The Five Women Named in Matthew's Lineage of Christ, Part 6

By Jerelyn Wright Pearson

| Introduction | Tamar | Rahab | Ruth | Bathsheba | Mary |

Mary

In our quest to learn more about the women mentioned in Matthew’s genealogy, we come to the most obvious and probably most familiar one, Mary, the mother of Jesus.

Matthew 1:16
16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

Finally, we arrive at the event which is the fulfillment of so much prophesy! Prophesy plays a big part throughout this event. We will find many examples of God’s direct intervention as he gives instructions, explanations, and warnings to individuals. We will continue our journey, visiting with Mary in many of her experiences as the mother of Jesus. God laid some groundwork for the entrance of Mary before she appears in the story.

Our journey begins In Luke where an angel of the Lord appeared to Zacharias during his priestly duties to tell him that his prayer has been heard and his wife Elizabeth will bear a son to be named John who “shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb” (Luke 1:15) and shall “make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” (Luke 1:17) Zacharias questioned the angel in disbelief.

Luke 1:18-20
18 And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.
19 And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.
20 And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.

I wonder how often we miss out on expressing our thanks for answered prayers because we have given up, or even forgotten what we prayed for? It is clear that this was a big deal to God because Zacharias the priest was silenced for quite a while.

Shortly after this encounter, during the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, the angel Gabriel was sent to Mary.

Luke 1:31-34
31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?

Mary’s question to Gabriel was similar to the question Zacharias asked. But Gabriel’s response was much different this time. God knows each of us as individuals. This revelation to Mary was not an answer to something she had been desiring and praying for. It was overwhelming news to take in all at once.

Luke 1:35-37
35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.
38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

Mary decides to go on a journey. Let’s go with her and see what happens.

Luke 1:39-41
39 And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;
40 And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.
41 And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:

Remember when Gabriel said that John would be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother’s womb? The baby leaped.

Being filled with the Holy Ghost, Elizabeth speaks.

Luke 1:42-45
42 And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
43 And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
44 For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
45 And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.

Let us listen in as Mary responds.

Luke 1:46-56
46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
54 He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
55 As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.

56 And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.

This is a great testimony of how God choses those of “low estate” to lift up, and brings down “the mighty.” As we have learned throughout this study, God chooses not by merit, but by his grace, those who have faith to obey. "He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree."

Now let us return to Matthew’s account and look in on Joseph who is facing quite a dilemma. His fiancée is found to be with child. But God doesn’t leave him alone to figure out what to do.

Matthew 1:20-21
20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Fulfillment of prophesy:

Matthew 1:22-23
22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Joseph obeys the angel of the Lord.

Matthew 1:24-25
24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

Now we will return to Luke’s account of events and travel with Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem to be taxed according to the decree by Caesar.

Luke 2:4
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

While they were in Bethlehem Jesus was born in a manger. Unbeknownst to Mary and Joseph there were shepherds keeping sheep nearby to whom Angels appeared with good tidings of the birth of Christ the Lord and told them where to find the babe.

Luke 2:16-19
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

Soon there would be more prophesies for Mary to ponder, those of Simeon and Anna. Let us join them in the Temple.

Simeon was a devout man to whom the Holy Ghost had revealed that he would see the Lord’s Christ before he died.

Luke 2:27
27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

This must have been hard for Mary to hear.

The prophetess Anna, a widow who stayed in the temple and served God with fastings and prayers, came in that instant and “gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.”

Luke 2:39
39 And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.

In Matthew chapter 2 we find the wise men from the east seeking “he that is born the King of the Jews.” King Herod got wind of this and demanded to know where Christ should be born. When he found out, he called the wise men to him.

Matthew 2:7-10
7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

The wise men had been following a star. King Herod directed them to Bethlehem. It seems to me that they were relieved to see the star because they trusted in God’s sign, not in the direction of King Herod.

Mary and Jesus are about to receive visitors.

Matthew 2:11-12
11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

Next, we join Joseph and Mary on a night flight to Egypt.

Matthew 2:13-15
13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
14 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:
15 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.

It was during this time that Herod slew all the children under the age of two.

When Herod was dead an angel of the Lord told Joseph in a dream to return to Israel, but being warned by God in another dream, he went to Galilee.

Matthew 2:23
23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.

Mary and Joseph settled into family life for a while. We will continue the story in Luke.

Luke 2:40
40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

Now we join the family, with 12 year old Jesus, for a journey to Jerusalem.

Luke 2:42-43, 46-52
42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.
43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.

46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.
49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?
50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.
51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

Mary remained active in Jesus’ life as an adult too.

Let’s attend a wedding! And then spend a few days hanging out with family in Capernaum…

John 2:1
1 And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:
2 And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.
3 And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.
4 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.
Jesus was not being disrespectful. It was a common response of the time.
5 His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.
11 This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.
12 After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days.

Let us join Mary and other family members at one of Jesus’ gatherings teaching the people.

Matthew 12:46-50
46 While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him.
47 Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee.
48 But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?
49 And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!
50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

Jesus takes this opportunity to expand understanding of who his brothers and sisters really are.

Let us drop in as Jesus and his disciples come into his own country.

Mark 6:3-4
3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.
4 But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.

Mary had to endure the rejection of Jesus by her neighbors.

In John 19 we see Mary at the cross of Jesus.

John 19:25-27
25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.
26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!
27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.

After his ascension, let us check in in as the disciples gather in Jerusalem.

Acts 1:13-14
13 And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.
14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

In the eyes of the world Mary was a lowly servant girl. When the angel Gabriel appeared to her, her response was one of faith and obedience. She looked beyond what people would likely think and praised God saying, “For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed” (Luke 1:48).

Jesus came from a family line of flawed people. It is God’s plan to lift up the lowly and make them great by his will and power and their faith and obedience. Each of these women began as unlikely to be chosen as a part of Christ’s family, just as all of us do. But God gives us opportunity to follow him in faith, trust, and obedience to his will for each of us.

 

---

Presented 14 February 2021 in Pride, Louisiana