1. In the Bible we read about many special mothers who gave birth to children that God used to bless His people, including: a. Eve, "the mother of all living" (Genesis 3:20) b. Sarah, the mother of Isaac (Genesis 21:2-3) c. Jochebed, the mother of Moses (Exodus 6:20) d. Hannah, the mother of Samuel (1 Samuel 1:20) e. Elisabeth, the mother of John (Luke 1:57-60) f. Eunice, the mother of Timothy (2 Timothy 1:1-5). 2. While these mothers, and many others, deserve our appreciation, today we are focusing our attention on Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Discussion:
I. THE ANGEL GABRIEL INFORMED MARY THAT SHE WOULD GIVE BIRTH TO JESUS (Luke 1:26-38)
II. ALTHOUGH NOT BY NAME, MARY WAS MENTIONED EARLIER IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
A. About 700 BC Isaiah prophesied that a virgin would give birth to a son who would be called Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14). B. According to Matthew 1:18-23, Mary fulfilled this prophecy.
III. AS WE READ EARLIER IN LUKE 2:1-7, MARY GAVE BIRTH TO JESUS
A. The Lord's birth was a special occasion (Luke 2:13-14). B. As Joseph and Mary fulfilled their responsibilities under the Law of Moses, a man named Simeon informed Mary that she would go through a painful experience (Luke 2:34-35).
IV. MARY WENT THROUGH A TROUBLING EXPERIENCE WHEN JESUS WAS 12 YEARS OLD (Luke 2:48-51)
V. MARY HAD 4 OTHER SONS AS WELL AS DAUGHTERS (Mark 6:3)
VI. MARY GAVE SOME GOOD ADVICE AT THE MARRIAGE FEAST IN CANA (John 2:5)
VII. MARY WAS PRESENT WHEN JESUS WAS CRUCIFIED (John 19:25-27)
VIII. AFTER JESUS ASCENDED TO HEAVEN MARY WAS WITH HIS DISCIPLES IN JERUSALEM (Acts 1:13-14)
Conclusion:
1. Mary is not to be worshiped, but she certainly deserves our appreciation. 2. In addition to giving birth to Jesus, let us appreciate Mary for her: a. purity b. submission to God's will c. submission to her Son's will d. faithfulness.
