Vol 1: Mary, The Virgin Conception and Birth

The conception, and Birth of Jesus

As I’ve been reading the Gospel of Luke for the month of December, with each day a new chapter, I find myself regularly reflecting back on chapter 1. I find the story of the virgin conception particularly meaningful with Christmas approaching. Though it’s very likely Jesus was not born on December 25th, none of that changes the fact that Jesus was born, and that His birth is worth celebrating. Reading/studying the Virgin conception and birth, many new things are revealed to me. I’m amazed at Mary’s faith. What must have gone through her mind when Gabriel approached her? How did she process the news that she and Joseph were to raise the Son of God? What immense pain and sorrow she’d endure while watching her Son die a horrific death on a cross? There are many things we can learn from Mary’s faith, and the undeniable trust in Gods plan for her life.

I wanted to share a great summary I found via:

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/virgin-birth-jesus-christ/

"The virgin birth of Jesus, which is more accurately labeled the virginal conception of Jesus, teaches that Jesus Christ was born apart from the normal process of procreation, but was supernaturally conceived in the womb of the virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit, and born of her, without sin. The virginal birth is the means by which the eternal Son of God became incarnate as fully human. He was born of Mary with a true body and a reasonable soul. The virgin birth also is the means by which Jesus was born holy and sinless, in distinction from all other children born naturally since Adam. Jesus was not represented by Adam when the first man sinned, and is therefore not “in Adam.” Instead, Jesus is the head of new creation”.

“For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ”. 2 Corinthians 5:21

The Gospel of John beautifully describes the Incarnation: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.” (John 1:14–18).

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel’ Isaiah 7:14

Immanuel means : God with us.

Now let’s look at how Scripture describes the Virgin birth: Luke (1:28-38)

Luke records the angel Gabriel visiting the Virgin Mary to bring her the news. “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." Mary was unsure how this could be since she was a virgin. Mary asks, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” Gabriel’s response indicates the miraculous nature of the conception: “The Holy Spirit will come upon 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” (Luke 1:35). This was a supernatural process ordained by God, though the Holy Spirit, at work in Jesus’ conception. Jesus "The holy one to be born will be called the Son of God". The angel also shared with her, "Even Elizabeth, your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.”

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.”

Mary responded with belief and a willingness to submit to God’s plan. We, too, should have such trust in God and His will.

Elizabeth, praised Mary in Luke 1:42–44, but her praise is based on the blessing of giving birth to the Messiah. It was not based on any inherent glory in Mary. In fact, after this, Mary directly spoke a song of praise to the Lord.

(The word “Messiah” comes from a Hebrew word meaning “the anointed one” or “the chosen one.”)

“My soul magnifies the Lord,

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!

For He has looked with favor on 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”. Luke 1:46-55

No woman is more truly remarkable than Mary. She was chosen by God—from among all the women ever born— Mary was chosen with such a remarkable privilege. Mary’s faithful submission, particularly stands out more than ever before in my life. Let us recognize Mary herself needed a savior. The song continues as Mary praises God for all that He has done. This reveals to me that Mary knew God/and His word very well. The words in her song of praise testify to her reverence.

Mary’s fiancé Joseph doubted she was telling the truth. Imagine how discouraged she must have felt. I bet it was incredibly hard for her to explain the interaction she had with the Angel, and what had miraculously happened. We read in Matthew 1:19- Mary shares these sincere words: “I wasn’t unfaithful to you or to God—please believe me!” But Joseph didn’t. (Though they were only engaged during the time, Jewish custom allowed that they be considered as husband and wife, though the marriage had not yet been consummated). Joseph decided to divorce Mary, according to Matthew 1:19-24, he was “a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly”. But as he considered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

Truth was confirmed. "When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife".

It is unclear how much Mary followed Jesus during His ministry, but my guess would be most of it. As a mother, I see how supportive Mary was through the stories in the bible. Recorded in all four Gospels, is the presence of Mary at the cross. Mary witnessed her precious son who was mocked tortured and severely beaten, bruised, flogged (whipped), and battered. This ordeal was life-threatening by itself. Crucifixion was so horrible that it was reserved for only the worst offenders. Mary witnessed her Son who was then forced to carry the large wooden cross to the site of the crucifixion. Watching Him cary the cross must have been gut wrenching . She would be there for all the slurs, the insults, the mockery, as they stripped Him naked, and further shamed. Mary watched her son as nails were hammered through His wrists, and feet. His body was raised up on the cross, all of His weight, supported by three nails. Crucifixion usually led to a slow, tortuous death, ultimately ending in asphyxiation. The process inflicted the maximum amount of shame and torture upon the victim. Except.. Jesus was not a victim, He was The sacrifice. Even though the crowd didn’t know it, Mary did. Jesus lived a life without sin on our behalf. He died the painful death He did not deserve.

“He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.”Isaiah 53:7

Here are two major lessons I learned about Mary

Lesson 1: Mary’s obedient faith-

The main thing that stood out to me in regards to Mary’s character, is her unfailing trust for Gods word, and her obedience towards God's plan in what He called her to do. Following God’s plan and purpose for our lives is not easy, sadly many fall away when the going gets tough. Often times we rely on our own strength to get by, or our own understanding when hardships don’t make sense to us. Let us be inspired by Mary’s surrender to Gods will, trusting that "We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans 8:28

Despite Mary’s Fears, she trusted God’s word, and guidance for her life. She trusted God with the privilege she was given. This trust didn’t dismiss the scrutiny she would face, rather, her desire to serve God was greater than her fears, or the hardships involved. Mary surrendered to God’s plans not only for her life, but the life of her child. Surrender is a daily act of worship to God and a full acknowledgement that we are not in control. Every day, every moment, there are opportunities for us to be led by God. Opportunity to respond in ways that honour's God. Surrendering to God’s will is not always easy, but necessary for our spiritual growth and maturity. This is the biggest lesson I have learned in the faith ! Whatever we may be challenged by in this season, may we be reminded of Mary’s courage and commitment to persevere.

Are you faithful to Jesus no matter the circumstances or difficulties you are currently faced with, or may be called to endure?

Are you willing to say, “yes Lord,” to whatever commission He calls you to?

May we respond as Mary did; in being faithful, humble, obedient servants.

Lesson 2: Mary Endured Sorrow and Suffering

Being the mother of Jesus, this was Mary’s greatest honour, and also an ultimate source of suffering. Through our suffering God wants us to fully depend, and lean on Him. When dependant on our own strength or our own understanding, our circumstances can attempt to consume us. It is evident that Mary’s suffering drew her closer to God. Not away. Mary responded with belief and a willingness to submit to God’s plan. We too, should have such trust in God and His will for us, even if His plan goes against ours.

I am guilty to have gone through trials and suffering thinking and asking “why God, why me? Why them? Why do bad things happen to good people? There is so much suffering in the world, and it is felt by everyone to one degree or another. Maybe you are reading this and perhaps things just aren’t working out for you this season. Perhaps things haven’t gone as you had recently hoped or planned. Maybe you are enduring heartache as you care for a family member who is incredibly sick. Maybe you are grieving the lost of a parent, a husband, or the immense grief of losing a beloved child. I wish I had all the words to ease your heartache.

I hope this simple yet distinct discovery I’m about to share will soften your heart a little. Mary who was chosen by God, declared to be “highly favored!” wasn’t spared of life’s great suffering. In fact it is inevitable. In this life there will be suffering, no one is exempt of this. I once thought life would be easier as a Christian. As I got familiar with the bible it was very clear that we will suffer. Here we see: "highly favoured" Mary, and "The Son of God", Jesus, both were very much acquainted with grief. Among many other noble characters in the bible, God didn’t shield them from life's misery and tribulations. What makes us think life should be so easy for us?

Here's some encouragement dear Christian, God has not forsaken you. Your suffering is not in vain. If you are truly in Christ, let us remember to look beyond our current circumstance, suffering and sorrow to the eternal life, when :

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4

Let these words of the apostle Paul motivate us: “I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us” Romans 8:18

Make sure to check out Mary Blog : Vol 2

I will focus on Mary Worship, and Idolatry.