As Mother’s Day has just passed, our thoughts often turn to those who have nurtured and guided us through life. This year, let us also reflect on a mother whose profound experience transcends time and continues to echo through the ages—Mary, the mother of Jesus. Her story, notably as recounted in Luke 1:30-38, not only provides a personal narrative but also presents a symbolic mirror reflecting the mission of the Church, the Ecclesia.
“Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Highest, and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom, there will be no end.” Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be since I do not know a man?” And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible.” Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.”” – Luke 1:30-38 NKJV
Mary’s Divine Encounter: A Model of Grace and Obedience
An angel approached Mary with a message that would alter the course of history. She was to carry and give birth to Jesus, a Son who will be great and will be called the Son of the Highest” (Luke 1:32). This announcement, as perplexing as it must have been, confirmed divine favour. Mary found favour with God (Luke 1:30), a concept deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of grace and honour and similar to what we are all offered through Christ (Ephesians 2:8).
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,” – Ephesians 2:8
Mary’s response to this proclamation from heaven was one of humble acceptance: “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). This pivotal moment showcases Mary not only as a recipient of God’s promise but also as an active participant in God’s plan, embodying obedience and faith.
Parallel to the Ecclesia: Carrying Christ into the World
Mary’s physical carrying of Jesus parallels the Church’s spiritual mission to take Christ’s message to the world. Just as Mary was called to bring forth the Son of God, the Church is tasked with bringing forth the Word of God into the lives of those around them. This is a process of spiritual nurturing, where the Church, much like a mother, is to cherish, feed, and nurture the faithful.
The concept of nurturing is beautifully articulated in 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8, where Paul describes his gentle care and affection towards his spiritual children, similar to a nursing mother. Herein lies a dual directive: just as Mary was entrusted with Jesus, the Church is entrusted with the Gospel, called to be carriers of Christ’s presence and teachers of His word.
“But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the Gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.” – 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8
From Conception to Completion: The Journey of Faith
Mary’s journey from conception to the birth of Jesus is a profound allegory for the believer’s faith journey. From the moment of spiritual conception, when one first embraces the Word, to the eventual maturity of faith, believers are in a constant state of spiritual pregnancy, carrying within them the promise of divine truth and revelation.
Charles Capps once remarked, “Word of God conceived in the heart, formed by the tongue and spoken out of the mouth is creative power.”
This encapsulates the essence of our calling—to conceive God’s word in our hearts, nurture it, and express it powerfully into existence, much like Mary did. This is the model of the Lord’s Lord’s prayer: “Your Kingdom comes, on earth as it is in heaven….”
The Question: What Are You Carrying?
As we reflect on Mary’s story this Mother’s Mother’s Day, let us ask ourselves: What are we carrying? Are we, like Mary, carriers of Christ’s love, grace, and truth? Do we embrace God’s word with the same faith and obedience as she did? And, importantly, are we prepared to nurture and deliver this divine promise to fruition?
Mary’s example challenges each member of the Church to consider their role in God’s kingdom. Just as she was integral to the advent of Christ, each believer is crucial to spreading His Gospel. In carrying this divine responsibility, we continue Mary’s work, bringing Christ into the lives of all we encounter.
As you have just celebrated Mother’s Day, take a moment to reflect on the spiritual significance of Mary’s role as a model for all believers. Consider what you carry and how you might bring it forth in faith and obedience.
This blog was inspired by Ps Shaun’s message at Faith Legacy Believers Church on the 12th of May 2024. You can watch the full message below.