But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. Luke 2: 19, NIV.
Dear God, please teach us the things that we should treasure, and the things that we need to let go of, as we enter the study of Your Word. This we ask in the precious name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
As I search Scripture I find that Mary is not a person of many words. But she does some deep thinking! Our Scripture for today speaks of one of those moments of profound reflection, after she heard the report of the shepherds: “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”
The first time she speaks is in response to the message of the angel Gabriel who was sent by God, to her. We have read his announcement several times. Now let us read her response: ” ‘ “How will this be,” ‘ ” Mary asked the angel, ‘ “since I am a virgin” ‘ ” (Luke 1: 34). After the angel explains the manner of Jesus’ birth, she replies: ” ‘ “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. ‘”May it be to me as you have said.” ‘ ”
On the eighth day, when Jesus was dedicated in the temple. Scripture informs us that after Simeon prophesied over Baby Jesus, “The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him” (2: 33)
The next time we hear from Mary is when she visits her cousin Elizabeth. They are both very excited about their pregnancies. Elizabeth, the older woman, is excited because now, she will be considered among the “blessed” women of Israel. Her reproach has been taken away! She is going to have a long-awaited son. God has done the impossible for her. Mary, the very young girl is excited because she has received the highest honor among women: She has been chosen to become the mother of the long awaited Messiah. She will be considered the most blessed among the blessed! God is also going to do the impossible for her. Listen to her song: “And Mary said:
‘ “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers” ‘ ” (46-55). On that day her heart was full of joy. Her song came as a result of the abundance of her heart!
The next time we hear from Mary she is somewhat fretful. She has sought for Jesus for three endless days! She finally finds Him in the temple among the teachers of the law. This is what happened: “When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, ‘ “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you” ‘ ” (Luke 2: 48). When He responded with these words ” ‘ “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business” ‘ ” (2: 49), it is said of Mary: “But his mother treasured all these things in her heart” (51b).
Mary speaks twice at the wedding feast in Cana of Galilee: “When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, ‘”They have no more wine” ‘ (John 2: 3). And again: “His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you” (5). In a little more than three years, after this incident, the prophecy of Simeon regarding Mary would come to pass: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too” (Luke 2: 34, 35).
Now her heart is breaking. Because of the abundance of her pain she is unable to speak. So, from the abundance of His heart of love and mercy, the Son spoke for His mother: “Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother . . . When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, ‘ “Woman, behold your son!” ‘ Then He said to the disciple, ‘ “Behold your mother!” ‘ And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home” ‘ ” (John 19: 25a, 26).