Her Story is Always His Story: An Advent Series (3rd in the series)
- tathelmillerwriter
- Dec 18, 2023
- 4 min read
The book of Luke moves swiftly into Jesus’ story from the angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary–to His birth and then to the temple where Simeon and Anna meet the Promised One, and to His life as a young boy. And the book of Matthew tells the story of Jesus' visit from the Wisemen.
And the child grew and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon Him. (Luke 2:40)
This is part three of Her Story is always His Story. A four-part Bible study into Mary, mother of Jesus' life. This series is more of a Bible study than a devotional reading and I hope you will read along in your Bible. Take notes. Pray. Ask questions. And as we read and study together over the next few weeks, let us pray God will be glorified first and foremost, and our time in this study will prepare our hearts more deeply for the coming of our greatest gift, Jesus.
The Visit from the Wise Men
Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:1-13
In Matthew’s writing of the Magi’s visit–she is included as Mary as Jesus’ mother. And Matthew describes her as "with" her young child.
And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary His mother, and fell down, and worshipped HIm: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. (vs. 11)
And when Joseph being warned in a dream by the angel of the Lord to leave Bethlehem and travel to Egypt, And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying Arise, and take the young child and His mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him. When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed into Egypt: (vs. 13-14)
Jesus teaches in the Temple
Scripture Reading: Luke 2:41-52
The story begins with Jesus’ family traveling to Jerusalem again for the feast of the passover–a journey they took every year. It had been twelve years since Jesus’ miraculous birth–meeting the shepherds, Wise Men, Simeon and Anna.
As His family started back to Nazareth after they had fulfilled their days in Jerusalem–Jesus stayed behind–unbeknownst to Joseph and Mary. We have to keep in mind they were traveling with many people–other family and friends. It was most likely a large caravan. And after a day’s journey, they realized Jesus was not with them. Can you imagine the fear? Your child is not with you–and this is no ordinary child–This is God’s Son!
So they turned back and after three days searching for Him in Jerusalem, they found Him in the temple–teaching. The Bible tells us when they found Him, they were amazed (vs. 48). And the scriptures also reference in this same verse–calling Mary–His mother. And she said, Son, why has thou dealt with us? Behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. (vs. 48). Here she calls Joseph, her husband–Jesus’ father–His earthly father. And He answered His mother and His earthly father, “How is it that ye sought me? Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business? (vs. 49). They didn’t understand what Jesus was saying. But Jesus, rather than staying in Jerusalem went back with His mother and earthly father and “was subject unto them” (vs. 51) He was obedient unto them. Things would be the same, but they weren’t. Jesus was growing up and everything would soon change. And Mary, His mother “kept all these sayings in her heart.” (vs. 51).
Jesus’ First Miracle: Water into Wine
Scripture Readings: John 2:1-12
And from twelve years of age to what scholars believe is around 30 years old, the Bible doesn’t give us any details of these years–only this–And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. (Luke 2:52)
The setting is in Cana of Galilee–the marriage ceremony was well into the third day and Jesus was a guest at the wedding along with His mother and His disciples.
In Biblical times wine was served at weddings and according to references from Biblical scholars–if the host of the wedding party ran out of wine–it was to be considered a disgrace or an embarrassment. So when the guests wanted more wine, Mary went to Jesus and said, They have no wine. (vs. 3). Now, maybe these were family members of Mary’s or good friends who were hosts of the family. Or maybe she was just being compassionate and wanting to make sure the hosts were not shamed.
And Jesus speaks to His mother, Jesus saith unto her, Woman what have I to do with thee? Mine hour is not yet come. (vs. 4)
Now when Jesus speaks to Mary and addresses her as Woman–this is not a sign of disrespect, but respect. And we will see this in other stories in the scriptures when He addresses other women.
I love how Mary responds–not to Jesus, but to the servants. Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it. (vs. 5)
And Jesus performed His first miracle. Six waterpots of stone filled with water–turned into wine. Further in the story we read it was the “good wine”. Much better than what was served previously.
This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth His glory; and His disciples believed on Him. (vs. 11)
And Mary, when she told Jesus the wedding party had no wine–she wasn’t asking her Son to perform a miracle–she was asking her Saviour. And Jesus, He couldn’t just perform a miracle because His mother asked Him too. He had to do the will of His Heavenly Father.
After this he went down to Capernaum, He and His mother, and His brethren, and His disciples: and they continued there not many days. (vs. 12)
The fourth and final in the Advent Series, Her Story is Always His Story will be available in a few days.
We will go with Mary to the foot of the Cross.
All scripture is from the King James Version–a public domain.
And a special note of thanks and a free hand-out for you on the story of Mary! Over the past year, graphic designer Jordan Cheek, owner of High Meadows Marketing has created some beautiful Bible Study Note sheets for my church's Women's Bible study group. Attached below is the PDF worksheet on the study of Mary. It can be downloaded and printed for note-taking.
Comments