https://www.bible.com/events/49063688
Church of the Nazarene – East Rock
Stories of Your Life Part 3: Mary
Mary- With Jesus at the beginning, with him until the end.
John 19:23-25
When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. “Let’s not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.” This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled that said, “They divided my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment.” So this is what the soldiers did. Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.
Have you ever paused to consider how the story of her life was impacted by the cross? Mary, the mother of Jesus
Can anyone else in the Passion story be more devastated than her in this moment?
Yet, she is there. Close to Jesus. She was there because he was there.
Nothing mattered to Mary more than Jesus…Can the same be said for you?
I want to welcome you back to our Sunday morning teaching series “Stories of Your Life”
As a church family we are seeking to understand the meaning and the impact of Passion week through the perspectives and stories of key people involved.
We are reminded that these were real people, who had real questions and had to work through real challenges. People just like you and me.
But in the story of their life, we see them experience real grace and mercy through the person of Jesus Christ.
So, this series is about learning from their lives so that we too can know the forgiveness and life of Christ
Luke 2:26-38
It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “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.” There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
From the moment we meet Mary in the birth announcement, she is a woman of tremendous faith in the Lord.“IT could cost me my husband, it could cost me my future, it might even cost me my life- but Lord, I am your servant.”
Mary was willing to trust the Lord with everything- She knew it wasn’t going to be easy. Her marriage, her future, her dreams, her plans- she brings under the rule and authority of God.
She simply says: So be it Lord, I am your servant.
John 2:1-5
On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
Can you imagine this moment for Mary? Mary, aware of the problem and wanting to help, turns to Jesus. She was accustomed to trusting his resourcefulness over the years.
She approaches him as she had so many times before- son can you help?
But this time was different- He doesn’t say “Sure mom”.
This time- Jesus let’s her know- Things are different now…She receives a gentle rebuke from her son.
D.A. Carson says “This must have been extremely difficult for Mary. She had born him, nursed him, taught his baby fingers elementary skills, watched him fall over as he learned to walk…But now that he had entered into the purpose of his coming, everything, even family ties had to be subordinated to his divine mission.Dont miss verse 11 “What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.”
Mary saw the glorious power and majesty of Christ, because she believed. Because her faith saw it fit to leave the matter in his hands.Mary trusted Him-Will you?
By the time we meet Mary at the cross, we can only imagine the ways her faith has been tested.
As a mother grieving and mourning over what is happening to her son.But also as a worshipper watching her Lord be crucified
But she is there…She loves him to much to leave him.
Throughout Mary’s life she trusted God way beyond what made natural sense. When most wouldn’t have believed- Mary did. And today friends, we have the great privilege and opportunity to learn from the story of her life.
As you consider the story of your life this morning- I wonder, what is keeping you from responding like Mary did?
Perhaps its doubt, or fear? Maybe you feel like Mary at the cross-the sky is dark and it all seems to be going wrong…What would it look like for you today to stick close with Jesus and simply pray “Lord i believe, help me overcome my unbelief”?
Giving at COTN
If you ever have questions or need help with online giving, please let us know:
finance@cotnaz.org
Thank you for your partnership in the Kingdom of Christ!
Giving