It was love…

If you’re a parent, you understand the love Mary had for Jesus. As we read the story of Mary, we see she loved Jesus the very moment the angel Gabriel spoke to her before Jesus was even born! She was obedient to God, devoted, and willing. What is something you noticed about Mary’s devotion to God? What can we learn from her attitude?

If you were Mary, and had an angel come to you, how would you have reacted? Read Luke 1:26-33. Notice Mary’s response? Read Luke 1:46-48. What obedience and praise! No wonder she was chosen. Look at what her cousin says about her attitude in Luke 1:39-45. Keep in mind, Mary didn’t really have anyone to rejoice with, that’s why she traveled to see Elizabeth. Name a time where you had great news and wanted to share with someone. Do you think Mary really knew she was holding God? Why or why not? Can you even grasp that reality?

Max Lucado wrote, “At this point in history, the human being who best understands Who God is and what God is doing is a teenaged girl in a smelly stable.” Read Luke 2:28-51. We know Jesus was a carpenter and Jamie mentioned in his sermon Joseph probably died, so Jesus continued the family business to make ends meet. Jesus was a good child, obedient and easy to love. Read Hebrews 4:15. What can we learn from Jesus when dealing with troublesome people? Is patience a part of the solution? Explain.

It was love, that made Mary stay at the cross with Jesus, despite everything else. Read John 19:25. Jesus needed someone who loved Him to be by His side. No one loved Him like His mother! Name three times you saw Mary’s love for Jesus through her actions. Why is it important we show our loved ones we care through our actions?

Mary didn’t care what other people thought of her. At one point not even Jesus’ brothers believed in Him. Read Acts 1:14. After the resurrection everything was proven true, and Jesus had become the Savior of the world. Mary understood Jesus was her Savior. What can we learn from how Mary and Jesus reacted to ridicule and taunting?

Close by praying, thanking God for the obedience of Mary and Joseph and for Jesus dying on the cross for us. Pray for people to come to know Jesus. Pray we would have open eyes for people who need His love and to give us the courage to share it!