sometimes 00:43:28.440 --> 00:43:28.860 naive 00:43:28.860 --> 00:43:30.680 faith and obedience 00:43:30.680 --> 00:43:31.120 in you 00:43:31.120 --> 00:43:32.720 but she was 00:43:32.720 --> 00:43:34.000 a work in progress 00:43:34.000 --> 00:43:35.180 her heart 00:43:35.180 --> 00:43:36.500 was pliable 00:43:36.500 --> 00:43:37.340 and tender 00:43:37.340 --> 00:43:38.400 and willing 00:43:38.400 --> 00:43:39.099 to be instructed 00:43:39.099 --> 00:43:40.519 thank you for her 00:43:40.519 --> 00:43:40.920 example 00:43:40.920 --> 00:43:41.559 Lord may 00:43:41.559 --> 00:43:42.640 may we follow 00:43:42.640 --> 00:43:43.559 in her steps 00:43:43.559 --> 00:43:44.579 as we're following 00:43:44.579 --> 00:43:45.120 especially 00:43:45.120 --> 00:43:46.420 after the steps 00:43:46.420 --> 00:43:47.000 of our Savior 00:43:47.000 --> 00:43:48.160 our Lord Jesus Christ 00:43:48.160 --> 00:43:49.780 who sets the ultimate 00:43:49.780 --> 00:43:50.860 and perfect example 00:43:50.860 --> 00:43:51.880 who is worthy 00:43:51.880 --> 00:43:52.599 of our worship 00:43:52.599 --> 00:43:53.460 and our praise 00:43:53.460 --> 00:43:55.119 and so Lord 00:43:55.119 --> 00:43:55.619 I pray that you 00:43:55.619 --> 00:43:56.299 would go before us 00:43:56.299 --> 00:43:56.719 this week 00:43:56.719 --> 00:43:57.940 and that you 00:43:57.940 --> 00:43:58.880 would tune our hearts 00:43:58.880 --> 00:44:00.019 to do that 00:44:00.019 --> 00:44:01.480 to sing your praise 00:44:01.480 --> 00:44:02.559 in Jesus name 00:44:02.559 --> 00:44:03.219 Amen 00:44:03.219 --> 00:44:04.639 God bless you 00:44:04.639 --> 00:44:05.400 have a great 00:44:05.400 --> 00:44:05.860 Mother's Day 00:44:05.860 --> 00:44:06.579 thanks for coming 00:44:07.279 --> 00:44:08.239 that you 00:44:08.239 --> 00:44:08.239 00:44:08.239 --> 00:44:08.239 00:44:08.239 --> 00:44:09.779 that you 00:44:09.779 --> 00:44:10.779 have a great 00:44:10.779 --> 00:44:10.779 00:44:10.779 --> 00:44:11.559 that you 00:44:11.559 --> 00:44:12.319 have a great 00:44:12.319 --> 00:44:12.960 love 00:44:12.960 --> 00:44:14.079 that you 00:44:14.079 --> 00:44:14.079 00:44:14.079 --> 00:44:14.079 00:44:14.079 --> 00:44:14.860 that you 00:44:14.860 --> 00:44:16.019 have a great 00:44:16.019 --> 00:44:16.759 love 00:44:16.759 --> 00:44:17.400 that you 00:44:17.400 --> 00:44:17.400 00:44:17.400 --> 00:44:17.779 love 00:44:17.779 --> 00:44:18.699 that you 00:44:18.699 --> 00:44:19.440 have a great 00:44:19.440 --> 00:44:21.179 love 00:44:21.179 --> 00:44:21.179 00:44:21.179 --> 00:44:21.179 00:44:21.179 --> 00:44:21.179 00:44:21.179 --> 00:44:22.000 that you 00:44:22.000 --> 00:44:23.440 have a great 00:44:23.440 --> 00:44:23.440 00:44:23.440 --> 00:44:24.139 that you 00:44:24.139 --> 00:44:25.960 have a great 00:44:25.960 --> 00:44:26.420 love 00:44:26.420 --> 00:44:27.199 that you 00:44:27.199 --> 00:44:28.619 have a great 00:44:28.619 --> 00:44:29.960 love 00:44:29.960 --> 00:44:31.039 that you 00:44:31.039 --> 00:44:32.239 have a great 00:44:32.239 --> 00:44:32.819 love 00:44:32.819 --> 00:44:33.639 that you 00:44:33.639 --> 00:44:34.579 have a great 00:44:34.579 --> 00:44:35.940 love 00:44:35.940 --> 00:44:35.940 00:44:35.940 --> 00:44:35.940