28th July 2026

Among the extraordinary women of the Bible, Mary, the mother of Jesus, shines as a remarkable example of humble faith. Yet what made Mary extraordinary was not her own greatness, but the greatness of God’s grace at work in her life. Before Mary ever spoke her ‘yes’, God had already spoken his ‘yes’. 

The angel Gabriel announced that God had chosen Mary to bear the promised Messiah, not because she had earned such an honour, but because of God’s gracious initiative. The Father was fulfilling the promise he had made from the beginning: to rescue and reconcile humanity through his Son. God’s loving purpose was already in motion, and Mary was invited to participate in it. Mary’s response in the header scripture was beautifully simple: ‘I am the Lord’s servant…May your word to me be fulfilled’ (Luke 1:38). Her ‘yes’ to God was a trusting response to the God who had already said ‘yes’ to the world through his covenant promises; a ‘yes’ that would find its complete fulfillment in Jesus Christ. As the apostle Paul later wrote, “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ” (2 Corinthians 1:20).

Mary teaches us that grace always comes first. God initiates – we respond; God calls – we trust; God gives – we receive. Our obedience is never the cause of God’s love, rather it is our grateful response to the love he has already poured out upon us. Mary’s song of praise, the Magnificat (Luke 1:46–55), reflects this truth. She magnified the Lord, not herself. She rejoiced in God’s mercy, celebrated his faithfulness, and proclaimed that he lifts up the humble. Her life consistently pointed beyond herself to the God who was accomplishing salvation through Jesus. Mary is to be honoured not only as the mother of our Lord but also as an outstanding disciple whose life directs our attention to Jesus. Even her words at the wedding in Cana continue to guide the Church today: ‘…Do whatever he tells you.’ (John 2:5).

Mary’s journey, however, was not without pain. She witnessed misunderstanding, rejection, and ultimately stood near the cross as her Son gave his life for the world. Yet even through sorrow she remained faithful, trusting the God whose promises never fail. After Jesus’s resurrection, she was found among the believers, sharing in the hope and joy of the risen Christ (Acts 1:14).

Mary’s life is an invitation to every believer. God has already spoken his ‘yes’ over humanity in Jesus Christ. Because of his grace, we are welcomed into his family, embraced by his love, and invited to participate in his mission. Like Mary, we are called each day to respond with trusting hearts. The God who invited Mary into his redemptive story is the same God who, in Christ, has already said ‘yes’ to us. As we hear God’s gracious ‘yes’ spoken over our lives may we receive it with faith, and like Mary, respond with joyful confidence. In saying ‘yes’ to God’s ‘yes’, we will discover the deep joy of participating in the life and mission of Jesus, knowing that the God who began his good work in us will be faithful to complete it.

Local congregation:
Grace Communion West Hampstead 
Sidings Community Centre
150 Brassey Road
West Hampstead
London
NW6 2BA

Meeting time:
Sunday 12.30 pm

Local congregational contact:
Gordon Brown
gordon.brown@gracecom.church

Word of Life contact:  
wordoflife@gracecom.church