MARY – GOD ’ S SERVANT Penge Baptist Church 18 th March 2012

Agreeing to be God ’ s servant The angel went to her and said, “ Greetings, you who are highly favoured! The Lord is with you. ” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “ Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favour with God. You will be with child …. (Luke 1:28-31) “ How will this be, ” Mary asked the angel, “ since I am a virgin? ” (Luke 1:34) “….nothing is impossible with God. ” “ I am the Lord ’ s servant, ” Mary answered. “ May it be to me as you have said. ” (Luke 1:38)

The joy of serving God [Elizabeth said] “…..Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished! ” And Mary said: “ 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 1:45-49) Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. (Luke 2:18)

Prophetic gift of God ’ s servant “….His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers. ” (Luke 1:50-55)

A warning of sorrow …. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “ This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too. ” (Luke 2:34-35)

….beginning to be fulfilled …. Then he said to them all: “ If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. ” (Luke 9:23-24) His mother said to him, “ Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you. ” “ Why were you searching for me? ” he asked. “ Didn ’ t you know I had to be in my Father ’ s house? ” (Luke 2:48-49)

When the wine was gone, Jesus ’ mother said to him, “ They have no more wine. ” “ Dear woman, why do you involve me? ” Jesus replied. “ My time has not yet come. ” His mother said to the servants, “ Do whatever he tells you. ” (John 2:3- 5) Then Jesus ’ mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, “ Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you. ” “ Who are my mother and my brothers? ” he asked. Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “ Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God ’ s will is my brother and sister and mother. ” (Mark 3:31-35)

… and reaching a climax Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother ’ s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “ Dear woman, here is your son, ” and to the disciple, “ Here is your mother. ” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “ I am thirsty ”…. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “ It is finished. ” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (John 19:25-30)

Still God ’ s servant! They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. (Acts 1:14)

Our call to be God ’ s servants “ whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave — just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. ” (Matthew 20:26-8) “ Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. ” (Colossians 3:23)