Lessons Learned: Mary, Jesus’ Life Through a Mother’s Eyes

 There are a few times Mary, Jesus’ mother, is mentioned in the Bible.  As we, as Christians, celebrate Jesus’ death and resurrection this weekend I wanted to write about it.  As I have been in the habit with my Lessons Learned series, I will write Mary’s story as fiction.  I will include scripture from the New Living Translation in italics.  We all know Jesus’ birth story well so I will only briefly mention it, but I wanted to focus on Jesus’ death and resurrection from Mary’s perspective.  Therefore, she will show up in places she may not have been in my story to make it complete.

Mary’s Story

I was just 15 years old when I become engaged to Joseph.  He was the love of my life.  We were technically married but were following Jewish custom to wait until we consummated our marriage.  I could not wait but something wonderful happened to me before married.  One day an angel appeared to me and called me blessed.  I was so afraid, but he told me not to be afraid.  He told me I would give birth to the Son of God.  Me?  An ordinary girl from a small town?  It is true.  Nine months later, while we were in Bethlehem for the census, I gave birth to my firstborn son Jesus.  After eight days we dedicated Jesus at the temple.  Simeon was there and he blessed the child then he said something to me I will never forget:

“this child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. 35As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.” (Luke 2:34-35)

I wondered what he meant by that?  As I look back on this, I now know what he meant.  I would not know for many years to come but I assure you my heart was definitely pierced!

When Jesus was twelve, we went to the temple as we did every year.  This time we were traveling with a large group of people and we lost track of Jesus in the group.  We were returning home when we noticed Jesus was not with us.  We assumed he was with friends but after he did not come to our camp the next day, we became concerned and went back to Jerusalem to find him.  Where did we find Jesus?  At the temple talking with the scholars and asking them questions.  They were so amazed at how intelligent Jesus was.  I spoke to him right away

“Son,” (his mother said to him), “why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been frantic, searching for you everywhere.”

49“But why did you need to search?” he asked. “Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?” (Luke 2:48-49).

We did not understand at the time what Jesus was talking about.  Yes, we knew he was the Son of God, but he was still our son.  And, yet Jesus never disobeyed us in any way.

When Jesus was 33 years old, he began his ministry.  I remember one day we were at a wedding and they ran out of wine.  I told Jesus and he said

 4“Dear woman, that’s not our problem,” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.” (John 2:4).

Always saying puzzling things, he had me stumped on that one.  I knew Jesus could fix the problem because when we were home somehow never short on food.  I told the servants to do what Jesus said.  Lo, and behold, Jesus had the servants fill the large jars with water and have them serve some to the master of ceremonies.  It was the best wine he had ever tasted.  Only the best for my Jesus! 

After the wedding ceremonies were over, I went with Jesus and his disciples to Capernaum.  From that time onward for the next three years I would go with Jesus whenever I could.  When I was not with him, I would hear of his great deeds.  Jesus was always healing people and raising some from the dead.  Thousands of people followed him everywhere.  Sometimes I worried Jesus was not getting enough rest.  Then the week of horror and rejoicing happened.

Just after three years of ministry Jesus heads for Jerusalem.  Many knew the religious leaders wanted him dead, but he went anyways.  On the first day of the week before Passover Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey like a king.  We all thought he would take his throne and reign forever but that is not what happened. 

By Thursday night I heard Jesus was arrested.  They questioned all night long and into the morning.  I watched in horror as they whipped him over and over.  They beat Jesus so badly it was very hard to recognize him.  Then they placed a crown of thorns on my son’s head and mocked him.  I could barely watch.  Such injustice for an innocent man.  Then I heard the crowd yell crucify him!   No!  Not my son!  To die such a horrible death was unbelievable!  I could not bear the thought!

They led Jesus through the streets of Jerusalem making him carry his own cross.  They had stripped Jesus of almost all his clothing and the heavy wooded cross tore into his already beaten back.  He stumbled and fell.  They got someone to help carry the cross.  Tears flowed from my eyes as we headed up the hill where Jesus would be hung on a cross.

It only got worse from then on.  Instead of tying Jesus to the cross they nailed his hands and feet to it before hoisting it up and slamming it into the deep hole dug to keep the cross upright.  Jesus’ pain must have been unbearable!  Yet he endured the pain for a few more hours. 

At one-point Jesus looked at me.  I was with some women and a disciple of Jesus’ named John.  Jesus then spoke to me and John

“Dear woman, here is your son.” He said to me then to John Jesus said, “Here is your mother.” (John 19:25-27).

From that day on John took care of my needs.  Yet, my story is not finished.  While Jesus was on the cross the world became very dark.  The darkness lasted from noon to about three in the afternoon.  I continued to watch this whole time.  Finally, Jesus said, “It is finished!” and he died.  My heart gave way.  I could not contain my grief.  My son was dead.  A death he did not deserve.  I did not want to live anymore.  John took me home.  It was the Passover and almost sundown.  The Sabbath was upon us, so we stayed put to observe it.  I cried until I did have anymore tears.  Now I knew what Simeon spoke of so many years ago.

Somehow, I must have fallen asleep because when I woke up the next morning something unbelievable happened.  John had come home all excited.  He said Jesus’ body was missing.  My heart dropped to the floor.  Yet, as I listened to John tell his story I realized John believed Jesus had risen from the dead just like he said he would.  Wow!  Later that day we were all locked in a house afraid of the religious leaders.   There, suddenly, Jesus was with us.  Not just his spirit but Jesus in the flesh.  He still bore the scars of the nails in his hands and feet, but Jesus was there.  My heart burst with joy!  My son and my Savior lives!  Hallelujah! 

Jesus was on earth another forty days.  He appeared to many people during that time.  Then one day Jesus ascended into Heaven with the promise he would be back.  My story is now complete.  I can die knowing I am saved, and I will live with Jesus forever.

Lessons Learned from Mary

Wow!  I really do not know how Mary must have felt during Jesus’ death and resurrection.  I can only imagine what was going on in her heart.  I do not think I could have borne the emotional pain she went through.  Yet, God gave her the strength to do it.  Such love Jesus has for us.  He laid down His life for us so we can live forever with Him!  Do you believe?