BY DAWN REED
Every day I am thankful for Jesus’ sacrifice, but even more so at Easter. This year, my mind has often turned to His mother, Mary. Standing at the cross, memories and emotions would have surely warred within her.
An angel’s announcement of the Messiah’s coming birth began her mission. A sudden trip to visit Elizabeth confirmed all Gabriel had told her. Joseph’s doubt, then belief wrapped up a tense betrothal. The journey to Bethlehem, giving birth in a stable, the Baby in a manger. Shew!
Luke 2:22-35 tells us when Jesus was 40 days old, His mother and earthly father, Joseph, took Him to the temple to present Him to the Lord (Exodus 13:1-2). Suddenly there appeared an old man named Simeon who took Jesus from His mother’s arms.
Simeon’s words were profound: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, You now dismiss Your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen Your salvation.” Let that sink in.
God had promised to send the Messiah…the salvation for the world. And He does not break His promises. When Simeon saw Jesus, he had peace. When we find Jesus, we, too, find peace.
Verse 33 tells us, “The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about Him.” I picture them looking at each other with big eyes. He was only 40 days old and probably so cute. They were just getting into the groove of being parents, still shocked at how it had all come about.
Verse 34 says, “Then, Simeon blessed them…and spoke to Mary.” He became very serious. “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against.” Not really what a new hormonal mom wants to hear. Spoken against? What does that mean? People are going to say mean things about Him? she must have wondered.
He went on… “So that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed.” That sounded strange. But he wasn’t done.
Simeon finished… “And a sword will pierce your own soul, too.” A SWORD? And what does he mean “too”? What was he saying? A sword will pierce JESUS? And then ME?
So much awaited Mary as His mother. The wise men were already on their way. Mary and Joseph will soon run for their lives to Egypt. They will take Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem every year. In 12 years, He will accidentally be left behind. For three days they will search for Him and then nearly collapse with relief when they find Him at the temple.
Mary will be with Jesus through His teenage and young adult years. At some point, she will suffer the loss of her husband, Joseph.
At the age of 30, Jesus will begin His ministry. She will instigate His first miracle. At her request at a wedding in Cana, He will turn water into wine. She will see Him change many lives. Oh, the joy!
And then, things will turn ugly. She will see Him criticized, hated, mocked, challenged, persecuted, beaten, whipped, carry a cross, then be nailed to that cross and crucified. John 19:25 tells us: “Near the cross of Jesus stood His mother…” This was what Simeon had been talking about. A sword was thrust into Jesus’ side, just like the old man had said. Surely Mary felt that, too.
There was no way to wrap her human mind around all that was going on…how God was working. But He was. God was working salvation through His Son’s Crucifixion. The Son she bore now bore her sins. She gave birth to Him; now by Him she would be born again.