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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
Mary, Jesus’ mother, is one of the most universally admired women in the world, believed by Christians to have been blessed by God as the instrument through which He would bring the Messiah to earth. But as is so often the case, there were many trials and much suffering associated with this blessing; as from those who have received much, much is expected. (Luke 12:48) And yet a word of caution is needed in that some look upon Mary’s blessedness to the extent of deifying her; whereas scripturally, Mary is never portrayed as a source of grace or blessing but as a recipient of them like the rest of us. (Her status as “highly favored” (Luke 1:28 NIV) and “blessed” (Luke 1:48 KJ) being derived from her acute sense of humility and desire to serve. Luke 1:38 & 48)
Some have unfortunately elevated Mary to a point of focus and affection that rivals Christ’s, worshipping her alongside if not instead of Him; possibly because she appears more sympathetic or “human” and thus more approachable. As such she is considered un-touched by original sin, a perpetual virgin, even a co-redeemer with Christ himself. Taken to its inevitable conclusion, Mary is thus said to have been removed bodily to heaven and crowned “Queen”, her role being to mediate between us and Christ, interceding on our behalf. (Assuming for her the qualities and “mission” of Christ and His Spirit who intercedes for us before God. See Hebrews 7:25 & Romans 8:26,27) So much homage is paid to Mary in Catholic Churches that the centrality and supremacy of Christ is in danger of being lost, yet this form of veneration of Mary is found nowhere in the scriptural accounts of her life. There, she is portrayed as being humble and maintaining a relatively low profile throughout Jesus’ life, often overwhelmed by what she saw and heard; storing the memories away and pondering them in her heart. (Luke 2:19)
Her supposed perpetual virginity is patently unrealistic as Matthew merely notes that Joseph abstained from sexual relations with her only, “…until she gave birth to a son.” Matthew 1:25; later listing the names of Jesus’ four brothers while mentioning unnamed sisters as well. Matthew 13:55,56 (See also Matthew 12:46,47; John 2:12 & 7:3-5; Acts 1:14; 1 Corinthians 9:5 & Galatians 1:19) Her sinlessness being refuted by her own words, addressing God as her Savior, implying a need of a redeemer and salvation from sin. (Luke 1:46,47 – reminiscent of Hannah’s exclamation of joy and praise found in 1 Samuel 2:1-10)
Our Bible actually reveals Mary to be a young peasant girl in a poor region of Israel betrothed to a devout working-class man of humble means. They did however have some illustrious ancestors, Luke tracing Mary’s family tree while Matthew notes Joseph’s; her branch traced through king David’s son Nathan (Luke 3:31), his from the royal line of Solomon. (Matthew 1:6) Mary seemingly inheriting the best traits of royalty without its arrogance and pretension; being sincere, worshipful, child-like in her trust of God and completely dependent on him to bless and sustain. An example of the character God seeks, cultivates and blesses.
Her blessing, in this particular instance, was indeed double-edged. Even her name may be indicative of a life lived in praise of blessing – with deflected happiness; the Hebrew for Mary being Miriam, a word denoting a certain level of bitterness. She was probably quite young when approached by Gabriel; an unnamed sister (John 19:25) and compassionate older relative, possibly Mary’s aunt, offering support throughout her life. (Luke 1:39,40) Which was probably sorely needed, as Joseph is never mentioned in scripture after his and Mary’s terrifying ordeal over the “loss” of their son in Jerusalem. (Luke 2:41-52) The presumed reason being his death, the details of which scripture is silent about. At the time of the Angelic pronouncement, Mary was betrothed to Joseph, a righteous man employed as a carpenter. (Matthew 1:19 & Mark 6:3) Luke making it abundantly clear that she was not merely a young maiden – as some claim – but a virgin, her betrothal not yet consummated in marriage (Luke 1:28-35); which posed quite a problem for her. Can you imagine approaching your fiancé with whom you’ve never “cheated”, having to convince him that you have indeed been faithful to him – yet mysteriously you’re pregnant? Or how about your parents – telling them you’re pregnant but that it’s o.k., the child you carry is God’s. Her friends and acquaintances undoubtedly questioning and snickering at her predicament as well. What nerve! What blasphemy! How dare she say such things to excuse her own weakness and sin?
This was surely a stigma she carried throughout her life; some rabbinical writings later using her pre-marital “condition” to denigrate Christ, claiming his mother had been promiscuous – not with Joseph – but with a soldier of the occupying forces of Rome. But then we all might respond similarly. After all, how many teenaged girls have you known who were impregnated by God? And yet Mary’s response to the impending difficulties was, “I am the Lord’s servant, may it be to me as you have said.” Luke 1:38
After Jesus’ birth, Mary dedicated herself to raising this boy – like Hannah before her – in such a way as to insure his service to God, though Jesus’ duties as “high priest” would be performed in a tabernacle not made by man. (Hebrews 9:11) His time on earth characterized by obedience to God and his family, as he “…grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. Lk. 2:51,52Their relationship often characterized by Mary’s loving concern balanced by Jesus’ need to be about his Father’s business. (See Luke 2:48,49; Mark 3:20,21& 3:31-35) She finally coming to accept what he was about – even if she didn’t fully comprehend all the ramifications – ultimately following him to the foot of the cross.
That day had probably hung like a dark cloud, pushed to the farthest recesses of Mary’s mind, since Jesus’ infancy. For at Jesus’ dedication in the temple when he was but eight days old, an old man named Simeon had prophesied that he was destined to bring salvation to many while causing the downfall of others; becoming a target of envy and criticism that ultimately led to his demise. As she watched her son die an unimaginably horrible death, she neither ran away in panic nor collapsed in distress, but with dignified grace and courage continued to offer whatever support her tearful presence could give. (Undoubtedly remembering Simeon’s final comment years before, that a sword would somehow pierce her own soul as a result of the actions of this beloved child. (Luke 3:29-36 )
And of course Jesus noticed. In his final moments spotting her standing amongst a group of women alongside John – the beloved disciple, to whom he entrusted her care. And even though Mary never claimed to be more than a humble maidservant of her God, she was extraordinary because of the way He chose to use her. Her humility and Godly character certainly worthy of our emulation, as her life’s testimony consistently leads us to her son.
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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