Mary: Disciple of Jesus
In this message, Stephen reflects on the profound humility and faith of Mary, the mother of Jesus, highlighting her unique role in God's plan of salvation. Despite her noble lineage as a descendant of David, Mary lived humbly in Nazareth, unaware of her future significance until the angel Gabriel announced to her that she would conceive the Son of God through the Holy Spirit. Stephen emphasizes that true greatness in God's eyes is rooted in humility and a heart fully surrendered to His will. Mary’s willingness to accept God's extraordinary plan, even at great personal cost, exemplifies the ideal vessel for God's work. Stephen draws parallels to the Church, urging believers to adopt a similar attitude of absolute surrender, willing to give up everything for God's purpose. He underscores that God's work requires discipline and a rejection of natural relationships when they interfere with divine priorities, as seen in Jesus’ and Mary’s interactions. Mary’s example of listening, pondering, and obedient submission teaches us the importance of spiritual discipline, patience, and trusting God's timing. Ultimately, Stephen reminds us that just as Mary was used to bring Christ into the world physically, the Church and individual believers are called to bring Christ into the world spiritually, through humble service, faith, and unwavering obedience to God's will.
Outline of Main Points
- Mary’s humility and noble heart despite humble circumstances
- The significance of divine favor and calling in God's plan
- Mary’s question reflects understanding, not unbelief; her faith is confirmed by God's promise
- Her willingness to surrender everything for God's purpose
- God’s method of using vessels—Mary and the Church—to bring His Son into the world
- Lessons from Mary’s listening, pondering, and obedience as a disciple
- The importance of discipline and balancing natural relationships with spiritual calling
- Mary’s example of enduring discipline and suffering, remaining faithful at the cross
- Encouragement for believers to yield fully to God's will and be used as vessels for His work
14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! 27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.
1 And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: 2 And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. 3 And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. 4 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. 5 His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. 6 And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. 7 Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. 9 When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, 10 And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. 11 This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.
26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, 27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. 29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. 30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. 34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. 36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing shall be impossible. 38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
46 While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him. 47 Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. 48 But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? 49 And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! 50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
