MARY - AN IDEAL WOMAN

Scripture Portions: Luke 1:26-38; 46-56

INTRODUCTION:

The Name “MARY” is the Greek form of the Hebrew Name “MIRIAM” which means “Loved by Yahweh.” This was a very common name in the first century Palestine. There were six Mary’s found in the New Testament.

1.  Sister of Martha and Lazarus (John 11:1; Luke 10:42)

2.  Mary Magdalene (Jon.20:1; Lk. 8:2)

3. Mother of James and Joses (Mark 15:40, 47).

She is also called as Mary the wife of Cleophas (Joh 19:25) and Matt 27:61 & 28:1.

4.  Mother of Mark (Act 12:12)

5.  Mary who was greeted by Paul (Rom 16:6)

6.  Mary the Mother of Jesus (Luke 1:26-38; 46-56)

There are some false concepts passed throughout the church history about Mary, the mother of Jesus. The concepts such as “Immaculate conception of Virgin Mary” “Ascension to heaven without death” and “Mother of God” have no evidence in the scripture. Those are normally counted as heresies by the evangelical Christians. The first century society was male dominated, Patriarchal in nature generally. There are lots of Patriarchal influences found in the gospels, Matt 1, gives the genealogy as the list of men begat others in KJV. There are 24 appearances of “Daughters” while 327 times the word “Sons” used. The word “mother” found 72 times besides the word “father” found 293 times. The word “woman” found 78 times while the word “man” found 295 times.

The question “why God has to choose Mary among numerous women in Judea?” She must have possessed some special characteristics besides the grace of God (Lk. 1:30), it is evident who through the History that God pours his grace and people responds with their faith and submission. That makes Mary special in our devotion today. She responded to God with simple faith when God broke the silence in History through Gabriel. The following are some of the observations regarding the life of Mary which made her to be a role model woman to others.

1.  MARY’S RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD (LK. 1:26-38; 46-56)

We see the characteristics of Mary in this praise song she sang after the visit of Gabriel. She would probably 13 years old at that time. We see her humility, submission, prayer and God concern makes us astonished in that small age.

a. Her Humility (vv. 26-30): she did not fear by looking at the appearance of the angel rather feared by the greetings given by him. We see her response in v.38, “I am the Lord’s servant.” Moses learnt humility after 80 years of life but it took only 13 years for Mary to learn humility. She performed it through her action.

b. Her Concern about God (vv. 46-55): She did not bother about the people, what they would think of her neither had she complained about it to the angel. She counted it as her joy and privilege to fulfill God’s concern. She might have remembered the covenant of Abraham and meditated about the universal blessing through the Messiah. Her concern was only about God.

c.  Her Submission to God’s Will (vv. 34-37): Her question was natural. In fact she did not ask the following questions which every woman would have asked in this circumstance. “What will Joseph think of me?” “What will people think of me if I found to be pregnant?” “Will I be stoned to death, if people count it as adultery?” “What about my future disgrace?” “What will happen to my future life?” the above questions never crossed her mind. She completely submitted herself to the will of God. She is an example for all of us. She accepted her role to bear Jesus; in return God guarded her reputation and sent an angel to speak to Joseph.

d. Her Prayer to God (v.38): we see her simple prayer of submission, this should be an example to our prayers also, “I am the Lord’s servant”

2.  MARY’S RELATIONSHIP WITH JOSEPH

Her family was a blessed family with four sons and daughters (Mat. 13:55-56). Her family was an ideal home for children, we don’t see any evidence of Joseph after the incident of Jesus at the temple in the age of 12 (Luke 2:48). He might have passed away soon after that event; she was a faithful wife to Joseph and a celebrity widow after his death.

3.  MARY’S RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS

a.  She was a devoted woman: She completely knew who Jesus is, she knew the Angel’s fore-telling of His birth; Miraculous pregnancy; Shepherd’s visit; Simeon and Anna’s prophecy after two months concerning Him (Lk. 2); The visit of wise men from East after two years (Mtt. 2). She kept all those things in her mind and devoted about it (Lk 2:19,51) in her heart. She was a woman with complete devotion about Jesus.

b.  She Longed for the Motherly Love: She loved Jesus so much so that she longed for the earthly love (Mk. 3:31-35). She did not give up of the newer explanation of Jesus about His family. she might be pondering on the prophecy by Simeon when Jesus was on the cross. Her heart might have broken with the motherly love.

c.   She was a woman of Faith: She was not able to see the troubles of others (Jn. 2), the wedding at Cana was a good example where she ran to Jesus for help. She at the mean time did not take advantage of being Jesus’ mother. She shared the difficulties of people with Jesus. She is a woman of faith, she earlier believed in the words of Gabriel about His birth (Lk. 1) and later believed about the resurrection of Jesus and found in the early church (Act. 1:14). She is a woman of faith.

d.  She was a follower of Jesus: She was at the feet of the cross with beloved John when Jesus was crucified (Jn. 19:25-27). We later see her with the fellowship of other disciples (Act. 1:14); She is the prime example of following Jesus (Being a disciple) and the fellowship with the children of God.

Mary is truly an ideal woman and a role model to all believers.

Scripture Portion : Matthew 2:1-18

INTRODUCTION:

Christmas brings forth many images. We think of parades, streets lined with decorations (Orchard road), Christmas tree, Crackers, Carols etc. Some think of giving and receiving gifts. Generally Christmas is thought of as a happy time. It's a time for celebration, a time for joy. But not everyone looks at Christmas time in the same way. For some it's a terrible time; it can be a time of most depressing season of the year because they are not able to spend Christmas with their loved ones. Others, because of financial considerations cannot participate in the giving of gifts.  There are many reactions to Christmas.

·         You may be troubled at Christmas like Herod the king.

·         You may be indifferent at Christmas like the religious leaders of Jerusalem.

·         You may be a worshipper at Christmas like the wise men.

In the gospels when we read the birth narratives of Jesus, we see different people had responded or reacted differently to the birth of Christ. Shepherds, Angels, Joseph, Mary, Inn keeper, and the Magi are the ones who responded positively and the rest like the people of Jerusalem, Scribes, Priests and Herod responded negatively.  Today you may be celebrating numerous Christmases, How did you celebrate it so far? How have you prepared for today's celebration? New dresses, Good food, Decoration of home etc… all are external celebration only. Have you ever given thought to celebrate it mentally or spiritually or in Biblical manner? Last sermon we saw how the shepherds’ celebrated the Christmas under the title "Shepherds’ Christmas ". Today let us see how Herod responded to the birth of Christ so that we can compare ourselves with him to correct our perspective of celebrating Christmas in the right attitude.

When Prince William was born to Prince Charles and Diana there was excitement in England and all newspapers flashed it because an heir to the British throne was born. Now when the promised Messiah was born Herod, the priests and the people of Jerusalem were reacted in different way. In this Mt 2: 1-18, though we are amazed by the visit of the Magi who came to worship the Lord, we are appalled by the irrational jealousy of Herod toward an infant born in an obscure village. We are horrified by the cunning and cruelty of Herod who was willing to kill the infants in and around Bethlehem to eliminate the threat of one child.  At the time of Jesus' birth (6-4 BC) Herod would have been around 70 years old and in poor health and destined to die soon (4 BC). Herod had held his throne through fear and bloodshed. He had ruled the nation with sword. He used bribery, deceit and force to achieve his ends. The first Christmas was troubling Herod the King. He ruled 36 years from 40 to 4 BC. Herod was disturbed because in 40 BC the Roman Senate had conferred the title “King of the Jews” on him. The news of that a new king of the Jews had been born was a challenge to him. Herod won't take any challenge to his throne lightly. He felt insecure as king because his claim to the throne was shaken now; it was very shaky because he was not a full Jew. In his security he had killed all potential rivals. He was a half Jew and had no less than 10 wives and 12 sons. He was a proud, selfish, hypocrite and a cruel king.

1. DISTURBED KING (v. 3): The arrival of the Magi and their inquiry disturbed him. Herod was afraid of the Parthians who may attack Palestine at any time. Can you imagine the impact on him when the Magi arrived asking him the whereabouts of the King of the Jews? The thought that the "King of the Jews" had been born was troubling. He considered himself to be the king of the Jews and to hear the statement of the Magi that another king was born posed a real threat to his rule. Based on the prophecy of Micah (5:2) the religious leaders gave the correct answer that Jesus will be born in his own territory at Bethlehem and it disturbed him. The failure of the Magi who were requested to return to him to inform about the newly born king disturbed or troubled his mind. His position and power were a matter of paranoid fear. Imagine a 70 year old king with failing health afraid of a newly born babe.

We also see that his fear spread to others. Not only he was troubled, but "all of Jerusalem was troubled with him"(v. 3). Herod as evil as he was, at last was a predictable evil. His reign was marked by violence and insecurity. He was notorious for killing his own kith and kin that he considered as rival to him. Whenever he was disturbed there would be violent consequences. Now the message of the Magi and the confirmation by the scribes disturbed him. What would Herod do now or what would be his next step was the thought of whole Jerusalem. The people of Jerusalem were troubled. Like them you also may be troubled at this Christmas time on account of various reasons and failed to celebrate Christmas with the right attitude. Today some are troubled at heart like Herod because Jesus is a rival to their own will and pleasure. If I accept Christ, I have to follow the teachings of the Bible, I cannot do this, I cannot do that, I cannot see movies or spend time with my friends etc… kind of thinking would dominate the mind. As a result they prefer to push Christ out of their heart. People who want to do their own thing do not want to be troubled by God to whom they are accountable. Some are troubled because of the cost of discipleship and cross bearing. Herod was troubled because he did not want to bow down to any other king. "Trouble not" or in other words "Fear not". Was not this the comforting message announced to Mary and the shepherds at the time of Christmas? Ps 43:1 also reiterates that God's children need not be troubled. Why can't you take that as a personal message for you?

2. SELFISH KING:  Herod should have been happy and excited that the promised Messiah was born during his reign. But that was not the case with him. He considered the birth of Jesus as a threat to his throne. He would not tolerate anyone against him. He wanted to safeguard his position only. As an egocentric man he will do anything to achieve his ends. Yes; selfish people live for themselves and not at all concerned for others like Herod. If God was selfish He would not have spared his only son for you and me. Christmas teaches about giving the Magi gave, the shepherd should have given something, Are we not supposed to give our strength to God?

3. CUNNING KING: There was cunningness and calculation evident in the way Herod acquired information about the birth of Jesus. He first called together all the scribes and priests (v. 4) to carefully ascertain the place of birth. The tense of the verb rendered "to inquire" suggests that there was a meticulous process involved, perhaps questioning each scholar one by one. The conclusion was unanimous that the Messiah must be born in Bethlehem. Herod had now known part of what he needed to know. Secretly he called the Magi and feigning a desire to worship the child, sought to more precisely locate the home of the child. This he expected to ascertain when the Magi would return back to him. Now he needs to know only the age of the child whom he would kill. This he did based on his own calculation of the time from the arrival of the Magi's place and the time of the appearance of the star and to be on the safer side not to miss the killing of Jesus, he ordered all children of the age of two to be killed. If he could kill his own wife, children and relatives, the killing of children of others would be of no great concern for him.

4. RUTHLESS KING: Those who are familiar with history will not be startled with the cruelty of Herod as this was common among the kings in those days. He had killed several people in his own family circle. The cunning and cruelty of Herod killing the children in the vicinity of Bethlehem was not without precedent. He had never hesitated to use his power to destroy anyone who might get on his way. He had killed Aristobulous (his brother-in-law), Antigonus a Hasmonean heir to the throne, Hyrcanus II (Father of his wife Mariamme), Joseph (his Uncle), Sohemus (a servant for alleged illicit affair with his wife Mariamme) wife Mariamme was executed for adultery, and Alexandra (mother of Mariamme). So Herod's response to the arrival of the Magi and killing the children was totally consistent with his style of rule. Now he had ordered to kill all the male children below the age of two in and around Bethlehem (v. 16) which was the fulfillment of Jer 31:15. What a cruel king was he! He will not bother to eradicate anyone whom he considered as a challenge or rival to his position. Now he could not digest the birth of Jesus.

5. HYPOCRITICAL KING: He informed the Magi that he also wanted to worship the new born king (v. 8). But this was not true. Are we celebrating the Christmas in the right perspective? If we follow the external rituals of Christmas is it not hypocritical? Like the wise men and the shepherds are we not supposed to worship Him in reverence and humility? Enormous amount of time had been spent in the preparation of Christmas decoration at your home and in shopping and cooking cookies. How much of time have you spent at the feet of Jesus in this Christmas season?

6. SCRIPTURE-LESS KING: Being a half Jew he should have known about the birth of Jesus. The problem with him was he did not know the Scripture properly. Today the reason for many to be possessed by fear is that they do not know the Bible; the reason for many to lead a confused life is that they do not the Scripture like Herod; today for many to think that they are perfect and blameless is that they are not knowledgeable about the Scripture; today for many to lead a life as they like is that they do not know the Scripture. See the effect of our lives when we miss the Scripture. How far you know the Scripture? Are you like Herod or like the blessed man referred in Ps. l:2?

IGNORED CHRIST:

• The Shepherds were the First ones to visit the baby Jesus. Luke 2: 17 says after seeing Jesus they went and proclaimed the news to everyone. Surely this message would have reached the ears of Herod. He ignored that.
• Secondly the presentation of Jesus in the temple and the proclamation of Simeon and Anna (Lk. 2: 17, 18) could have hardly occurred in secret.
• Thirdly the miraculous birth of John (the Baptist) the forerunner of Jesus could not had been ignored at Jerusalem. His birth was the signal for the arrival of Jesus.
• Fourthly the Magi announced the birth of Jesus and that was ignored by him.
• Fifthly the scribes and the priests confirmed the birth of Jesus and that also was rejected by Herod.

While the shepherds and the Magi from faraway places visited Jesus he did not visit Jesus who was born only five miles away (at the most one hour journey) from Jerusalem. Herod was unwilling to see the promised Messiah and did not go. He quietly pushed God out of the picture. Yes, whenever we fail to attend Sunday services regularly, whenever we fail to read the bible and meditate, whenever we fail to pray, whenever we take decisions purely based on our own thinking and leading a life killing our conscience we are pushing God aside like Herod. There are some who are like Herod who for selfish reasons want to get rid of Jesus from their heart resisting the reign of Christ in their lives. There was no room for Jesus in Herod's heart. Do you have a place for Christ in your heart or is your heart choked with the mundane desires?

At this Christmas, I want you to keep Christ in Christmas. Herod was a failure. Herod's reaction was of animosity and hatred. He wanted to annihilate Jesus but could not succeed. He failed in his attempt to destroy Jesus. But he was outwitted by the Magi. Yes. All endeavors which are done against the will and plan of God cannot succeed. May I ask you very honestly as you celebrate another Christmas in your life: are you in the same boat with Herod? Are you a Herod? Herod's Christmas was a disturbed Christmas. His Christmas was a troubled Christmas. Herod's Christmas was a Christmas without Christ. He ignored Christ and failed to welcome his birth. Do not celebrate Christmas at the cost of ignoring Christ's birth in your heart. It will be another useless Christmas if you do so. At this Christmas, after this service will you go home and focus on the true meaning of Christmas?

SCRIPTURE PASSAGE: (Luke 2:8-20)

INTRODUCTION:

How are we celebrating Christmas today? New dress, good food ... in a worldly way with pomp and pride! How did the poor shepherds' celebrate the first Christmas? If we compare and contrast our way of celebrating Christmas with that of the shepherds' then we can know how hypocritical are and lost the true meaning of Christmas.

Today so many children are born in our private and government hospitals. Unless they are related to us (friends or relatives) we will not go and visit them. We are not at all concerned about the numerous children born every day in the-nearby hospitals. The shepherds are commendable because the child born was not at all related to them in any way.  They went and paid their respect. When a child is born it was customary in those days for the local singers and musicians to congregate in the house of the new born babe to greet the child. Jesus born in a stable in Bethlehem and therefore that ceremony could not be carried out. It was a lovely thought for the heavenly host who took that place and sang for Jesus that the earthly singers could not sing. Further it was not a human announcement but rather by the angels who were busy in the birth of Jesus (Messengers to Mary, Elizabeth, Zachariah, Joseph and Shepherds).

First a single angel (v. 9) appeared to do the announcement, then a host of angels appeared to sing (v. 13) happy birthday. When we sing it, we sing it for the concerned person; but Jesus' happy birthday song was different from ours which is for the whole universe. This doxology was related to the heaven and earth. Today we have the privilege and responsibility of sharing the good news to the world and angels cannot take our place. The angels were not sent to the chief priests or elders but to the shepherds. Why did God choose the shepherds to receive the message first? It was from Old Testament we know that it was the shepherds (Abraham, Jacob, Moses, David) who responded positively and obeyed to God. A brief outline about the shepherds can be highlighted as follows. The shepherds in the birth of Christ: 1.Heard. 2. Believed. 3. Obeyed. 4. Received. 5. Testified. 6. Rejoiced. 7. Praised.

A king worried his court by often disappearing and walking incognito among his people. When he was asked not to do so for security reason, he answered; I cannot rule my people unless I know how they live". We have a God who knows the life we live because he too lived it and claimed no special advantage over common men. In Matthew God used the star to guide the Magi and in Luke we see the angels in relation to the shepherds. To each, God chose to speak in the language they were most conversant with.

1. SIMPLE SHEPHERDS: On the night of the incarnation the shepherds received the message first how fitting it was. The birth of the GOOD SHEPHERD, GREAT SHEPHERD, CHIEF SHEPHERD, LAMB OF GOD, was announced to poor shepherds whose minds were prepared by the Holy Spirit. The Light of the World was born in the night. When Christ was born, the good news was not announced to the parents or relatives or friends of Joseph and Mary. It was not revealed to the self-righteous Pharisees or priests Instead the first announcement was to the shepherds who were despised by the orthodox people of the day. They were not able to keep the details of the ceremonial law; they could not observe the meticulous hand washings and rules and regulations. 'The flocks made far too constant demands on them and so looked down by the people. It was to these simple men who were at the lowest rank of the social order. God's message was a "Super message of Fear Not, Joy and Peace".

2. SPECIAL SHEPHERDS: In the temple every morning and evening an unblemished lamb was offered as sacrifice to God. To see that supply of perfect offering was always available, the Temple authorities had their own private flocks which were pastured near Bethlehem. It was likely to these shepherds who looked after the Temple lambs, the first announcement was made about the Lamb of God who takes the sins of the world. They were privileged and first to see the Lamb of God.

3. SLEEPLESS (WATCHFUL) SHEPHERDS (V.8): They were on duty and devoted to their work to protect the sheep from the wild animals and thieves. Though sleep is a blessing from God (Ps. 127:3), we have to be agile and keep awake at times to fulfill God's role. The three disciples were sleeping in the garden of Gethsemane when they were expected to keep awake. Love not too much sleep (Prov. 20:13); be awaken (Rom. 13:11, 12).

4. SURPRISED SHEPHERDS: (v.18): The appearance of an angel surprised them. So far in their lives they had been in the field many days and no angel appeared to them. This was the first time in their life seeing an angel while on duty. The annunciation message also surprised them. The glory of God (shekinah) represented the holiness and visible blessing of God's presence in the Old Testament (Ex. 24:16; Isa. 6:1-3; Rom. 9:4). It was the glory which filled the tabernacle (Ex. 40:34, 35) the temple (I Kings 8:11). At the mount of Transfiguration (Mt. 17) and during the martyrdom, Stephen (Acts. 7:55) and Saul on the road to Damascus (Acts 22:6-11) had seen this light or Glory. It was the same glory. It was the same glory which encompassed the shepherds and they were surprised. Today promotion in work, good result in exams, large amount in lottery etc may surprise us; but not God's message. But it was God's message which surprised the shepherds.

5. SHARING SHEPHERDS (V.17):

1. They would have shared to Joseph and Mary the whole incident and how they came to that place to see baby Jesus. That news would have encouraged Joseph and Mary to understand the supernatural savior.

2. They spread the word and became the first evangelists of the Christian era. They believed the words of the angels and therefore spoke. If we were in that situation how would have we responded?

6. RESPONDING SHEPHERDS: While Herod the King, the Jewish priests rejected the information about the birth of Jesus, the shepherds responded positively. Their response sets a precedent for us.

a. THEY SPOKE EXCITEDLY: It was not the appearance and seeing of the angels that excited them, but the good news of Jesus' birth. It amazed them. What is the good news that excites you? Money, work, business, sports, pleasure etc? Christ is born for you. Does this excite you? If yes, then you will be sharing it with others.

b. THEY SPOKE RECIPROCALLY: They began to talk about the good news to one another. Birth of a child, purchase of a new house, getting new job etc- we share with others since we are social beings. We love to talk about things we love and enjoy. The passage highlights the one another needs and responsibilities because "no man is an island". I need you and you need me. What do men talk with one another? Politics, finance, cinema, our problems, work or evil about a third person. Have you spoken about Christ to your roommate, colleague and your family members (if they are non-Christians?). They spread the word and told others about the child (vv.17, 18). When God speaks we should receive His message with right earnestness and share with others (Cf: Samaritan woman who shared the message with her villagers; scattered early Christians preached the gospel Acts 8:4). Do you have the compulsion to tell others the good news of Christ?

c. THEY SPOKE EXHORTATIONALLY: “Let us” hortatory clause which calls others to join us in action. They interacted with each other about the course of action in response to the message received. We need exhortation, comfort, and encouragement. "Let us" exhortation occur 56 times in the New Testament and with over 30 of these in the epistles. Do not ignore others; join hand with others in action. The shepherds did not doubt the message of the angel; instead they acted together.

d. THEY ACTED PURPOSEFULLY: After receiving the message they responded to it in faith. Their goal was to go and see the newly born babe; their priority was not to watch the sheep. Without goal in life based on biblical values (Bible is the compass for the life) people never go straight; they chase one thing after another or wander around. Today many people are like small corked bottles that are carried by the tides and waves of life rather than a ship that is being guided. What are your goals for the New Year? Do you have any? Do they go beyond self-centered desires?

e. THEY ACTED IMMEDIATELY: The shepherds’ did not linger on but rushed off to see the baby. They lost no time but came with haste to the place not side tracked by the occupation, family, laziness, indifference or any other host of things.

f. THEY ACTED SEARCHINGLY: The Greek word used for "found" in v.16 means "to find after a search". The Magi had a star to guide them but these shepherds did not have any. They were not given any address to search (today we may ask which hospital? Where is it? How to get there?), except for the sign that the child was born in a stable. (Generally a child will be born inside the house and dressed up in robes and not in manger with swaddling clothes). When sending the disciples to fetch the donkey for triumphal entry to Jerusalem, no address was given to the disciples as well. When God led the Israelites out of Egypt, no road map (blue print) was given. It’s the biblical way of leading people who will obey and follow in faith. Take the first step and God will lead the rest. Will you get this message deep down in to your heart?

g. THEY ACTED INSIGHTFULLY: The shepherds who came searching to see and know the babe was rewarded for their efforts. They did not see him with their eyes, but went away with spiritual insight having seen the Lord, the Saviour of the world. Simeon also saw the child from eschatological perspective. Those who have eyes of faith can have many insights about God in this world.

h. THEY ACTED FAITHFULLY: They went back to the work, returned joyfully. Their profession did not change. But their hearts were changed. They returned to their work filled with joy.

You had celebrated so many Christmases in your life so far. But this Christmas, think about the shepherds as you go to bed and evaluate how they celebrated Christmas and how you observe it today. May Our Good Lord continue to speak to you to be a good messenger for Him.

(This Sermon Was Preached by Rev. V. C. Selwyn, Kambong Kaboor Methodist Church)