MARY, THE MOTHER OF JESUS

By David J. Riggs

Intro.
   A. Mary, the mother of Jesus, had an important role in the story  
      of Jesus.
      1. In spite of her important role, we do not know much about
         her.

I. MARY RECEIVED A MARVELOUS HONOR. Luke 1:26-38

II. SHE VISITS ELIZABETH, WHERE BOTH SHE AND ELIZABETH SPOKE BY THE  
   HOLY SPIRIT.

III. SHE EXPERIENCED ALL THE EVENTS WHICH OCCURRED AT THE BIRTH OF   
   JESUS - THE VISIT OF THE SHEPHERDS AND THE WISE MEN, THEIR FLIGHT 
   DOWN INTO EGYPT, ETC.
   A. She pondered all these things in her heart. Luke 2:19

IV. SHE AND JOSEPH EXPERIENCED LOSING JESUS WHEN HE WAS TWELVE YEARS 
   OLD.
   A. After three days, they found Him teaching in the temple. Luke
      2:41-52

V. SHE SEEMED TO HAVE PLAYED A ROLE AS TO THE TIME WHEN JESUS BEGAN  
   HIS MINISTRY. John 2:1-5,11

VI. ON ONE OCCASION, SHE AND HER OTHER CHILDREN VISIT JESUS. Matt.   
   12:26-50
   A. It is not revealed as to the purpose of their visit. Perhaps   
      they feared for Jesus' safety as the multitudes pressed against
      Him, hoping to obtain some blessing.
   B. Probably, Mary's husband, Joseph, had already died. He is no
      longer mentioned in any of these occurrences.

VII. CONSIDER THE DEEP PAIN MARY EXPERIENCED WHEN HER OLDEST SON DIED
   ON THE CROSS. John 19:25-27
   A. Simeon had prophesied of her deep pain. Luke 2:34-35
   B. Someone described it this way: "She sees Him suspended, but
      cannot touch Him, she sees Him nailed, and may not loose Him.
      She sees Him dripping with blood but cannot remove it. She sees
      Him wounded upon the entire body, but cannot bind up his
      wounds. She hears Him cry `I thirst,' but may not give Him to
      drink."

VIII. MARY'S FAITH ENABLED HER TO ENDURE THE PAIN.
   A. After the resurrection, she took her place among the other
      worshipers. Acts 1:14
   B. Imagine how she must have rejoiced when she saw Jesus alive
      again.

Concl.
   A. We need to have a humble and submissive spirit. Endure our
      struggles in faithfulness. Learn to truly love Jesus with all  
      our hearts.