5 Moments Mary, the Mother of Jesus, Exemplified Grace and Gratitude

1. When She Obeyed God and Agreed to Have Jesus

Before the angel visited her, Mary had a loving family and was betrothed to be married to Joseph. She had a good reputation in society and had no reason for anyone to believe she was anything less than a kind, righteous person. But a visit from an angel changed her life forever. Instead of being afraid or unsure about her future or her marriage, she instead praised God by treasuring the angel's words in her heart. She chose to believe what she had heard the angel say. Because of her great demonstration of faith, generations have benefited from Christ's sacrifice and now have fellowship with the one true God: "An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.' When the angels heard about this they were in awe and the shepherds who were around were terrified and amazed what they had heard. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart" (Luke 2:9-14). 

Mary believed in the promises of God. Not only did she willingly participate in giving birth to Jesus, she believed the angel's words when he visited her. Unlike Sarah, Abraham's wife, who laughed when she heard from God she would have a baby, Mary willingly participated in her calling, forsaking her reputation, her marriage, and her future to be obedient to God. 

2. When Elizabeth Was Filled with the Holy Spirit

Once Mary spoke to the angel and the angel revealed the prophecy that she would have Jesus, her troubled spirit quickly became peaceful. When she understood what God wanted her to do and that she had found favor with God, she ran to Elizabeth's home. When Elizabeth heard Mary enter her home, her baby leaped in her womb. At this moment, Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Because of Mary's obedience to the angel, Elizabeth was then filled with the Holy Spirit. Instead of continuing to respond in fear, Mary chose to rejoice: '"I am the Lord's servant,' Mary answered. 'May your word to me be fulfilled.' Then the angel left her."' 

Although she chose to accept God's task for her, she understood what society thought of her. Not only did she sacrifice her marriage to Joseph because Joseph assumed she had relations outside of their marriage, but she also gave up her reputation and place in society to be receptive to God's call in her life. We all can approach our lives like this—in willing submission no matter what life throws our way. We can trust God will protect and provide for us in every situation we endure. 

Photo credit: ©Flickr/Lawrence OP

3. When She Travels to Bethlehem

Mary's life was in complete turmoil. Although not recorded in Scripture, we can assume that society saw Mary as a second-class citizen, given she was already pregnant before Joseph could consummate the marriage. Joseph decides to divorce her quietly, not adding to her public disgrace but still breaking off their engagement. An angel visits Joseph and tells him not to do that. When it is time to give birth, she travels by donkey, looking for a place to have her baby. But no one has any room for her—or wouldn't make room for her—because of her reputation and their reluctance to be associated with her. Instead of complaining about her plight and all God had asked her to do, she instead settles for a cold barn floor to give birth to the king. These are far from ideal circumstances for a woman who willingly obeyed God's command, but she doesn't complain or lose faith. If a woman in today's world were shunned by society, dealt with false accusations because of her obedience to God, and their fiancée decided to divorce her, it would be easy to complain and give up. Mary perseveres and, with gratitude, chooses to give up her life to raise the baby in obedience to God. 

4. When Jesus Declares John Her Son

John 19:26-27 says, "Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, 'Woman, here is your son,' and to the disciple, 'Here is your mother.' From that time on, this disciple took her into his home."' 

Jesus knew his time left on earth was limited. In her grief, she obeys Jesus and allows John to care for her. This is indicated when she goes to John's home to take up permanent residence. Mary doesn't complain or respond unkindly to his statement. Instead, in quiet submission, she chooses to accept Jesus's wishes to care for her in his absence. 

5. When Mary Asks Jesus to Turn Water into Wine

John 2:1-5 says, "On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus' mother said to him, "They have no more wine." "Woman, why do you involve me?" Jesus replied. "My hour has not yet come." His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." 

At first glance, Jesus's response calling his mother "woman" seems disrespectful, but it is not. This was a typical way to respond in that culture. Because she is Jesus's mother, she could have commanded him to honor her request to provide more wine for the party, but instead, she submits to Jesus and doesn't push the subject. Because it is clear she knows who he is and the miracles he would eventually perform, she chooses not to make a public spectacle but rather give glory to God by allowing him to handle the situation how he deems fit. 

Mary's example demonstrates a faith lived out in quiet submission, praise, and gratitude for the daunting task God gives her. Whether she is bursting in song over her calling or choosing to honor God quietly, we all can strive to live a life of gratitude and praise by emulating Mary's example.