I almost gave this another title called “A Mother’s Heart and God’s Plan”. I want to write based on my thoughts on what Mary when through the moment this young, teenage girl went through. She was going to raise God’s son while realizing her Son was going to die to take on the sins of the world. The story of Mary is one of the most profound narratives in the Bible, filled with awe, faith, and emotional depth. As the mother of Jesus, Mary experienced a unique journey of faith, love, and sacrifice. Reflecting on her thoughts and feelings during her pregnancy with Jesus, particularly with the knowledge that He was destined to die for humanity’s sins, reveals a deeply human and divine experience. Mary had to have incredible faith and knowing her pivotal role in God’s redemptive plan. She had courage and hope throughout everything she went through. We all have read and heard the Christmas story and know Mary as the mother of Jesus. I want to try to imagine what she went through, through her life and give some insights that we may have never thought about before.
The Announcement of a Divine Plan
In Luke 1:26-38, where the angel Gabriel appears to Mary with amazing news: “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call His name Jesus” (Luke 1:30-31, ESV). Gabriel reveals that her child will be the Son of God, destined to reign over an eternal kingdom. God came down for Heaven to take on human flesh and became Jesus to fulfill what was said in Geneses 3:15.
This announcement was both an honor and a burden. Mary, likely a teenager at the time, faced the societal stigma of being unmarried and pregnant. Under Jewish laws, she could have been stoned to death. Her immediate response, however, reflects her faith: “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Imagine her wonderful faith and wonderful heart she must of had. Despite the uncertainty and potential for rejection, she submitted to God’s will, embracing her role in His divine plan. Mary’s faith was beyond human understanding, with a deep awareness of God’s sovereignty and goodness.
The Joy and Weight of Expectancy
As Mary’s pregnancy progressed, she visited her cousin Elizabeth, who was also miraculously pregnant with John the Baptist. Elizabeth’s greeting affirmed Mary’s calling: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” (Luke 1:42). In response, Mary proclaimed the Magnificat, a song of praise recorded in Luke 1:46-55. Her words reveal a heart overflowing with joy and gratitude for God’s mercy and faithfulness.
Along with this joy, Mary likely struggled with the weight of her calling. As she pondered Gabriel’s words and the prophecies about the Messiah, she must have realized that her son’s mission would come at great personal cost. Simeon’s prophecy in Luke 2:34-35 confirmed this: “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel … and a sword will pierce through your own soul also.” These words foreshadowed the suffering Mary would endure as she witnessed Jesus’ life and death. Her willingness to trust God’s plan, even when it involved personal sacrifice, serves as a powerful example for believers facing challenges in their own faith journeys.
The Anticipation of Redemption
Mary’s knowledge of Jesus’ destiny would have shaped her thoughts and prayers throughout her pregnancy. The Jewish people have been waiting for the Messiah, expecting a king who would save them from oppression. Mary most likely knew the Scriptures very well. Mary understood the prophecies about the suffering servant in Isaiah 53, who would bear humanity’s sins. Knowing her Son’s mission to save humanity, she likely experienced a number of emotions: joy at the prospect of redemption, sorrow at the cost, and awe at God’s plan.
Despite the emotional toll of her unique calling, she trusted God’s wisdom and sovereignty. Her faith did not shield her from pain, but it anchored her through it. Mary’s story highlights divine grace and human obedience, showing how God’s purposes unfold through the faithfulness of ordinary people.
This trust is evident in her quiet reflection, as noted in Luke 2:19: “Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.” Her ability to meditate on God’s works and hold onto His promises reveals a deep, abiding faith that sustained her through uncertainty and hardship.
The Human and the Divine
Mary’s experience was profoundly human. She faced the physical and emotional challenges of pregnancy, the social implications of her situation, and the spiritual weight of Jesus’ divine mission. Yet, she also had a unique relationship with God, carrying His Son and participating directly in His plan for salvation.
One can imagine Mary’s prayers during this time, her conversations with God as she sought strength and understanding. She might have asked questions: How would Jesus fulfill His mission? Could she prepare Him for the suffering ahead? How would she endure the loss of her son? These are questions that any mother might ask, yet Mary approached them with faith rather than fear, trusting in God’s purposes.
Mary’s struggles and triumphs remind us that faith involves both reliance on God and a willingness to face life’s challenges with courage. Her story encourages believers to bring their fears and doubts to God, trusting that He will provide strength and guidance.
Anticipation of Heartache and Hope
As Jesus’ birth drew near, Mary’s thoughts went back-and-forth between hope and heartache. The knowledge that her child would bring salvation to the world must have filled her with immense pride and gratitude. At the same time, the awareness of His sacrificial death would have been a source of sorrow.
Mary’s journey reminds us that faith does not eliminate suffering but transforms it. Her faith did not spare her from the pain of watching Jesus suffer and die, but it gave her the strength to endure it, knowing it was part of God’s redemptive plan. Mary’s story demonstrates the power of hope rooted in God’s promises. Even in the face of sorrow, she clung to the assurance of God’s faithfulness and the ultimate victory of His plan.
Conclusion
Mary’s thoughts and feelings during her pregnancy with Jesus reveal a profound blend of faith, love, and courage. She embraced her role in God’s plan with humility and trust, despite the immense emotional and spiritual weight it carried. Her journey reminds us of the cost of redemption and the depth of God’s love for humanity.
Through Mary’s story, we see a model of unwavering faith and sacrificial love. Mary’s life points us to Christ, highlighting the beauty of God’s grace and the hope of salvation. Mary’s story also calls us to embrace courage in the face of the unknown, trusting that God’s plans are always for His glory and our ultimate good. Her experience invites us to ponder the mystery of God’s plan and to trust Him in our own journeys of faith.
Things to think about
In what ways does Mary’s journey inspire believers to find hope and strength in God’s promises during times of uncertainty or suffering?
