Quote:
Originally Posted by OBW
Yes and No.
I realize this thread is not really for discussion, but as we are in the final days of advent leading up to the celebration of the incarnation of the Word, it seems appropriate — at least a little.
Mary knew. But was continually learning what it meant. She knew he was the coming Messiah. But did she know that that meant? Not a king for an earthly throne, but a martyr to make a spiritual home in his people?
This was a dark point in history. The light was coming, but was not yet seen. Mary had hope, not certainty of knowledge.
The shepherds got a show of light and sound, and they went to Bethlehem to see. But then saw nothing more for at least 30 years afterward.
The town of Bethlehem was mostly unaware. Jerusalem, just a few miles away was clueless. It wasn't until the magi arrived some time later that anyone in Jerusalem finally got a clue, but still did not go to see.
While Mary was eventually part of the group of women following on his journeys, it does not appear that it was always so. She didn't understand his Father's calling when he was 12, and was somewhat chastised many years later when she and some of his brothers came to see him during his ministry travels.
Even the disciples who were with him for virtually his whole ministry still did not get it when the soldiers came in the garden and carried him away to be crucified.
The real knowing did not start until the morning of the resurrection. First with the women and then with some of the disciples. Then the two on the road to Emmaus. Then a closed room full. Eventually a few hundred in all.
Then the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. At that point, they knew. So much began to fall into place during those few days before he ascended from their sight.
We are the beneficiaries of a young girl who had enough faith to undertake a task she did not fully understand that would change the course of history. While not as the RCC does it, her name should be forever blessed.
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Right, it seems that Mary knew, but like us, she and Joseph were slow on the uptake, and until the complete ministry of their son unfolded and after His death and resurrection and the Holy Spirit was poured out it became crystal clear.
Here are “the puzzle pieces Mary and Joseph were given (verses copied from Berean Study Bible):
Angel Gabriel:
Behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. His kingdom will never end!”
The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God.
Elizabeth:
why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
Gabriel to Joseph: Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to embrace Mary as your wife, for the One conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.
Shepherds:
And there were shepherds residing in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night. Just then, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the City of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord! And this will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”
And suddenly there appeared with the angel a great multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying:
Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men
on whom His favor rests!”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the Baby, who was lying in the manger. After they had seen the Child, they spread the message they had received about Him. And all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
Simeon:
Now there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Ledby the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. And when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for Him what was customary under the Law, Simeon took Him in his arms and praised God, saying:
“Sovereign Lord, as You have promised,
You now dismiss Your servant in peace.
For my eyes have seen Your salvation,
which You have prepared in the sight of all people,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and for glory to Your people Israel.”
The Child’s father and mother were amazed at what was spoken about Him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to His mother Mary:
“Behold, this Child is appointed to cause
the rise and fall 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 soul as well.”
Anna:
There was also a prophetess named Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, who was well along in years. She had been married for seven years, and then was a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.
Coming forward at that moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the Child to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.
The Boy Jesus:
Every year His parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up according to the custom of the Feast.
When those days were over and they were returning home, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but His parents were unaware He had stayed. Assuming He was in their company, they traveled on for a day before they began to look for Him among their relatives and friends.
When they could not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for Him. Finally, after three days they found Him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astounded at His understanding and His answers.
When His parents saw Him, they were astonished. “Child, why have You done this to us?” His mother asked. “Your father and I have been anxiously searching for You.”
“Whywere you looking for Me?” He asked. “Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s houseg ?” But they did not understand the statement He was making to them.
Then He went down to Nazareth with them and was subject to them. But His mother treasured up all these things in her heart.
And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.