While Mary and Joseph were marvelling at what was said of the CHILD, Simon goes on to say that the way this CHILD lives would be amazing for some and not for some as HE is appointed for the rising and falling of many in (1Peter 2:6). HE will also be opposed and spoken against. It is true that those who oppose the ONE TRUE GOD will definitely fall, but Simon said that Mary’s heart will also be pierced. Wasn’t she blessed and favoured by GOD? She indeed was, but she lived in a world of sin as we do now and this world hates our SAVIOR and those who follow HIM would be hated as well. The world’s hate crucified the SAVIOR and Mary would not have been able to bear it, but she was not without hope because she was blessed with a SAVIOR who would resurrect and give her many lives. Those who suffer with CHRIST have eternal hope unlike those who suffer eternally by standing against HIM.
After, Mary and Joseph heard this prophecy they came across Anna. What an encouragement her life would have been to young Mary after hearing the prophecy that her heart would be pierced. Anna, who have been widowed for a long time wasn’t sitting groaning about what GOD didn’t do for her. Instead by GOD’s grace she devoted her life enjoying GOD and worshipping HIM. She never left the temple. She knew and understood that true joy and satisfaction only came from GOD alone. And when saw the CHILD she couldn’t help but give thanks to her GOD and told everyone about this good news. Mary after seeing Anna would have been rest assured that GOD alone was WHO she needed and pointed Mary back to her blessed Savior by telling everyone the good news.
Note that Luke always points Mary as JESUS’ biological mother and Joseph his adoptive father (v.33). Both were faithful to the LORD as they fulfilled all that the law required of the CHILD. They also took part in their holy festivals with JESUS every year to Jerusalem. JESUS, who was now 12 years old grew strong in the SPIRIT and wisdom stayed behind in Jerusalem when HIS parents left. While HIS parents panicked the little BOY didn’t. HIS intention wasn’t to disobey HIS parents or to be mischievous. HE wanted to be at HIS FATHER’S HOUSE. A child must have plenty of things to do but JESUS chose to seek HIS FATHER right from an early age. Though HIS parents couldn’t understand what was going on, Mary kept pondering these things in her heart, seeking GOD for wisdom to understand. While Mary was spiritually growing, the boy JESUS was still subject to them though they were weak in understanding as HE increased and grew in stature and wisdom.
Self reflection:
1.In what ways has the good news pierced you?
2. Where do you find your hope and joy from? Is anyone encouraged by seeing you enjoy GOD and worshipping HIM?
3. Do you have the habit of pondering seeking to understand GOD?
4. Are you obedient to your parents in the LORD?
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