Mary Did You Know

Introduction: A couple of weeks ago we briefly looked at the Christmas Carol, “What Child is This?” One of the lines says, “What child is this, who, laid to rest, on Mary’s lap is sleeping?” The author of this carol goes on to answer the question when he says, This child is “the babe, the son of Mary.”​

One of my favorite songs is, “Mary Did You Know?” While there were things the angel did reveal to Mary, I think she learned

The​ ​opening​ ​lines​ ​to​ ​William​ ​Chatterton​ ​Dix's​ ​famous​ ​Christmas​ ​carol​ ​ask​ ​a​ ​poignant​ ​question. "What​ ​child​ ​is​ ​this,​ ​who,​ ​laid​ ​to​ ​rest,​ ​on​ ​Mary's​ ​lap​ ​is​ ​sleeping?" Dix​ ​goes​ ​on​ ​to​ ​answer​ ​this​ ​question​ ​in​ ​part​ ​during​ ​the​ ​last​ ​line​ ​of​ ​the​ ​repeated​ ​chorus.​ ​​ ​This​ ​child​ ​is "the​ ​babe,​ ​the​ ​son​ ​of​ ​Mary."​

Scripture Introduction: Luke's​ ​gospel​ ​tells​ ​how​ ​Mary's​ ​son​ ​would​ ​be​ ​conceived​ ​and​ ​that​ ​his  name​ ​would​ ​be​ ​Jesus.​ ​​ ​Mary​ ​learns​ ​of​ ​this​ ​news​ ​in​ ​a​ ​unique​ ​and​ ​unforgettable​ ​way​ ​as​ ​recorded​ ​in

From this passage we learn that the baby would have . . .

He Resembles His Father

Reflections of His Father

Explanation

As with any child, attributes and characteristics of the parents can be recognized and see in the child. Jesus was unlike any baby that had been previously born, because He did not have an earthly Father, but a Heavenly one. The angel makes it clear to Mary, who was still a virgin at this time, that the child that would be conceived would not come through the normal processes of biology, but rather through the power and intervention of the Holy Spirit. Yes, He would be the son of Mary, but He would also be the Son of God!

Note

Hebrews 1:3 ESV

He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

The child referenced in the carol is God in the flesh and Jesus Christ embodied the EXACT representation of God the Father who had Jesus conceived in Mary’s womb by way of the Holy Spirit. Thus, Jesus is FULLY God. That is WHO this child is that we sign about. However, it’s also important to note the Jesus is also FULLY man. He “is the Son of Mary.” The Apostle Paul speaks to this characteristic of Jesus in

Philippians 2:5–11 ESV

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

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characteristics​ ​of​ ​both​ ​a​ ​child's​ ​mother​ ​and​ ​father​ ​can​ ​be​ ​recognized​ ​and​ ​on​ ​display.​ ​​ ​The​ ​angel​ ​told  the​ ​virgin​ ​Mary​ ​in​ ​the​ ​passage​ ​above,​ ​what​ ​was​ ​conceived​ ​in​ ​her​ ​was​ ​not​ ​from​ ​man,​ ​but​ ​rather,​ ​from  The​ ​Holy​ ​Spirit​ ​of​ ​God.​ ​​ ​John's​ ​gospel​ ​says,​ ​"God​ ​is​ ​spirit…"​ ​(John​ ​4:24)​ ​And​ ​Hebrews​ ​1:3​ ​states​ ​the  following​ ​about​ ​who​ ​this​ ​child​ ​is​ ​that​ ​was​ ​born​ ​in​ ​the​ ​manger​ ​in​ ​Bethlehem. 

Hebrews 1:3 ESV

He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

Illustration

Thus,​ ​the​ ​child​ ​referenced​ ​in​ ​the​ ​Christmas​ ​carol​ ​is​ ​God​ ​in​ ​the​ ​flesh​ ​that​ ​embodies​ ​the​ ​exact  representation​ ​of​ ​God​ ​the​ ​Father​ ​who​ ​conceived​ ​Jesus​ ​in​ ​the​ ​womb​ ​of​ ​Mary​ ​by​ ​way​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Holy​ ​Spirit.  Thus,​ ​Jesus​ ​is​ ​fully​ ​God.​ ​​ ​That​ ​is​ ​who​ ​this​ ​child​ ​is​ ​that​ ​is​ ​sung​ ​about​ ​in​ ​the​ ​Christmas​ ​carol.​ ​​ ​However,  Jesus​ ​also​ ​is​ ​fully​ ​human​ ​because​ ​as​ ​both​ ​the​ ​Scriptures​ ​and​ ​the​ ​Christmas​ ​carol​ ​state,​ ​he​ ​is​ ​"the​ ​son  of​ ​Mary."​ ​​ ​The​ ​Apostle​ ​Paul​ ​speaks​ ​to​ ​this​ ​phenomenon​ ​and​ ​unique​ ​characteristic​ ​of​ ​Jesus,​ ​son​ ​of  God​ ​and​ ​son​ ​of​ ​Mary,​ ​in​ ​Philippians​ ​2. 

There is another passage of Scripture that helps us understand exactly who this Christ-child was. In fact, it makes it explicitly clear that Jesus Christ was God robed in human flesh. Listen to the words of John in

John 1:1–5 ESV

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

John 1:14 ESV

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

One of my favorite songs is “Mary Did You Know?” In one line of this song it asks the question:

Philippians 2:6–8 ESV

who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod? And when you kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God

You kiss the face of God?

Application

Dear friend, please understand how vitally important the virgin birth and the incarnation is. Jesus was not just another man, He was not just another prophet, He was not just another religious figure.

Jesus Christ was God robed in human flesh, who came to this earth to RESCUE you from the penalty and power of YOUR sins.

He was born that YOU might have life and be adopted into the family of God. When YOU and I are adopted into God’s family and God becomes our spiritual Father, we will begin to resemble Him as well. We become new creations in Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit moves into our lives and changes us from the inside out to help us look more like our Father!

Reflections of His Mother

He Resembles His Mother

Explanation:

Not only did Jesus reflect His Heavenly Father, but Jesus reflected His mother as well. Too often people exalt Mary too highly, or do not exalt her at all. However, we must present Mary, just as Scripture presents her. She was chosen by her Creator to be the mother of our Lord. While we should not pray to her and while we should not believe that she was somehow sinless, remained a virgin after Christ was born, and that she never faced death, we should acknowledge that she was a special lady chosen for a very special task.

A​ ​son​ ​having​ ​attributes​ ​and​ ​characteristics​ ​of​ ​his​ ​mother​ ​does​ ​not​ ​make​ ​him​ ​any​ ​less​ ​male.​ ​​ ​Rather,​ ​it  simply​ ​completes​ ​the​ ​design​ ​of​ ​who​ ​God​ ​created​ ​this​ ​son​ ​to​ ​be​ ​that​ ​includes​ ​imprints​ ​or​ ​reflections  of​ ​his​ ​mother​ ​as​ ​one​ ​of​ ​her​ ​son's​ ​parents. 

For instance you find Jesus dealing without people, especially children, with compassion, patience and tenderness. In a society where children may have seemed to be a nuisance or to be “seen and not heard,” Jesus takes the time to value children over and over again. Other people, whom society marginalized, Jesus gave to them dignity and He reached out to them and embraced them and blessed them with appropriate and meaningful interaction.

Notice with me some parallels between Christ and His mother . . .

Mary, was a lady, described by the angel of the Lord as a person who found favor with God. We can only assume that she displayed the same type of compassion, patience and tenderness in her own life as a woman and a mother. Who else would gave have to raise His Son? He would grow up to display these attributes as well.    

​Mary,​ ​described​ ​by​ ​the​ ​angel​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Lord​ ​as​ ​one​ ​who​ ​has​ ​found​ ​favor  with​ ​God,​ ​must​ ​have​ ​displayed​ ​similar​ ​compassion,​ ​patience,​ ​and​ ​tenderness​ ​in​ ​her​ ​own​ ​life​ ​as​ ​a  woman​ ​and​ ​mother.​ ​​ ​This​ ​child​ ​mentioned​ ​in​ ​the​ ​carol​ ​is​ ​the​ ​one​ ​who​ ​lay​ ​sleeping​ ​on​ ​Mary's​ ​lap​ ​as​ ​a  babe,​ ​but​ ​one​ ​day​ ​would​ ​grow​ ​to​ ​exhibit​ ​care​ ​and​ ​compassion​ ​to​ ​others​ ​just​ ​as​ ​his​ ​mother​ ​displayed  to​ ​him.   

See “Reflections of Mary” below and add here . . .

​​ ​It​ ​is​ ​interesting​ ​to​ ​see​ ​how  some​ ​of​ ​the​ ​descriptions​ ​of​ ​God​ ​in​ ​the​ ​Bible​ ​include​ ​motherly​ ​language​ ​and​ ​imagery.   

Both​ ​Mary​ ​and​ ​Jesus​ ​Receive​d ​a​ ​Mission​ ​that Required ​Great​ ​Faith in​ ​their​ ​Heavenly​ ​Father.​ ​​

Notice again

Luke 1:38 ESV

And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

When​ ​Jesus​ ​grew​ ​to​ ​adulthood​ ​and​ ​was​ ​in​ ​the​ ​Garden​ ​of​ ​Gethsemane​ ​praying​ ​about​ ​the​ ​mission​ ​he  had​ ​been​ ​given​ ​to​ ​go​ ​to​ ​the​ ​cross​ ​to​ ​die​ ​for​ ​the​ ​sins​ ​of​ ​all​ ​humanity,​ ​he,​ ​like​ ​his​ ​mother,​ ​prayed​ ​a  prayer​ ​of​ ​humble​ ​submission​ ​to​ ​his​ ​Heavenly​ ​Father.​ ​​ ​Again,​ ​Luke's​ ​gospel​ ​records​ ​the​ ​prayerful​ ​and  submissive​ ​interaction.

Luke 22:41–44 ESV

And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

PERSONAL APPLICATION

Both​ ​Mary​ ​and​ ​Jesus​ ​Suffered Immensely in Order to See God’s Will Accomplished

The​ ​scene​ ​above​ ​described​ ​a​ ​glimpse​ ​into​ ​the​ ​difficulty​ ​Jesus​ ​endured​ ​in​ ​those​ ​moments  before​ ​his​ ​arrest​ ​that​ ​would​ ​lead​ ​to​ ​the​ ​cross.​ ​​ ​A​ ​brief​ ​scene​ ​after​ ​the​ ​birth​ ​of​ ​Jesus​ ​in​ ​Luke's​ ​gospel  shows​ ​a​ ​prophetic​ ​word​ ​for​ ​Mary​ ​that​ ​likewise,​ ​included​ ​pain​ ​and​ ​sorrow.

Luke 2:33–35 ESV

And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. And Simeon blessed 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 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

Think about this prophecy by Simeon. The time of dedication at the temple was a joyous occasion, and rightly so. However, God sent Mary a reminder, via Simeon, that Jesus’ had a role and a purpose that would involve suffering for them both. She would experience a “heart piercing moment” when she watched her Son pour out His life on the cross for the sins of the world. The Christmas Carol, “What Child is This” alludes to this role when it says:  

This​ ​prophecy​ ​concerning​ ​ramifications​ ​surrounding​ ​her​ ​child​ ​also​ ​is​ ​echoed​ ​in​ ​the​ ​lyrics​ ​of​ ​the  Christmas​ ​carol​ ​we​ ​are​ ​examining.​ ​​ ​Notice​ ​these​ ​lines​ ​from​ ​the​ ​second​ ​stanza.   

"Nails,​ ​spears​ ​shall​ ​pierce​ ​him​ ​through,​ ​the​ ​cross​ ​he​ ​bore​ ​for​ ​me,​ ​for​ ​you.​ ​​ ​Hail,​ ​hail​ ​the​ ​Word​ ​made  flesh,​ ​the​ ​Babe,​ ​the​ ​Son​ ​of​ ​Mary."   

This is why ​​Jesus was in agony emotionally, mentally, spiritually and soon would be physically when praying in the Garden about the mission He was called to complete.    

​ ​​ ​Both​ ​his​ ​heart​ ​and​ ​hers​ ​would​ ​be​ ​pierced​ ​from​ ​the​ ​cross​ ​experience.​ ​​ ​This​ ​is​ ​part​ ​of​ ​the​ ​answer  to…What​ ​child​ ​is​ ​this?   

I can only imagine she heart and mind went back to this prophecy made some 30 years earlier when she was standing by the cross. The Gospel of John reminds us of this event . . . 

John 19:25 ESV

but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.

Jesus'​ ​mother​ ​did not leave​ ​him​ ​or​ ​forsake​ ​Him, ​in​ ​his​ ​hour​ ​of​ ​need.​ ​​ ​Likewise,​ ​one  of​ ​the​ ​characteristics​ ​of​ ​Jesus​ ​is​ ​the​ ​one​ ​that​ ​reminds​ ​us​ ​of​ ​His​ ​continual​ ​presence​ ​with​ ​us​ ​as​ ​his  followers.​ ​​ ​In​ ​fact,​ ​one​ ​of​ ​his​ ​names​ ​is​ ​Immanuel:​ ​The​ ​God​ ​who​ ​is​ ​with​ ​us.​ ​​ ​Mary was with Jesus in His darkest hour and deepest pain. Jesus,​ ​is​ also ​with​ ​us​ ​in​ ​our​ ​darkest​ ​hour​ ​and​ ​deepest​ ​pain.​ ​​ ​Jesus​ ​told​ ​his​ ​followers​ ​that​ ​no​ ​matter​ ​what,  he​ ​would​ ​be​ ​with​ ​them​ ​always,​ ​even​ ​to​ ​the​ ​end​ ​of​ ​the​ ​age.​ ​(Matthew​ ​28:20)    

One​ ​of​ ​the​ ​most​ ​powerful​ ​scenes​ ​of​ ​compassion​ ​and​ ​care​ ​that​ ​we​ ​mutually​ ​see​ ​displayed​ ​in​ ​the​ ​lives of​ ​Mary​ ​and​ ​Jesus​ ​toward​ ​one​ ​another​ ​is​ ​this​ ​scene​ ​referenced​ ​above​ ​where​ ​Mary​ ​is​ ​near​ ​Jesus​ ​when  he​ ​is​ ​on​ ​the​ ​cross.​ ​​ ​While​ ​Mary​ ​seeks​ ​to​ ​be​ ​near,​ ​comforting​ ​and​ ​supporting​ ​her​ ​son,​ ​likewise,​ ​we​ ​see  the​ ​compassion​ ​and​ ​care​ ​of​ ​the​ ​son​ ​of​ ​Mary​ ​back​ ​to​ ​his​ ​mother​ ​in​ ​this​ ​same​ ​moment.   

John 19:26–27 ESV

When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.

What​ ​an​ ​incredible​ ​picture​ ​of​ ​love​ ​and​ ​compassion​ ​Jesus​ ​displayed​ ​toward​ ​his​ ​mother.​ ​​ ​While​ ​he  hung​ ​there​ ​dying,​ ​he​ ​had​ ​the​ ​capacity​ ​to​ ​make​ ​sure​ ​she​ ​was​ ​taken​ ​care​ ​of​ ​in​ ​his​ ​absence.​ ​​ ​This​ ​helps complete​ ​one's​ ​understanding​ ​to​ ​the​ ​question​ ​of​ ​what​ ​child​ ​this​ ​is​ ​and​ ​would​ ​grow​ ​to​ ​be.​ ​​ ​He​ ​would  be​ ​the​ ​one​ ​who​ ​loved​ ​others​ ​and​ ​loved​ ​his​ ​family​ ​to​ ​the​ ​very​ ​end.​ ​​ ​He​ ​was​ ​selfless​ ​and​ ​sacrificing  beyond​ ​measure.​ ​​ ​He​ ​was​ ​kind​ ​and​ ​considerate​ ​even​ ​when​ ​experiencing​ ​his​ ​worst​ ​day​ ​in​ ​the​ ​worst  way.​ ​​ ​He​ ​was​ ​the​ ​one​ ​who​ ​came​ ​willingly​ ​to​ ​go​ ​through​ ​the​ ​worst​ ​so​ ​that​ ​we,​ ​too,​ ​might​ ​be​ ​made  family​ ​and​ ​have​ ​provision​ ​through​ ​his​ ​death​ ​and​ ​because​ ​of​ ​his​ ​life.​ ​​ ​For​ ​not​ ​only​ ​was​ ​this​ ​child​ ​the  one​ ​who​ ​was​ ​born​ ​in​ ​the​ ​manger​ ​in​ ​Bethlehem,​ ​but​ ​also,​ ​he​ ​would​ ​be​ ​the​ ​first​ ​born​ ​from​ ​the​ ​dead.  And​ ​His​ ​re-birth​ ​gives​ ​all​ ​people​ ​the​ ​opportunity​ ​to​ ​be​ ​born​ ​again​ ​and​ ​saved​ ​from​ ​our​ ​sins,​ ​just​ ​as  Mary​ ​came​ ​to​ ​understand.

FINAL APPLICATIONS

Fulfilling God’s Will for Your Life Will Require You to Exercise Trust in Your Heavenly Father and His Plan

Both Mary and Jesus demonstrated trust in the Father’s plan. As already mentioned she said in

Luke 1:38 ESV

And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

She knew this may mean misunderstanding, shame, ridicule and inconvenience. However, none of that was more important than doing God’s will. She loved God so much she was willing to present herself as a living sacrifice to God. Even though it made no sense to her biologically, she still yielded herself to God and said, “God here I am. I am Your willing vessel. You want to use me, even though it will cost me, I am YOURS!”

Jesus did the same in the Garden. Humanly speaking He knew the physical agonies that awaited Him as He would be tortured all night and morning and then crucified. As God He knew what awaited Him when the Father’s wrath for my sin and YOURS would be poured out upon Him during those 6 hours on the cross and He said, “Not MY will but YOUR will be done.”

Let’s ask ourselves a pointed question this morning. Are we willing to TRUST our Heavenly Father’s plan? I hear people say all the time, “I don’t want to move away from my kids” or “I don’t want my kids to move away from me.” But what if that’s the Father’s plan? What if the role He has for YOU to play in HIS kingdom involves you leaving your comfort zone or involves the children He has allowed you to borrow for a time, to serve Him in a third world country?

What if His plan costs you financially? I know the health and wealth preachers try to paint this picture that serving God and having great faith will lead to a life of financial ease. Not necessarily. There were times in Jesus’ ministry that He said He didn’t even have a place to lay His head.

Dear friend, if you follow Jesus it will require you to exercise FAITH and TRUST in a loving Heavenly Father, even when YOU do not understand.

When You Cannot See God’s Hand You Can Trust God’s Heart

Fulfilling God’s Will for Your Life May Include Temporary Pain and Sorrow Instead of Glitz and Glamour

Jesus trusted God’s plan when He prayed in the Garden. Humanly speaking He knew the physical agonies that awaited Him as He would be tortured all night and morning and then crucified. As God He knew what awaited Him when the Father’s wrath for my sin and YOURS would be poured out upon Him during those 6 hours on the cross and He said, “Not MY will but YOUR will be done.”

What if His plan costs you pain financially? I know the health and wealth preachers try to paint this picture that serving God and having great faith will lead to a life of financial ease. Not necessarily. There were times in Jesus’ ministry that He said He didn’t even have a place to lay His head. I know people today, that are unwilling to do God’s will because of the financial cost and risk involved. They are focused on the “short game,” not the “long game.” Although they may think they are winning in the short term they will lose far more than they will ever gain.

One last reminder before we close today . . .

Fulfilling God’s Will for Your Life Will Always Include a Blessing and Benefit for Someone Else

As one song said, “Mary wrapped a present for the world.” Because Mary fulfilled God’s plan for her life, she experienced blessings beyond measure. I’m talking about blessings that money cannot buy. Blessings like having the privilege and opportunity to raise, nurse, teach, train, hug and hold the Son of God. But these blessings overflowed to Joseph, and the rest of Mary’s children who would be born later. The blessings overflowed to Jesus’ hometown of Nazareth. Because of Mary’s obedience her family and community were blessed and benefited from knowing and rubbing shoulders with the Son of God.

Because of Jesus’ obedience to His Father’s plan and His willingness to lay down His life, the whole earth would be blessed! If you know Christ as YOUR Lord and Savior today YOU are blessed because He fulfilled the Father’s will.

But remember, when YOU fulfill the Father’s will, YOU aren’t the only one that is blessed and benefited by those choices. Others who look to you as an example, others who are following in your footsteps, others who are counting on you are blessed beyond measure as well. Don’t think that what you are doing for the cause of Christ is insignificant or overlooked . . . you obedience always in some way blesses and benefits others.

​It​ ​is​ ​interesting​ ​to​ ​see​ ​how  some​ ​of​ ​the​ ​descriptions​ ​of​ ​God​ ​in​ ​the​ ​Bible​ ​include​ ​motherly​ ​language​ ​and​ ​imagery.   

In​ ​ ​we​ ​see​ ​God​ ​comforting​ ​his​ ​people​ ​like​ ​a​ ​mother​ ​comforts​ ​her​ ​child. 

Isaiah 66:13 ESV

As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.

In​ ​​ ​we​ ​see​ ​God​ ​compared​ ​to​ ​a​ ​nursing​ ​mother​ ​who​ ​would​ ​never​ ​forget​ ​his​ ​child. 

Isaiah 49:15 ESV

“Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you.

In​ ​​ ​we​ ​see​ ​God​ ​being​ ​compared​ ​to​ ​a​ ​mother​ ​eagle​ ​hovering​ ​over​ ​her​ ​young. 

Deuteronomy 32:11–12 ESV

Like an eagle that stirs up its nest, that flutters over its young, spreading out its wings, catching them, bearing them on its pinions, the Lord alone guided him, no foreign god was with him.

The​ ​psalms​ ​describe​ ​God​ ​as​ ​one​ ​caring​ ​for​ ​his​ ​people​ ​like​ ​a​ ​midwife​ ​cares​ ​for​ ​the​ ​child​ ​just​ ​delivered. 

Psalm 22:9–10 ESV

Yet you are he who took me from the womb; you made me trust you at my mother’s breasts. On you was I cast from my birth, and from my mother’s womb you have been my God.

Psalm 71:6 ESV

Upon you I have leaned from before my birth; you are he who took me from my mother’s womb. My praise is continually of you.

God​ ​in​ ​his​ ​fury​ ​is​ ​depicted​ ​as​ ​a​ ​mother​ ​bear​ ​robbed​ ​of​ ​her​ ​cubs​ ​from​ ​the​ ​Old​ ​Testament​ ​prophet  Hosea. 

Hosea 13:8 ESV

I will fall upon them like a bear robbed of her cubs; I will tear open their breast, and there I will devour them like a lion, as a wild beast would rip them open.

In​ ​the​ ​gospel​ ​of​ ​Luke,​ ​when​ ​Jesus​ ​longs​ ​for​ ​the​ ​people​ ​of​ ​Jerusalem,​ ​he​ ​compares​ ​himself​ ​as​ ​a​ ​mother  hen​ ​longing​ ​to​ ​gather​ ​her​ ​chicks​ ​under​ ​her​ ​wings. 

Luke 13:34 ESV

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!

Reflections of Mary

Additionally,​ ​both​ ​Mary​ ​and​ ​Jesus​ ​display​ ​strong​ ​lives​ ​that​ ​are​ ​willing​ ​to​ ​receive​ ​a​ ​mission​ ​that  includes​ ​great​ ​faith,​ ​hope,​ ​and​ ​trust​ ​in​ ​their​ ​Heavenly​ ​Father.​ ​​ ​

Luke 1:38 ESV

And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

When​ ​Jesus​ ​grew​ ​to​ ​adulthood​ ​and​ ​was​ ​in​ ​the​ ​Garden​ ​of​ ​Gethsemane​ ​praying​ ​about​ ​the​ ​mission​ ​he  had​ ​been​ ​given​ ​to​ ​go​ ​to​ ​the​ ​cross​ ​to​ ​die​ ​for​ ​the​ ​sins​ ​of​ ​all​ ​humanity,​ ​he,​ ​like​ ​his​ ​mother,​ ​prayed​ ​a  prayer​ ​of​ ​humble​ ​submission​ ​to​ ​his​ ​Heavenly​ ​Father.​ ​​ ​Again,​ ​Luke's​ ​gospel​ ​records​ ​the​ ​prayerful​ ​and  submissive​ ​interaction. 

Luke 22:

Luke 22:41–44 ESV

And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

It's​ ​interesting​ ​to​ ​observe​ ​that​ ​while​ ​both​ ​Mary​ ​and​ ​Jesus​ ​were​ ​interacting​ ​in​ ​prayerful​ ​postures  concerning​ ​the​ ​call​ ​and​ ​purpose​ ​of​ ​their​ ​lives​ ​that​ ​were​ ​sent​ ​from​ ​Heaven,​ ​both​ ​encountered​ ​angels  in​ ​these​ ​recorded​ ​moments.​ ​​

​The​ ​angel​ ​departed​ ​from​ ​Mary​ ​in​ ​her​ ​scene​ ​while​ ​an​ ​angel​ ​arrived​ ​to  minister​ ​to​ ​Jesus​ ​in​ ​his.     

The​ ​scene​ ​above​ ​described​ ​a​ ​glimpse​ ​into​ ​the​ ​difficulty​ ​Jesus​ ​endured​ ​in​ ​those​ ​moments  before​ ​his​ ​arrest​ ​that​ ​would​ ​lead​ ​to​ ​the​ ​cross.​ ​​ ​A​ ​brief​ ​scene​ ​after​ ​the​ ​birth​ ​of​ ​Jesus​ ​in​ ​Luke's​ ​gospel  shows​ ​a​ ​prophetic​ ​word​ ​for​ ​Mary​ ​that​ ​likewise,​ ​included​ ​pain​ ​and​ ​sorrow. 

Luke 2:33–35 ESV

And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. And Simeon blessed 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 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

This​ ​prophecy​ ​concerning​ ​ramifications​ ​surrounding​ ​her​ ​child​ ​also​ ​is​ ​echoed​ ​in​ ​the​ ​lyrics​ ​of​ ​the  Christmas​ ​carol​ ​we​ ​are​ ​examining.​ ​​ ​Notice​ ​these​ ​lines​ ​from​ ​the​ ​second​ ​stanza.   

"Nails,​ ​spears​ ​shall​ ​pierce​ ​him​ ​through,​ ​the​ ​cross​ ​he​ ​bore​ ​for​ ​me,​ ​for​ ​you.​ ​​ ​Hail,​ ​hail​ ​the​ ​Word​ ​made  flesh,​ ​the​ ​Babe,​ ​the​ ​Son​ ​of​ ​Mary."   

These​ ​lyrics​ ​speak​ ​to​ ​the​ ​reason​ ​Jesus​ ​was​ ​in​ ​such​ ​agony​ ​emotionally,​ ​mentally,​ ​spiritually​ ​and​ ​soon  would​ ​be​ ​physically​ ​when​ ​praying​ ​in​ ​the​ ​Garden​ ​about​ ​the​ ​mission​ ​he​ ​was​ ​called​ ​to​ ​complete.​ ​​ ​The  allusion​ ​in​ ​the​ ​time​ ​of​ ​dedication​ ​in​ ​the​ ​Temple​ ​from​ ​Simeon​ ​refers​ ​to​ ​this​ ​heart​ ​piercing​ ​moment​ ​on  the​ ​horizon​ ​when​ ​Mary,​ ​too,​ ​would​ ​be​ ​in​ ​great​ ​pain​ ​as​ ​she​ ​watched​ ​her​ ​son​ ​finish​ ​what​ ​he​ ​was​ ​born  to​ ​do.​ ​​ ​Both​ ​his​ ​heart​ ​and​ ​hers​ ​would​ ​be​ ​pierced​ ​from​ ​the​ ​cross​ ​experience.​ ​​ ​This​ ​is​ ​part​ ​of​ ​the​ ​answer  to…What​ ​child​ ​is​ ​this?   

Regardless​ ​of​ ​the​ ​pain​ ​that​ ​Mary​ ​knew​ ​she​ ​would​ ​experience​ ​in​ ​watching​ ​her​ ​son​ ​suffer​ ​on​ ​the​ ​cross,  she​ ​was​ ​present​ ​in​ ​both​ ​his​ ​pain​ ​and​ ​hers.​ ​​ ​John's​ ​gospel​ ​account​ ​notes​ ​that​ ​it​ ​was​ ​Mary,​ ​Jesus's  mother,​ ​who​ ​was​ ​standing​ ​by​ ​the​ ​cross​ ​on​ ​that​ ​fateful​ ​day. 

John 19:25 ESV

but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.

One​ ​of​ ​the​ ​most​ ​powerful​ ​scenes​ ​of​ ​compassion​ ​and​ ​care​ ​that​ ​we​ ​mutually​ ​see​ ​displayed​ ​in​ ​the​ ​lives  of​ ​Mary​ ​and​ ​Jesus​ ​toward​ ​one​ ​another​ ​is​ ​this​ ​scene​ ​referenced​ ​above​ ​where​ ​Mary​ ​is​ ​near​ ​Jesus​ ​when  he​ ​is​ ​on​ ​the​ ​cross.​ ​​ ​While​ ​Mary​ ​seeks​ ​to​ ​be​ ​near,​ ​comforting​ ​and​ ​supporting​ ​her​ ​son,​ ​likewise,​ ​we​ ​see  the​ ​compassion​ ​and​ ​care​ ​of​ ​the​ ​son​ ​of​ ​Mary​ ​back​ ​to​ ​his​ ​mother​ ​in​ ​this​ ​same​ ​moment.   

What​ ​an​ ​incredible​ ​picture​ ​of​ ​love​ ​and​ ​compassion​ ​Jesus​ ​displayed​ ​toward​ ​his​ ​mother.​ ​​ ​While​ ​he  hung​ ​there​ ​dying,​ ​he​ ​had​ ​the​ ​capacity​ ​to​ ​make​ ​sure​ ​she​ ​was​ ​taken​ ​care​ ​of​ ​in​ ​his​ ​absence.​ ​​ ​This​ ​helps  complete​ ​one's​ ​understanding​ ​to​ ​the​ ​question​ ​of​ ​what​ ​child​ ​this​ ​is​ ​and​ ​would​ ​grow​ ​to​ ​be.​ ​​ ​He​ ​would  be​ ​the​ ​one​ ​who​ ​loved​ ​others​ ​and​ ​loved​ ​his​ ​family​ ​to​ ​the​ ​very​ ​end.​ ​​ ​He​ ​was​ ​selfless​ ​and​ ​sacrificing  beyond​ ​measure.​ ​​ ​He​ ​was​ ​kind​ ​and​ ​considerate​ ​even​ ​when​ ​experiencing​ ​his​ ​worst​ ​day​ ​in​ ​the​ ​worst  way.​ ​​ ​He​ ​was​ ​the​ ​one​ ​who​ ​came​ ​willingly​ ​to​ ​go​ ​through​ ​the​ ​worst​ ​so​ ​that​ ​we,​ ​too,​ ​might​ ​be​ ​made  family​ ​and​ ​have​ ​provision​ ​through​ ​his​ ​death​ ​and​ ​because​ ​of​ ​his​ ​life.​ ​​ ​For​ ​not​ ​only​ ​was​ ​this​ ​child​ ​the  one​ ​who​ ​was​ ​born​ ​in​ ​the​ ​manger​ ​in​ ​Bethlehem,​ ​but​ ​also,​ ​he​ ​would​ ​be​ ​the​ ​first​ ​born​ ​from​ ​the​ ​dead.  And​ ​his​ ​re-birth​ ​gives​ ​all​ ​people​ ​the​ ​opportunity​ ​to​ ​be​ ​born​ ​again​ ​and​ ​saved​ ​from​ ​our​ ​sins,​ ​just​ ​as  Mary​ ​came​ ​to​ ​understand.