Mary's Journey: Letting Go

 

By: Sarah Geringer 

And a sword will pierce your own soul too.  Luke 2:35 (NIV)

From the moment Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant” (Luke 1:38), she began letting go, as every mother must do with her child.

Mary let go of her comfort zone when she left for Bethlehem with Joseph.  She gave up a cozy birthplace  for her baby, surrounded by family who would assist with the birth. 

Mary let go of her authority over her adolescent son when they became separated in Jerusalem.  When she found him in the temple, she scolded him.  He reproached her, saying he needed to be in his Father’s house, and she didn’t understand.  Surely it wasn’t easy being his mother, even though he was the most obedient child who ever lived.

Before his first miracle, Mary must have sensed Jesus could take charge of a situation with his special power.  She told him, “There is no wine,” and he responded, “My time has not yet come.”  She let go well, instructing the servants to listen to him. (John 2:3-4)

Once, when she waited to speak with him, he pointed to his disciples and said, “Here are my mother and brothers.”  Jesus spoke of an ever-widening spiritual family; if Mary ever felt left out, she had to remind herself to let go, again. (Matthew 12:46-50)

Mary’s soul was pierced with a sword the day she saw her son hanging on a cross.  He cared for her in his time of greatest suffering (John 19:26-27), which she didn’t understand.  Mary had to let go of her dreams for her son and decide whether he was really the Messiah.

The last time we see Mary, she is with the disciples after Jesus’ ascension.  What a letting go that must have been—the overwhelming relief of his resurrection followed by the mystery of his departure into the sky.  By that time, Mary had learned to let go beautifully.  It all started with her words, “May it be to me as you have said.” (Luke 1:38)

How does Mary’s example inspire you?

Seeking peace as you prepare for the busy Christmas season? Check out my extensive collection of Christmas-themed blog posts HERE.

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Have a blessed weekend!

Sarah Geringer
Finding Peace in God's Word

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