Mary, the Mother of Jesus: Day 1 I am the Lord s servant, Mary answered. May it be to me as you have said. Luke 1:38 Focus: Read Isaiah 55:8-11. Read this verse several times, meditating on the meaning. Then take a moment to make it into a prayer. Feed: Read Matthew 1:1-16, to get a sense of where we have come from! 1. Sometimes the best way to get to know a person is by listening to the people closest to them. Before we dive into Mary's own story, we want to hear from a few folks who knew Mary well. The first is her husband-to-be, Joseph. Read Matthew 1:18-25. How would you describe Joseph, especially in verses 19, 24, 25: 2. Imagine that you are privileged to sit down for coffee with this young man to hear his story. How would he describe this chapter in his life? Write out Joseph's experience in your own words, including any emotions he might have felt: 3. When the Lord starts a new work in our lives, He often begins to rearrange the furniture in the lives of those around us also. See how God prepared the way for Mary and her baby by touching her close relatives in Luke 1:5-25. (For background, only one priest was chosen by lot to keep the incense lit in the Holy Place; this was a rare privilege!) How would you describe their response to these events? Follow: 4. Do you hope and pray that God's purpose for your life will be fulfilled? How do you feel about expecting the unexpected? Re-read Isaiah 55:8-11. How does today's lesson encourage you to trust God even in life's surprises?
Mary, Day 1, Page 2 Further: 5. Read I Peter 4:8 and Proverbs 10:12. What does love do? What does this also tell you about Joseph? What does the angel call Joseph, in Matthew 1:20? Why do you think this is significant? 6. Read Isaiah 7:14, the verse quoted by the angel to Joseph in Matthew 1:23. In Isaiah, King Hezekiah was given a miraculous sign that God would deliver his nation from their enemies. This was God's surprising word, which has much more meaning than Hezekiah could imagine! Describe this prophetic sign: What does the name "Immanuel" mean, according to Matthew 1:23? Why is this a perfect name for Jesus? What is the other name Joseph is to give his new son (Matthew 1:21)? "Jesus" is the Greek name for the Hebrew "Joshua" which means "the Lord saves". Why is this also a fitting name for Joseph's baby boy? 7. Re-read Luke 1:5-7. How was the Lord uniquely glorified through this couple and their circumstances? Read Zechariah 4:6 (same name, just a coincidence!) How does the Lord work in our lives? How does I Corinthians 1:25-29 further describe God's work? According to verse 29, why is God's glory so important? Why do you think this dynamic so important in the lives of Zechariah and Elizabeth? How does the angel describe Zechariah's future son, in Luke 1:14-17? Read Malachi 4:5-6. Who will the Lord send before He comes, and what will he do? (See also Isaiah 40:1-11, which also predicts John's coming and role.)
Page 3 Mary: Day 2 Focus: Read Psalm 40:7-8. Make this your prayer today. Feed: 1. Now let's look at Mary's story in Luke 1:26-38. Who was sent to Mary, and when? (Verse 26) What do you learn about Mary in verses 27-28? Describe Mary's initial response (verse 29): How does the angel answer Mary in verse 30? 2. How is Mary's future son described in verses 31-33? What question does Mary ask (verse 34)? How does the angel encourage Mary's faith in verses 35-37? And what is Mary's response (verse 38)? Why do you think this answer was significant? 3. Read Luke 1:39-45. What does Mary do immediately after the angel's visit? Describe Elizabeth and her baby's reaction to Mary's arrival: Why is Mary blessed in verse 45? 4. Now read what is called "The Magnificat" ('My soul magnifies") or "Mary's Song", in Luke 1:46-56. Who does God help? Who is God against? How does Mary describe herself in her song? Define "humble": Follow: 5. Do you think humility is essential for a complete surrender to God's plan? Explain: Now write your own song of surrender!
Mary, Day 2, Page 4 Further: 6. The word "favor" appears twice in Luke 1:28 and 30. How would you define it? How do the following verses help to describe favor? Exodus 33:13 Ruth 2:10 Esther 7:3 Psalm 84:11 Do you think God's favor on Mary's life began with the angel's announcement? Explain: Now think about how God's hand has been on your life since your conception. What are the evidences of God's favor on your life, looking back? 7. Mary's pregnancy was no doubt a scandal in her small town of Nazareth. Looking back over previous lessons, are there other Leading ladies who might share this label? Read 1 Corinthians 1:25-31. What is: --"wiser than man's wisdom"? --"stronger than man's strength"? Therefore, what does God choose and use? Why does god do this? How does this relate to Mary's (and others) irregular history? Can you see this distinctive in your own life? How has the Lord revealed Himself to and through you in times of weakness? 8. Read Romans 12:1-2. How does this passage describe surrender? Take time to offer your body, heart and mind afresh to the Lord in authentic worship!
Page 5 Mary: Day 3 Focus: Read Micah 5:2. Think about how the Lord loves to bless those we least expect, and comes to the lowly and humble. Feed: 1. Read Luke 2:1-20 as though you were hearing the story of Jesus birth for the first time. What stands out? Do you notice anything new? Imagine and write down all Mary might have experienced on the long journey being "great with child"--what might have been her thoughts and emotions, too? 2. In Luke 2:7, what kind of reception did Jesus receive? What might this tell you about the relationship between the Creator and His creation? (See also John 1:10-11) Describe Mary's labor room and Jesus' cradle: 3. To whom did God the Father announce the birth of His Son? These were temple shepherds, guarding lambs to be sacrificed. How might this be a clue to Jesus future calling? Write down all the responses of the shepherds: What was Mary's response (Luke 2:19)? 4. Read Luke 2:21-24. What all did Joseph and Mary do for Jesus in these verses? What can you learn about them as parents from this? 5. Read Luke 2:25-38. Describe the two people who knew Jesus was the Messiah: Simeon (verses 25-27) Anna (verses 36-38): What word did Simeon give to Mary (verse 34-35) and what do you think this means? Follow: 6. Mary was told she would birth the Messiah, but she was not allowed to read the script first! What do you think most surprised her? How has God surprised you with His script?
Mary, Day 3, Page 6 Further: 7. Read John 1:1-14. Who was "the Word"? (Vs. 1) What was the Word's role in creation? What other words are used to describe the word? (Vs. 4-5) Again, what sort of reception did the Word receive? What happens to those who recognize and receive Him? (Vs. 12-13) Can you write verse 14 in your own words? 8. Read Exodus 12:1-13. These are the instructions God gave Moses for the first Passover feast in Egypt. Describe the lambs that were chosen (verse 5): Why would the Lord "pass over" the Israelites and give them life? (Vs. 13) Given this background, does God's birth announcement to the shepherds guarding lambs to be sacrificed have more meaning? Explain: 9. What do you think it means when it says, "the glory of the Lord shone all around" the shepherds? Why do you think the angels sang? If you were writing the script of the Son of God's birth, to what sort of people might you expect God to announce His birth? Why do you think God chose the shepherds? 10. In Luke 2:25-26, 30 and 32, what words or phrases are used to describe Jesus, the Messiah? Was this a surprise to Mary and Joseph? (Vs. 33) Explain why you think this was so: _ What else did Simeon say about Jesus in verses 34-35? What do you think this means?
Page 7 Mary: Day 4 Focus: Read Jeremiah 10:23. Think about what this means for your own life. Feed: 1. Read Matthew 2:1-12. "Magi" were educated priests who lived somewhere east of Israel. Because the Jews were exiled to many lands, these men would have access to Hebrew scripture predicting the Messiah/King (see Numbers 24:17). Describe their reaction to the sign of the King (vs. 2 and 10): What does the word "worship" tell you about this King? Now describe Herod's reaction: What do these differing reactions tell you about both? 2. Where did they find Jesus and with whom? What did they do next? What impression do you think these wealthy dignitaries had on Mary? Can you imagine her thoughts? 3. Read Matthew 2:13-23. Describe the next chapter in Mary's life: How might this experience have refined her trust in God? Where did the Lord eventually lead Mary and Joseph? How do you think it for Mary felt to go home? 4. Read Luke 2:39-52. Describe Mary's son, Jesus (verse 40, 52): The Passover was a yearly pilgrimage for Jewish people, who traveled in large caravans. (Think of a group camping trip!) What do you think Mary was feeling in those three days, looking for Jesus (verse 48)? What did Mary not know about her son vs. 49-50)? Again, how did Mary handle this twist? (Verse 51b) Follow: 5. What do you think it means to treasure things in your heart? Do you have anything you don't understand, that needs to be treasured in your heart? Now take time to do this before the Lord with whatever is both confusing and wonderful!
Mary, Day 4, Page 8 Further: 6. Jesus' birth into this world was an announcement to the dark kingdoms of this world that a new kingdom has come--the kingdom of God. Balaam, the prophet, was given a powerful word about the future, which was perhaps the clue that led the Magi to Jesus. Read Numbers 24:1-19 for the context to this important verse, where the prophet Balaaam refused to curse and only bless Israel. How is the Messiah described in verses 17-19? What will happen to the enemies of this coming King, according to these verses? We can assume that King Herod was also familiar with this scripture. Why do you think King Herod, who was not Jewish, was so threatened by Jesus birth? 7. Jesus was at home in His Father's house, the temple. What can you learn from the following verses about God's house, and possibly Jesus' own feelings about the temple? Psalm 26:8 Psalm 27:4 Psalm 69:8-9 Psalm 84:10 Isaiah 56:7 and Mark 11:17 8. What can you learn from the following verses about "treasuring these things in your heart"? Psalm 46:10 Psalm 116:7 Psalm 131 Now take time to find a quiet place to simply be still and trust God with all your concerns!
Page 9 Mary: Day 5 Focus: Read John 20:31 and consider its meaning for your own life. Feed: 1. Read John 2:1-11. Jewish weddings were often seven days long! To run out of wine was a social embarrassment as well as a breach of the wedding contract. Why do you think Mary told Jesus about the problem? What do you think Jesus' response to Mary means (vs. 4)? How did Mary handle the situation (vs. 5)? What was the significance of this miracle (vs. 11)? 2. Read Mark 3:20-35. Describe the scene (vs. 20): How did Mary and Jesus' siblings feel about His ministry? What did they want to do? (Verse 21) (See also John 7:1-5) Where were they standing (vs. 31)? What does this tell you about their faith in Jesus? How does Jesus define His family (vs. 33-35)? 3. The tension between Jesus and the religious leaders eventually led to the cross. We find Mary again in John 19:25-27. Where is she standing now? What does this tell you about Mary? Imagine all Mary might have been feeling at that moment: How was this a fulfillment of Luke 2:34-35? How does Jesus show compassion on His mother? (The "disciple whom Jesus loved" is John, the author of this book.) 4. After three days, Jesus rose from the dead! Imagine how Mary must have felt when she heard this news: In Acts 1:3-8, what did Jesus tell His followers to do; why? We don't know if Jesus appeared to Mary, but she certainly became a believer. Our final glimpse of her is in Acts 1:12-14. Describe this scene: Now read Acts 2:1-4. Who can we assume was in the house? What happened to Mary? Follow: 5. Mary's growing trust in Jesus certainly had its' ups and downs. Write down an area where you need your trust restored today: How does God's faithfulness to Mary encourage you today?
Mary, Day 5, Page 10 Further: 6. Why do you think we are told that Mary was there at the wedding with Jesus? Why do you think Mary directed the servants in John 2:5 to "Do whatever he wants"? What do you think Mary thought of her Son at this point? The water pots that were filled each held 20 gallons of water, so there were 120 gallons of water total, or 450 bottles of wine! What might this also tell you about the meaning of the first miracle? 7. Reflecting back on Mary's concern for her Son in Mark 3:20-35, what do you think was motivating her to take control of Jesus? Have you ever wanted to take control of a situation because you didn't know what Jesus was doing? Explain: 8. What can you learn from the following verses about faith? Mark 9:24 John 16:31 John 20:25-27 1 Peter 1:8 9. Re-read Acts 2:1-4, recalling that Mary was in that upper room. How did Mary come full circle to that original place of surrender in Luke 1:35-38? Spend time waiting on the Lord, asking Him to fill you afresh with His Holy Spirit today! Let go of everything you hold tightly and allow the Lord to flood your heart, mind and body with His overwhelming love.
Mary, the Mother of Jesus I am the Lord s servant, Mary answered. May it be to me as you have said. Luke 1:38 Finish: Prayerfully look back over this week's lesson. Ask the Lord to show you any statements or scriptures that He wants you to further understand and put into practice. Be still and give Him time to speak to your heart. Then respond to the following: 1. What is the main lesson I have learned from Mary's life? 2. What was the most meaningful statement or Scripture I read this week? 3. Lord, help me to reword this statement or Scripture into a prayer from my heart to Yours: _ 4. What would becoming more like Mary look like in my life right now? In other words, what does God want me to do in response to what I've learned from her life? Notes: