She Said Yes
Preaching
What Jesus Did:
The Answer To WWJD
I wonder when Mary realized what she had gotten into by saying yes. I imagine at some point she realized all the implications of her willingness to serve God by being the mother of Jesus. I wonder, though, if all that dawned on her while Gabriel was talking to her. Not much is said about Mary in the Gospels in terms of age, upbringing, and so on. Most of what we believe we infer by context. We believe Mary to have been relatively young for marriage by our standards, perhaps as young as twelve or thirteen.1 That would have been the normal age for a young peasant woman to be married. From the fact that God chose her, we infer that Mary not only had faith in God but practiced her faith with devotion and commitment. We can also infer that since she remains a virgin until her wedding day, she is committed to following God's laws and practicing self-control. Because she lives in Nazareth in Galilee, we infer that she was not royalty or necessarily well to do. Though not in abject poverty, she lived the life of a peasant girl.
• Imagine yourself as a twelve- or thirteen-year-old girl getting this message from Gabriel. What would your reaction be?
The betrothal period began when the terms of marriage were worked out between the father of the bride and the prospective husband. The normal betrothal period was about a year. During this time, the couple was considered to be husband and wife, but there would be no intimate contact until the actual wedding day. It is during this betrothal period that Mary receives a visit from a very special being. Mary listens attentively to Gabriel's message. She will conceive a son by the power of God. The baby will be called the Son of the Most High and reign forever. He will receive the throne of David. His kingdom will have no end (Luke 1:32).
Mary's questions show she is still dealing with the first part of the message. "How can this happen, Mr. Gabriel?" There are certain procedural requirements in order to have a baby. She is told that it will happen through the power of the Holy Spirit. A sign for Mary is the fact that her relative Elizabeth has conceived in her old age. Gabriel's final point fills in all the blanks. "Nothing is impossible with God" (Luke 1:37 NIV).
We live in a time of doubt, denial, and avoidance of the truth about Jesus. People want to water down Christmas and call it a holiday. People wonder: How can a virgin have a baby? In our time of sexual immorality, some people may wonder what a virgin is. We need to remind people of Gabriel's words, "Nothing is impossible with God." Jesus was born of a virgin, by God's power, design, plan, and will. Jesus lived a perfect life, by God's power, design, plan, and will. Jesus died on the cross for our sins, by God's power, design, plan, and will. Jesus rose again from the dead, by God's power, design, plan, and will.
Not only that, but through Jesus, God's power is available to us, especially through prayer. We sometimes encounter impossible situations in our lives. Several of them have already been overcome by God's power. There is nothing in our lives that can't be solved by God's power. How do we get God's power in these situations? The answer is, through prayer.
• What "impossible" situations have you encountered in your life? How did God bring you through them?
Notice in Luke's Christmas story how many people pray and praise God for his power working in their lives. Zechariah praises God for his mighty works (Luke 1:68-79). Starting in 1:46, Mary praises God for his power and mighty works. This song is known as the Magnificat. God's power isn't limited to people long ago in a galaxy far, far away. God's power is available to us in the here and now. According to Mary, God's power is especially available to the downtrodden and lowly in life. God's power will be the great equalizer between the rich and powerful and the poor and lowly. God's power can feed the hungry. God's power can show mercy.
• Where would you like God's power to be shown in your life, right now?
Just as Zechariah praises God for coming to deliver, Mary praises God for remembering his promise to Israel's ancestors and remembering Israel in mercy. That is what we need in our world today -- God's power through God's mercy. We also need God's strength to scatter the proud in heart. The irony of the Christmas story is that God's power, God's deliverance, and God's mercy come in the form of two tiny, helpless babies. God chooses the weak to confound the strong. God's power is at work where you least expect it.
Back to the conversation with the angel: Mary answers, "Yes." "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word" (Luke 1:38 NRSV). Did Mary realize all she was getting into by saying, "Yes"? She was saying, "Yes," to more than just getting pregnant and having a baby. Mary's words are a distinct echo of her ancestor David in 2 Samuel 7. In 2 Samuel 7, the Lord delivers the promise to build David a dynasty, a house that will last forever.
Moreover the LORD declares to you that the LORD will make you a house. When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come forth from your body and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be a father to him and he shall be a son to me ... Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure fovever before me; your throne shall be established forever.
-- 2 Samuel 7:11-14a, 16 (NRSV)
This passage is rightly interpreted as God's declaration that the Messiah will come through David's line and lineage. David is so awed by this promise that he went into the tabernacle and prayed a prayer of gracious thanks and acceptance of the promise.
And now, LORD God, keep forever the promise you have made concerning your servant and his house. Do as you promised, so that your name will be great forever. Then men will say, "The LORD Almighty is God over Israel!" And the house of your servant David will be established before you. O LORD Almighty, God of Israel, you have revealed this to your servant, saying, "I will build a house for you." So your servant has found courage to offer you this prayer. O Sovereign LORD, you are God! Your words are trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant. Now be pleased to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever in your sight; for you, O Sovereign LORD, have spoken, and with your blessing the house of your servant will be blessed forever.
-- 2 Samuel 7:25-29 (NIV)
• When was the last time God did something nice for you? How did you express your gratitude?
Mary clearly echoes David's attitude, "Here am I, your servant." David continually refers to himself and his house as the servant of the Lord. David's, "Do as you have promised," is echoed by Mary, "May it be with me according to your word."
Mary imitated her ancestor David in saying, "Yes," to God. She said, "Yes," to God's promise, request, and command. That is an example of faith and obedience. In the Magnificat, Mary proclaims:
My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me -- holy is his name.
-- Luke 1:46b-49 (NIV)
Protestants have tended to identify themselves by taking an opposite stand to whatever Catholics have believed. We certainly disagree with our Catholic brothers and sisters about their view of Mary in the plan of salvation. We can't accept Mary being called "The Queen of Heaven." We don't believe in praying to Mary. But in our zeal to be different, we have sometimes forgotten that Mary is a supreme example of obedient faith that says yes to God. Because of her obedient faith, the Messiah was born from her womb. That is her blessing, but the blessing isn't only for Mary. Everyone who says yes to God's plan for their life in obedient faith will be blessed.
• What is your view of Mary?
It is right to call her blessed, because God did indeed bless her. She was the chosen woman of God to bear the Son of God in her womb and bring him into this world. She was the chosen woman of God to be the mother to the Son of God during his infancy, childhood, and teenage years. If that isn't blessed, then tell me what is. It is right to call Mary blessed because she is exactly correct: The Mighty One has done great things for her.
• If you were one of Mary's neighbors or friends, how would you react to her "story"?
But saying, "Yes," was not all roses and bubble baths. Saying, "Yes," to God brought some difficulties. In saying, "Yes," to God for a baby, she also said, "Yes," to a negative reaction from her friends, family, and neighbors. How many people do you think believed her story about how she got pregnant? They didn't fall off the truck yesterday. Even Joseph was of the mind to divorce her quietly (Matthew 1:19). That sounds like he didn't believe her story. When I say negative reaction, I am being kind. According to Jewish law, Mary could have been stoned to death as an adulteress. If Joseph divorced her, her chances for marriage would have become very slim indeed. She would have been shunned as an outcast, at the very least. In saying, "Yes," to God, she said, "Yes," to people snickering behind her back as she walked through town. She said, "Yes," to the gossip, the innuendo, the winking looks. She also said, "Yes," to God's blessings and God's power. She realized that if this was God's Son, and she was the chosen woman, God would fulfill his promises. She said, "Yes," to the trials and tribulations as well as the blessings.
• If you were Mary and understood all the consequences, would you have said, "Yes"?
• Would you have said, "Yes," to God about your own life to this point, had you known of all the trials with all the joys?
For Christians, Mary becomes an example of obedient faith. She is an example of one who took up her cross and followed Jesus. We are reminded of all the promises and commands God has given us, that he wants us to say, "Yes," to. We should say, "Yes," to God's offer of salvation through Jesus Christ. We should say, "Yes," to the power of the Holy Spirit working in our lives. We should say, "Yes," to the things we need to do to grow in our discipleship: Bible study, prayer, church service, giving, witnessing. We should say, "Yes," to God's power as he continues to conform us to the image of Christ. Mary said, "Yes," and found all of God's promises coming true in her life. What do you think God will do for us if we will but say, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord. May it be with me according to your word"?
WWJD -- What "Yes" in your life is God waiting to hear? Give God the answer right now.
____________
1.ÊRaymond Brown; The Birth of the Messiah (Garden City, New York: Doubleday & Co., 1979), p. 123.
• Imagine yourself as a twelve- or thirteen-year-old girl getting this message from Gabriel. What would your reaction be?
The betrothal period began when the terms of marriage were worked out between the father of the bride and the prospective husband. The normal betrothal period was about a year. During this time, the couple was considered to be husband and wife, but there would be no intimate contact until the actual wedding day. It is during this betrothal period that Mary receives a visit from a very special being. Mary listens attentively to Gabriel's message. She will conceive a son by the power of God. The baby will be called the Son of the Most High and reign forever. He will receive the throne of David. His kingdom will have no end (Luke 1:32).
Mary's questions show she is still dealing with the first part of the message. "How can this happen, Mr. Gabriel?" There are certain procedural requirements in order to have a baby. She is told that it will happen through the power of the Holy Spirit. A sign for Mary is the fact that her relative Elizabeth has conceived in her old age. Gabriel's final point fills in all the blanks. "Nothing is impossible with God" (Luke 1:37 NIV).
We live in a time of doubt, denial, and avoidance of the truth about Jesus. People want to water down Christmas and call it a holiday. People wonder: How can a virgin have a baby? In our time of sexual immorality, some people may wonder what a virgin is. We need to remind people of Gabriel's words, "Nothing is impossible with God." Jesus was born of a virgin, by God's power, design, plan, and will. Jesus lived a perfect life, by God's power, design, plan, and will. Jesus died on the cross for our sins, by God's power, design, plan, and will. Jesus rose again from the dead, by God's power, design, plan, and will.
Not only that, but through Jesus, God's power is available to us, especially through prayer. We sometimes encounter impossible situations in our lives. Several of them have already been overcome by God's power. There is nothing in our lives that can't be solved by God's power. How do we get God's power in these situations? The answer is, through prayer.
• What "impossible" situations have you encountered in your life? How did God bring you through them?
Notice in Luke's Christmas story how many people pray and praise God for his power working in their lives. Zechariah praises God for his mighty works (Luke 1:68-79). Starting in 1:46, Mary praises God for his power and mighty works. This song is known as the Magnificat. God's power isn't limited to people long ago in a galaxy far, far away. God's power is available to us in the here and now. According to Mary, God's power is especially available to the downtrodden and lowly in life. God's power will be the great equalizer between the rich and powerful and the poor and lowly. God's power can feed the hungry. God's power can show mercy.
• Where would you like God's power to be shown in your life, right now?
Just as Zechariah praises God for coming to deliver, Mary praises God for remembering his promise to Israel's ancestors and remembering Israel in mercy. That is what we need in our world today -- God's power through God's mercy. We also need God's strength to scatter the proud in heart. The irony of the Christmas story is that God's power, God's deliverance, and God's mercy come in the form of two tiny, helpless babies. God chooses the weak to confound the strong. God's power is at work where you least expect it.
Back to the conversation with the angel: Mary answers, "Yes." "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word" (Luke 1:38 NRSV). Did Mary realize all she was getting into by saying, "Yes"? She was saying, "Yes," to more than just getting pregnant and having a baby. Mary's words are a distinct echo of her ancestor David in 2 Samuel 7. In 2 Samuel 7, the Lord delivers the promise to build David a dynasty, a house that will last forever.
Moreover the LORD declares to you that the LORD will make you a house. When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come forth from your body and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be a father to him and he shall be a son to me ... Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure fovever before me; your throne shall be established forever.
-- 2 Samuel 7:11-14a, 16 (NRSV)
This passage is rightly interpreted as God's declaration that the Messiah will come through David's line and lineage. David is so awed by this promise that he went into the tabernacle and prayed a prayer of gracious thanks and acceptance of the promise.
And now, LORD God, keep forever the promise you have made concerning your servant and his house. Do as you promised, so that your name will be great forever. Then men will say, "The LORD Almighty is God over Israel!" And the house of your servant David will be established before you. O LORD Almighty, God of Israel, you have revealed this to your servant, saying, "I will build a house for you." So your servant has found courage to offer you this prayer. O Sovereign LORD, you are God! Your words are trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant. Now be pleased to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever in your sight; for you, O Sovereign LORD, have spoken, and with your blessing the house of your servant will be blessed forever.
-- 2 Samuel 7:25-29 (NIV)
• When was the last time God did something nice for you? How did you express your gratitude?
Mary clearly echoes David's attitude, "Here am I, your servant." David continually refers to himself and his house as the servant of the Lord. David's, "Do as you have promised," is echoed by Mary, "May it be with me according to your word."
Mary imitated her ancestor David in saying, "Yes," to God. She said, "Yes," to God's promise, request, and command. That is an example of faith and obedience. In the Magnificat, Mary proclaims:
My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me -- holy is his name.
-- Luke 1:46b-49 (NIV)
Protestants have tended to identify themselves by taking an opposite stand to whatever Catholics have believed. We certainly disagree with our Catholic brothers and sisters about their view of Mary in the plan of salvation. We can't accept Mary being called "The Queen of Heaven." We don't believe in praying to Mary. But in our zeal to be different, we have sometimes forgotten that Mary is a supreme example of obedient faith that says yes to God. Because of her obedient faith, the Messiah was born from her womb. That is her blessing, but the blessing isn't only for Mary. Everyone who says yes to God's plan for their life in obedient faith will be blessed.
• What is your view of Mary?
It is right to call her blessed, because God did indeed bless her. She was the chosen woman of God to bear the Son of God in her womb and bring him into this world. She was the chosen woman of God to be the mother to the Son of God during his infancy, childhood, and teenage years. If that isn't blessed, then tell me what is. It is right to call Mary blessed because she is exactly correct: The Mighty One has done great things for her.
• If you were one of Mary's neighbors or friends, how would you react to her "story"?
But saying, "Yes," was not all roses and bubble baths. Saying, "Yes," to God brought some difficulties. In saying, "Yes," to God for a baby, she also said, "Yes," to a negative reaction from her friends, family, and neighbors. How many people do you think believed her story about how she got pregnant? They didn't fall off the truck yesterday. Even Joseph was of the mind to divorce her quietly (Matthew 1:19). That sounds like he didn't believe her story. When I say negative reaction, I am being kind. According to Jewish law, Mary could have been stoned to death as an adulteress. If Joseph divorced her, her chances for marriage would have become very slim indeed. She would have been shunned as an outcast, at the very least. In saying, "Yes," to God, she said, "Yes," to people snickering behind her back as she walked through town. She said, "Yes," to the gossip, the innuendo, the winking looks. She also said, "Yes," to God's blessings and God's power. She realized that if this was God's Son, and she was the chosen woman, God would fulfill his promises. She said, "Yes," to the trials and tribulations as well as the blessings.
• If you were Mary and understood all the consequences, would you have said, "Yes"?
• Would you have said, "Yes," to God about your own life to this point, had you known of all the trials with all the joys?
For Christians, Mary becomes an example of obedient faith. She is an example of one who took up her cross and followed Jesus. We are reminded of all the promises and commands God has given us, that he wants us to say, "Yes," to. We should say, "Yes," to God's offer of salvation through Jesus Christ. We should say, "Yes," to the power of the Holy Spirit working in our lives. We should say, "Yes," to the things we need to do to grow in our discipleship: Bible study, prayer, church service, giving, witnessing. We should say, "Yes," to God's power as he continues to conform us to the image of Christ. Mary said, "Yes," and found all of God's promises coming true in her life. What do you think God will do for us if we will but say, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord. May it be with me according to your word"?
WWJD -- What "Yes" in your life is God waiting to hear? Give God the answer right now.
____________
1.ÊRaymond Brown; The Birth of the Messiah (Garden City, New York: Doubleday & Co., 1979), p. 123.
