4th June 2025

In his gospel account, Luke searches out the predictions of milestones that would define the life of Jesus. And he does it through the experiences of Mary. 

Mary was given a lot of information in a relatively short time. What things did she ‘keep’ or store in her ‘heart’? Maybe she didn’t share much – but she ‘pondered’ on it. She knew things others didn’t. She stored what was told to her by the angel Gabriel, and Simeon. She remembered what the shepherds had said soon after her son’s birth. She heard Elizabeth’s welcome when she went to stay with her. All these things she was told were roughly within the space of a year. 

Gabriel told her that God was with her – and understandably said, “Do not be afraid”. She was told she would become pregnant, that the Holy Spirit would “come upon” or ‘envelop’ her. She learned that her son would reign as a king, like David, and importantly, that His reign would not end, setting him apart from all the kings throughout Israel’s history. (Luke 1:28-35)

When Mary visited her cousin, prompted by the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth underscored Gabriel’s announcement when she said, “…there will be a fulfilment of those things which were told her from the Lord.” (Luke 1:45).

Mary learnt from the shepherds that this child was a “…Savior…Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11), whether they shared it directly with the saviour’s mother or not, but we do know that, ‘…they made [it] widely known…’ (v.17). 

What Simeon shared was darker. Along with the shepherds, he referred to Jesus as the source of salvation. Although Gabriel’s message focused on Judah and Israel, Simeon spreads the net wider when he speaks of him being, “A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles”. But he also speaks of the child growing up to face difficult times – something we understand more perfectly as we read through the gospel accounts. Finally Mary is told that she will suffer pain as the result of her relationship, “…(yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also)…” (Luke 2:29-35).

About twelve years later that same son gently reminded his mother who his ‘real’ father was, and what that father’s “business” was (Luke 2:49). Mary’s story – what she witnessed, what was shared with her – summarises the future, short life of the son she had just given birth to, all the way from conception to the crucifixion.

Local congregation:
GCI Market Harborough
9 The Point
Rockingham Road
Market Harborough 
LE16 7QU

Meeting time:
Sunday 4.00 pm

Local congregational contact:
Sinead Henderson
Email: sinead.henderson@gracecom.church

Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church