Sermon Summary
This week, Pastor Chris continued in our Christmas series, focusing on Jesus’ mother Mary. Chris encouraged us to ask ourselves whether we see what Mary saw. Mary was a young, pregnant teenager near the bottom of the social ladder with nothing to her name. Society deemed her an outcast, yet she trusted in and obeyed the call of the Lord. We can each learn something about how Mary responded to God’s call: with wonder and worship.
Luke 1:26–28 (ESV)
26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!”
Luke 1:29–30 (ESV)
But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
1. The Wonder of Mary
Luke 1:31-33 (ESV)
31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
Genesis 3:15 (ESV)
15 I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”
2. The Worship of Mary
Luke 1:46–55 (ESV)
46 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; 49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. 50 And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; 52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; 53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, 55 as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”
- Lord (:46)
- My Savior (:47)
- Omniscient (:48)
- Righteous (:49)
- Mighty (:49)
- Personal (:49)
- Holy (:49)
- Merciful (:50)
- Worthy (:50)
- Powerful (:51)
- Sovereign (:52)
- Gracious (:52)
- Generous (:53)
- Just (:53)
- Humble helper (:54)
- Faithful (:55)
- Eternal (:55)
Discussion Questions
- How would you define wonder? Give an example of wonder in action.
- What aspects of the Christmas season have the potential to steal or rob our wonder?
- Are there any distractions or circumstances in your life where your eyes have been fixed other than Jesus? Share openly with the group.
Application Questions
- Have the circumstances of your life become elevated to the place where Jesus ought to be? Answer this question honestly this week and find refreshment through repentance.
- Of the 17 aspects of the Lord that Mary recognized about Jesus, choose one this week to meditate on. Thank Him for this aspect of His character.