Mary Did You Know?

Key Scriptures:

“Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God!

You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus.” - Luke 1:30-31

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May Your Word to me be fulfilled.” - Luke 1:38

Now, I know that this is now considered a controversial subject but I'm talking about it anyways. I've seen churches out there labeling themselves as the "Anti-Mary Did You Know" and I've seen people, especially women, who are quite outspoken about how wrong this song is. But they've already made their decision and I'm not here to change their minds. I'm here to talk to those who understand the song wasn't literally asking Mary if she really knew that Jesus was to be the Savior of the world.

When I hear the song “Mary, Did You Know?” I sometimes wonder what Mary was thinking and feeling when the angel came to share God’s plan, regarding Jesus’ birth; that she would be the one to carry and birth the King of kings and Lord of lords. This was something that was unexpected and something no one else had ever experienced. It is truly amazing that God chose this path to bring Jesus into the world and give us the opportunity to experience eternity with Him. Of all the ways God could have brought Jesus into this world, He chose to use a woman who was not sinless, but was highly favored and obedient to the call God placed on her life to allow us to have a relationship with our Savior!

Although Jesus had been with God for all of eternity, He humbled Himself and came to the world in the form of a baby (Philippians 2:7). This meant Jesus had to be cared for, just like every other baby and child. Mary was responsible for caring for Him, raising Him, loving Him, guiding Him, and teaching Him. It makes me wonder if Mary had fully grasped all that Jesus would do while on the earth - all of the signs, wonders, and miracles He would perform. Did she fully understand the implications of her obedience to God, in raising Jesus? Despite these questions, she still chose to say yes to God’s plans for her life.

How many times in life do we question what God has planned or spoken to us? Yet, Mary’s example of obedience is a motivation for us to stay obedient, even when we may not know everything that God has planned for us. Personally, Mary’s example inspires my willingness to serve Him despite the unknown.