By Pastor Jon
I am a Protestant for many reasons. Rejecting the perpetual virginity of Mary is not really one of them. It is like an added extra; like that quintessential set of steak knives from the infomercial. “Yes, you do need a second set” goes the excited voice-over!
And I do think a simple reading of the biblical text should be enough to cut-any-Mary-muster.
However, in the historical orthodoxy of this contention, I still want to claim that Mary the Mother of Jesus is a pretty special example of faithfulness in salvation history that we should all celebrate. We should never diminish her part in the story of redemption, nor underestimate the challenge of her resolute faith. Mary proved that she feared the God she diligently served, and much more than the potential religious posturing of those in her living context, who would freely indicate their condemnation.
I have been reminded of Mary’s journey through an image I took of my son and daughter recently. One thousand words, and all.
You can describe this piece as the cut-price written edition.
The covenant-making-and-keeping-God was asking Mary to take a road that was as narrow as the revelation that would take place within her womb. But she would not journey alone. Yes, the waters before would appear conceptually dangerous, but God had her covered, and would make a way. Fruitfulness follows faithfulness. And she would follow like she believed God could be trusted. God’s hand never left her side. We hold it still.
As you reflect, we must never reduce the audacity of the supernatural claims taking place. To all reasonable conclusions, this could only mean scandal. No matter whether you are convinced you are doing God’s will, this could easily seem beyond belief. Was this another example of a wolf that cried sheep? I mean, really God? People will talk. My life could be ruined. I will be an outcast. How can this come together good?!
As you consider these lines, what area in your life is demanding that you trust God; especially in contrast to your insider’s living context, or the outside world around?
It didn’t require the enlightened developments of the scientific method for Mary to consider this conception had, until-this-point, required certain natural dynamics. This underscores the understandability of her question, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” (Luke 1:34), and why this wouldn’t elicit the same Divine response as Zechariah’s, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years” (Luke 1:18) to news his barren beauty would finally receive latter rain like the most refreshing downpour of God’s goodness.
The fundamental difference between was one of belief versus unbelief.
This is the same question we are being asked everyday. Do you believe?!
In a real sense, Mary’s response was contending for the righteously pure pursuit of the faithful before their God, while Zechariah’s was simply doubting God’s ability to do the otherwise supernatural. If we are honest, we are more like Zechariah, which simply elevates the Mother of Messiah.
The relative consequences confirm the opinion of the One who ultimately counts. This is made evident with Mary’s in Luke 1:38, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” You can say Jesus’s future words in Luke 22:42, were merely following in the footsteps of His Mother, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” Sacred imitation vouchsafed over the years from a Mother’s love.
It takes two to tango, and even the non-dancing Christian can grasp the logic of that cliche. This is my way of suggesting Joseph also deserves a mention. Not only was his initial conclusion entirely reasonable; indicating more than a little care for his betrothed in light (Matthew 1:19); his subsequent response to divine revelation in a dream, proved the character of the man.
As this moves to Jesus, I can only think of the decisive action of the One being-brutally-broken-for-our-beauty, behooving the journeyed-love-from-above in this maternal bond humanly bequeathed, where this Son made sure His breaking Mother would be cared, post His temporal vindication (John 19:27).
The humanity that would help nurture the God-Man remain righteous examples. And today, they still preach. Therefore, and especially, may we rightly and biblically magnify the example of Mary the Mother of Jesus, not only in this Christmas season, but as we digress on what faithful obedience means, in every day and age.
Beautiful femininity!
And, Happy Yom Yeshua, which means, Day of Jesus, just in case you were wondering!
For the Fame of His Name