Oct. 5 Study

Women of Courage – The Study of Mary, the mother of Jesus – Oct 5

Question 3: Nazareth in geography was in ways similar to Phelan, somewhat rural with views of hills.  Mary descended from the line of David through Nathan, rather than the kingly line of Solomon – how did her family carry that?  It must have been sweet, yet perhaps humbling.  It is precious to think that this family rank did not matter, or perhaps it really did, to our God when He chose the woman to be the earthly mother to His Son.  Mary must have led a joyful yet work-filled life, preparing for her betrothal at what we would consider a very early age.   How much effort must Mary’s parents have put forth in choosing a husband for their daughter, and yet the match was clear God planned and ordained.  How sweet to think about our own children, our prayers for their future spouses, and the plans God has for them.

Question 4: Mary must have had many mixed feelings: shock, confusion, being overwhelmed.  She obviously would have been familiar with the prophesies of the messiah, and the stories of old of angels appearing to various people throughout the ages, and yet, it must have been a shock to actually see Gabriel standing there.  Note that Mary did not crumble before the angel, nor flee from being alone with a “man” form – she must have had an inner strength.  It bring to mind the verse that says: “We can do all things through [Christ] who gives us strength”.  Hearing his message may also have caused her to stop and rethink the direction of her life and realize that all her plans will immediately change.  She was truly troubled by the message, yet she stood on the promises of God.  Sometimes God causes us to just stop and wait, and even change direction of our lives.  His plans sometimes seems to go opposite of ours.  Mary’s faith must have been so great to respond with, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord!  Let it be to me according to your word”. 

God provided Mary with comfort and strength as is indicated in Luke 1:37, “For with God nothing will be impossible”.  What a beautiful promise from God!  2 Cor 1:20 indicates that Jesus is the yes and the Amen to this promise God made to Mary. 

Question 5: God’s timing and provision is amazing.  It must have been comforting to Mary to have someone so dear to her to be able to talk and share with her, who would really understand what was happening.  God brought these two pregnant women together for this brief period to support each other in their miraculous experiences.  How many of us have had experiences that we need to talk about with someone, yet we must choose who we speak with about it because only certain people with understand.  Yet God provides.  Even if only for a brief period.  God gives us fellowship to help us recharge and gain confirmation of the truth on a regular basis through our church and sometimes intense fellowship with specific individuals for a season.  Mary got confirmation that her situation was truly from God as soon as she walked into Elizabeth’s house. 

God likely also very much used Mary and Elizabeth’s age difference to build up and support each of the women.  Elizabeth, being much older, may have been a motherly, mentor figure to Mary, which would have been very encouraging to her.  Mary, being younger and more energetic, must have also encouraged Elizabeth in her spiritual energy and also her physical well-being at the end of her pregnancy.