Sermon Series: God in the Life of Mary 12-18-2011 Pastor Mark DuPre

Mary the mother of Jesus is one of the most amazing people in the Scriptures. God in the life of Mary, though, is even more amazing. This sermon shows us the tender and caring heart of God as shown through the life of Mary, from first mention of her in the Bible to the last.

God in the Life of Mary 

Mary—overemphasized or underappreciated. Her only statement of direction: John 2:5 

Mary is amazing, but God shows us Himself in how He works in her life! 

First lesson: God is no respecter of persons. She was a poor peasant girl.

God often does the unexpected and chooses the unlikely.

Lesson: Don’t compare yourself when it comes to God’s call. 

If God can choose to work through Mary, He can choose any type of person. 

God recognizes our doubts, thoughts, and fears.

Luke 1:29-35 and 2:17-19. God answers our questions and relieves our fears.

Mary had all the normal questions and fears and confusions we all do. God saw it and ministered to it.

But there IS something Mary said that helps us understand God more. Luke 1:38 

God gives direction to those poised to do His will.

Gabriel doesn’t ask her thoughts, doesn’t begin a dialogue, or try to convince her. Mary struggles with obedience, and then says yes.

God’s heart is shown here—He wants to work with those whose hearts are set on obedience.

She’s chosen for an amazing task, and says yes. But she didn’t base the rest of her life on that experience. Luke 2:51—Mary continues in her calling.

No matter what God does with us individually, we are to continue in our callings. 

God takes care of those who give their all to Him. John 19:25-27.

Mary’s life shows us that family is important, but God’s family is more important. Matt. 12:46-50.

We last find her in Acts 1:12-14, with the early disciples after the ascension, where she is simply part of a group of committed believers.

When all is said and done, God views us as part of His people! 

As we head into the new year…one last lesson: God holds our dreams in His commands.

Mary probably had a dream of being loved by her husband, having children, being respected by the folks in her town, etc. Instead, she was libeled her whole life, and saw her firstborn die a painful death.

BUT God had GREATER DREAMS FOR MARY than she had for herself.

God blesses those who say YES! She was blessed… Luke 1:28, 1:42, 1:48

Let’s learn from God working through Mary….

As good as our dreams are, God has better ones.

And they are held in His commands to us!