Mary’s Example of Risky Discipleship

 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered.  “May it be to me according to your word.”  Then the angel left her.  Luke 1:38

• Imitation, the Parkes Elvis Festival and the art of impersonation.

• Who do we imitate?  Who do we follow?  Who do we serve?  We serve somebody.

• Mary, the mother of Jesus, sets us a great example of risky discipleship.

• There is much we do not know about Mary – but we do know that she was of humble background and humble nature.

• She must have been an extraordinary person to have been chosen to bear God’s Son.

• 3 things the angel said to Mary:

1.  SHE WAS HIGHLY FAVOURED.

• Along with God’s favour goes great responsibility.  To whom much is given, much is expected.

• Bringing up and guiding children is a great responsibility.

• Children are great imitators.  As recipients of grace we are to be gracious and faithful.

2.  GOD WAS WITH HER.

• Mary would be supported by Joseph, but more importantly by God.

• She faced up to incredible challenges and God was with her in all of them.

• The Cross is the ultimate evidence that God is with us in all circumstances, especially those that cause us grief and pain.

3.  THE HOLY SPIRIT WOULD COME UPON HER AND THE POWER OF THE MOST HIGH WOULD OVERSHADOW HER.

• A miracle would take place in and through Mary.

• Mary’s responsibility at first was to believe what she was told and accept that God would do what he said.

• A Christmas miracle happened in drought-stricken Peak Hill in 1994.

• As Christians we are highly favoured people; God is with us; the Holy Spirit wants to come upon us and the Most High overshadow us.

• Our response?  I am the Lord’s servant.  May it be to me according to your word.

Bible Readings:  2 Samuel 7:1-16, Luke 1:26-38