Even Mary Needed A Savior

Matthew 1:18-25

This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother, Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:” “the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

How does the birth of Jesus resonate in your heart?

The story of the birth of Jesus Christ is extraordinary. Above all women, God chose Mary’s womb to carry the Messiah. Though Mary was perplexed by the message of the angel, she responded in faith and submitted herself in obedience. In Mary’s culture, it would have been sinful to be pregnant and unmarried. Mary would be judged by her community as unfaithful to the Law, and shameful to Joseph and her family. But she was chosen to be the mother of the promised Redeemer, which was far greater than the shame she would have to bear. She may have been an ordinary teen, but this Jewish girl would play a vital role in an event anticipated for centuries.

Jesus, the flawless baby boy, born in a manager, came to redeem and deliver us from our sins. Although Mary carried the Savior of the world in her womb, she, too, needed a Savior because “There is no one righteous, not even one” (Romans 3:10). The truth is, “We all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). However, as it has been written: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). The Bible warns that, “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). But “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13).

Mary knew that someday she would watch her son suffer an agonizing death for her sins and the sins of the world, yet she willingly carried in her body the means of our salvation. Eternal salvation is a gift; we can’t earn it, and though we don’t deserve it, we are offered it anyway because Jesus loves us and doesn’t want anyone to perish. What a blessed assurance and hope we have in Jesus. It's our choice; it’s a decision we all must make. Will you choose Jesus?

How might you respond in worship to the truth of the prophecies of Christ's birth?

How does the promise of Jesus’ return impact your life?

Father God, I am so grateful for the birth of Jesus and his mission to rescue and redeem me. Thank you for His great sacrifice on my behalf and the gift of salvation. I have decided to accept you as my Lord and Savior and follow you all my life. I lift in prayer those who have not yet received you as their Lord and Savior. May they come to know and love you, Lord, before it’s too late. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Scripture References:

Luke 1:27-28; Romans 3:10,23, 5:8, 6:23, 10:9,13; Galatians 4:4-5; Hebrews 10:5