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December 3

Title: Why Mary? 

Text: Luke 1:26-28

Again, why Mary? I mean—being chosen to give birth to the Messiah is a pretty big deal. Yet the Bible doesn’t really give us much to go on here. Luke’s account is pretty basic.

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” (Luke 1:26-28)

Favored one. Well, that is something I guess. Our Roman Catholic friends do a lot with Mary. Their dogmas really paint Mary as someone special—someone unique—almost divine. Here are the four dogmas regarding Mary. 

Divine Motherhood: Mary is the Mother of God

The Immaculate Conception: Mary is Without Original Sin

Perpetual Virginity: Before, During and After the Birth of Jesus

The Assumption: Mary was Assumed Body and Soul into Heaven

Wow. The Roman Catholic Mary was really unique. Born without sin—like Adam and Jesus. Never had sex (even though the Bible said Jesus had brothers and sisters). Didn’t die a normal human death. Again—if this was true, Mary was certainly favored. 

The problem with the Roman Catholic view of Mary is none of it is in the Bible. To be fair, they admit this. This is the difference between dogma and the Scriptures. One is human tradition, the other is divine revelation. 

Who is the biblical Mary? She was probably between 14 and 18 years old. She seemed to be a devout Jew. She was betrothed to Joseph. That is it. So again, why Mary? The answer is simple: Why you? Why me? Why any of us? Because God chose us. 

Now to be clear, obviously it was important to God the Father that His Son was raised by godly parents. The human development of Jesus was a vital part of being human. I have often wondered how much “nurture” or “nature” played a part in Jesus’ human development. I would assume the normal amount. Was Jesus more like His mom or His dad? These are fascinating rabbit trails—that hold some value. But again, God doesn’t use the wise of this world, He uses the humble, the broken—those who live in spiritual dependance on Him. 

Mary was willing to be a vessel, an instrument, a conduit of God’s love in the world. Our role as “little lights” in the world is to do the same. God calls us—our answer should be like Mary. Here I am, Lord. Send me. Whatever God sends us to do this Christmas season, may be do it boldly and with joy. 22 days till Christmas!