Learning from the Example of Mary Mother of Jesus

In the coming weeks as Christmas is celebrated, many churches will have nativity scenes and in some plays a living nativity scene. Some will have a young woman dressed up as Mary the mother of Jesus. While the scenes are nice reminders of the first Christmas when Jesus was born, there is an aspect not normally covered, but important to consider. It underscores the faithfulness Mary.

A bible verse we don’t usually think about at Christmas time is Leviticus 20:10

If a man commits adultery with another man’s wife—with the wife of his neighbor—both the adulterer and the adulteress are to be put to death.

Being engaged at that time in Jewish culture would have basically meant Mary and Joseph were considered to be married just had not consummated the marriage yet. To end the engagement, they would have had to get divorced. So if Mary was found to be pregnant but not by Joseph, she could have been killed by being stoned to death.

Mary would have been well aware of what was in the Jewish law when the angel Gabriel told her she had been chosen to be the mother of the Savior of the world, Jesus. So when Mary responded in Luke chapter 1:

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

She knew the possible consequences. Mary said yes to God even though the possible consequences were that she could be stoned to death. When she said yes to God’s plan, she entrusted herself, her life, to God to protect her, care for her and ensure the outcome.

Mary is a great example of trusting God knowing there can be adverse consequences.

Thank you for reading. God Bless.