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December 18

Title: The Piercing of Mary

Text: Luke 2:34-35

Imagine being the mother of Jesus, the Messiah. I bet it was difficult at moments. I know he was perfect, but there are also challenges with that. Jesus’ siblings certainly were jealous of Him. Timing and transparency—I am sure was a challenge. There is no way Jesus’ siblings couldn’t pick up on something. Being perfect is hard to hide, especially in a sin-cursed world. 

But before all of this, Simeon told Mary something very interesting. Look at the verses below. 

And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” (Luke 2:34-35)

The phrase “and a sword will pierce through your own soul also” needs to be unpacked. Simeon here is talking about Mary. How will a sword pierce Mary’s soul? Most scholars think this is referring to the crucifixion of Jesus. Could you imagine the heartbreak of any mother watching her son being crucified—one of the most painful ways to die in human history. Furthermore, Jesus was actually innocent. So the injustice would likely also pierce her soul. But there are many other reasons Mary’s heart would be pierced. Joseph was dead—so she had to deal with this alone. Knowing her son died for her sins—was likely something piercing to work through. Jesus’ own people turned against Him. Mocked Him. Spit on Him. That is terrible for a mother to have to watch. And yet, Mary was chosen by God for this task. I bet Mary was a strong woman. And the truth is—being favored by God, as Mary was, did not remove suffering in this life. Health and wealth preachers seem to overlook this fact. Those preachers overlook a lot honestly. 

Mary was chosen to give birth to the Messiah and she was also chosen to watch the Messiah be crucified. A parent never wants their child to die before them. It is unnatural and heartbreaking. But ultimately, the sufferings Mary endured made her more and more like her son, Jesus, the son of God. What a mysterious reality! And yet—the sufferings of this life will pierce us also. Hopefully we never have to watch our kid be crucified on a cross, but the trials and tribulations of this life will make us mature and complete, if we listen and learn from what they are supposed to teach us (James 1:2-4). God never left Mary’s side. God promises to never leave yours. Trust God—even with the piercings of life come. But take heart, we have overcome the world (I John 5:4). 7 days till Christmas.