Today, on Mother’s Day, let us look at Mary, the mother of our Lord. Mary’s mission was to be the mother of Jesus. Our missions are different from her's but we all have one. Mary is a great model to follow for all believers. Today we're going look at some things about her faith and faithfulness that all of us can apply to our lives. Let's look at Mary to identify some factors that contributed to her success as a mother, and apply it to all of us today.
For an audio recording click the YouTube link at the end of the manuscript
Scripture Reading:
Luke 1:26-35, 46-56 NIV In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.” Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.
Sermon
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight my Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.
Before we start today, take a moment to reflect on all the special moms you know… Your friend who’s always there when you need her. That neighbor who takes such great care of her family. The woman at work who inspires you to be the best version of yourself. And, of course, there’s your own mom.
Today is a great day to tell all your favorite moms how much you appreciate them. Say “thank you”.
Proverbs 31:31 NIV Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Text:
Luke 1:28 NIV “The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
Introduction
We should look for models to imitate in the Scriptures. Today, on Mother’s Day, let us look at Mary, the mother of our Lord. She is a great model to follow not just motherhood but of all believers. Let's look at some things about her faith and faithfulness that all of us can apply to our lives. Let's look at Mary to identify some factors that contributed to her success as a mother, and apply it to all of us today.
Jean read as our scripture today Luke 1:46-55 and we are going to refer to these verses but our text is;
Luke 1:28 NIV “The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
I. Mary was chosen for a mission and we are chosen for missions specifically designed for us.
Mary’s mission was to be the mother of Jesus. Our missions are obviously different from her's but we all have one.
You will text from last week was
Philippians 2:12-13 (ESV)12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
A couple of years ago I preached a sermon “God Created You To Be A Good Works Machine”.
Ephesians 2:8-10 (NKJV) For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
So you see just like Mary each one of us has been chosen for a mission.
Mary became the mother of Jesus by way of a miraculous conception. She was a virgin. But it was not Mary’s virginity alone that qualified her uniquely for becoming Jesus’ mother.
Let’s look at those qualifications of Mary and apply them to us as we work to accomplish the missions assigned to us.
A. Mary was a devout worshiper of the true God.
Luke 1:46-47 NIV And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
For us that means;
Exodus 34:14 NIV Do not worship any other god, for the Lord , whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.
As Jesus told Peter in Matthew 4:10…For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’ ”
As as He told Satan when He was being tempted in the desert;
Luke 4:8 NIV Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’ ”
So in order for us to accomplish our mission we must be a totally committed in our worship of God Almighty
B. Mary was pure in mind and heart and body.
Luke 1:26-28 NIV In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
To accomplish our missions we must be pure in heart, mind and body.
In His Sermon on the Mount Jesus said;
Matthew 5:8 NIV Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Who are the pure in heart?
The pure in heart are those who have been cleansed.
The initial cleansing happens when a person commits his or her life to Jesus Christ, at salvation.
The pure in heart are those who have one goal in life and that is to serve God.
Purity means to be guided by one purpose. To have a singleness of mind.
Matthew 6:33 ESV But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
The pure in heart are those who have clean thoughts.
Purity begins with the hidden thoughts of the heart.
Proverbs 23:7 NKJV For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. “Eat and drink!” he says to you, But his heart is not with you.
It's what we think, not what we say, that creates purity within.
Philippians 4:8 ESV Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
The pure in heart are those who have clean thoughts and, consequently, a clean life.
Psalms 51:10 NIV Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
C. Mary was humble, realizing her dependence on God.
Luke 1:46-49 NIV And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name”
What does that mean for us?
In a sermon at the beginning of the year I said that humility is the way to happiness.
James 4:10 (ESV) Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.
Why is humility the way to happiness?
Humility enables you to be honest about yourself. Success and prosperity can lead a person to be self-satisfied and proud.
Humility drives you to commit your full potential to God.
Isaiah 40:29-31 NIV He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Humility prepares you to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
No proud person can be filled with and controlled by the Holy Spirit, because a life filled with pride has no room for the Holy Spirit. Those who are unwilling to be controlled by the Holy Spirit are controlled by selfish ambition. That's why the Lord said that we must become like little children before we enter the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 18:1-4 ESV At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
D. Mary was obedient to God’s will. Mary was willing to do what God had planned for her.
Luke 1:38 NIV “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
We’re able to do what God has planned for us because of the fruit of the Spirit sowed in you at salvation.
Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.The fruit of the Spirit is the result of the Holy Spirit's presence and working in the lives of believers and as we mature the fruit becomes more developed.
Philippians 4:12-13 NIV I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
E. Mary had an attitude of gratitude.
She was thankful that God used her to further his work.
Luke 1:46-49 NIV And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name.
We should also have an attitude of gratitude
Psalms 92:1-5 NIV It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High, proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night, to the music of the ten-stringed lyre and the melody of the harp. For you make me glad by your deeds, Lord ; I sing for joy at what your hands have done. How great are your works, Lord , how profound your thoughts!
There’s a song that most of us have sung:
Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son
And now let the weak say, "I am strong"
Let the poor say, "I am rich
Because of what the Lord has done for us"
II. Mary was not just chosen for a mission; she was also chosen to be an example.
A. Mary responded positively to God’s plan for her life. Once she knew God’s will, she was willing to participate as God had planned.
Luke 1:34-35, 38 NIV “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
We must be the same way. We must obey God completely.
Psalms 119:4 NIV You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed.
God has a bigger perspective than we do. He sees things that we can’t see. You’re not capable of seeing like God sees. So you need to trust him.
James 4:11 NLT Don’t speak evil against each other, dear brothers and sisters. If you criticize and judge each other, then you are criticizing and judging God’s law. But your job is to obey the law, not to judge whether it applies to you.
We must also obey God immediately.
When God tells you to do something, don’t procrastinate. Don’t make excuses. Don’t drag your feet. Just do it. Do it now. You don’t have to understand God’s commands to obey them and benefit from them.
When we delay obedience, we’re questioning God. We’re asking, “God, do you really know what’s best?” Delayed obedience is disobedience. If you want to be the model that God wants you to be and receive the blessings of God, obey immediately.
B. Mary magnified the Lord in song for his goodness and mercy.
Our scripture today and the verses that I have been reading are from Mary sang after visiting her cousin Elizabeth and hearing that Elizabeth’s baby, who would become John the Baptist, lept in her womb on hearing Mary’s voice.
God puts a song in the hearts of all of those who trust him.
Psalms 40:3 NIV He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.
Psalms 96:1-4 NIV Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord , all the earth. Sing to the Lord , praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods.
In two of Paul’s letters in the New Testament he instructs the church on what we are to sing together in worship,
Ephesians 5:18-20 NIV Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Colossians 3:15-16 NIV Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.
The Psalms is full of songs that we can sing to the Lord Psalm 150 is a great example.
Psalms 150:1-6 NIV Praise the Lord . Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord . Praise the Lord .
C. Mary worshiped a powerful God
Luke 1:49 NIV for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name.
He is the creator of the universe. He is God on the throne, and she responded to his authority.
D. Mary worshiped the merciful God (Luke 1:50).
Luke 50:1 NIV His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.
Humanity needs mercy more than justice. God is eager to forgive and to help the undeserving.
Psalms 136:1-9 NKJV Oh, give thanks to the Lord , for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Oh, give thanks to the God of gods! For His mercy endures forever. Oh, give thanks to the Lord of Lords! For His mercy endures forever: To Him who alone does great wonders, For His mercy endures forever; To Him who by wisdom made the heavens, For His mercy endures forever; To Him who laid out the earth above the waters, For His mercy endures forever; To Him who made great lights, For His mercy endures forever— The sun to rule by day, For His mercy endures forever; The moon and stars to rule by night, For His mercy endures forever.
That’s just the first 9 verses of the Psalm there are 26 verses and they all end with “His mercy endures forever”
E. Mary worshiped the helping God (Luke 1:54).
Luke 1:54 NKJV He has helped His servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy,
God’s love expresses itself in a persistent attitude of goodwill and helpfulness to his people.
Psalm 461:1 says
Psalms 46:1-3 NKJV God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah
III. Mary worshiped a risen and ruling Savior.
After Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, Mary was present with those who had rejoiced in his victory over death. She was with them as they prayed in anticipation of the Holy Spirit’s coming.
Acts 1:12-14 NKJV Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey. And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.
We worship a risen and ruling Savior.
Matthew 28:5-6 NIV The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.
Mark 16:4-6 NIV But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.
We even sing a hymn that says”He Lives”. Here are the lyrics to the first verse and the chorus;
I serve a risen Saviour, He's in the world today
I know that He is living, whatever men may say
I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer
And just the time I need Him He's always near
He lives (He lives), He lives (He lives), Christ Jesus lives today
He walks with me and talks with me
Along life's narrow way
He lives (He lives), He lives (He lives), Salvation to impart
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart,
Conclusion
Mary is an excellent model for us today.
Hers was a life of great faith, made evident by her song called the Magnificat, which we read today in Luke (1:46–55).
Mary’s heart was in tune with God as she was constantly open to his will.
Her prayer was dialogue rather than monologue.
Mary believed that God’s will was good, and that it was something to desire.
Mary, as a good role model for us, encourages us to purity, prayer, and participation in God’s will for us.
Luke 1:28 NIV “The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
For us today let us say "The angel came to me and said; “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”