Lessons on Faith from the Mother of Jesus

Message: Lessons On Faith From The Mother of Jesus 
Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

Mary’s story is not just a Christmas story – It is a story of learning to walk by faith

Lessons in Faith Building

1. It often involves Confusion and Fear

God’s dream for our life is bigger than our dream for our lives

God’s calling for our life is bigger than our understanding of ourselves

2. It may lead to some Questions

When you begin to ask God questions, make sure you are Listening for His answer

When asking questions, it is wise to get input by:

• Looking Around at people living by faith
• Looking Above at God’s power and wisdom

3. It ultimately has to lead to Commitment

• It has been said that the most common prayer is: “Thy Will Be Changed”
• In Surrender Mary found the freedom to live the life that God had created her for

Lessons in Faith Following

1. Following leads to Problems

“Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, 'Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.'” (Matthew 2:13, ESV)

We will all experience problems, the only question is will they be the kind that come from selfishness and pride or the kind that come from walking in faith

2. Following leads to Surprises

“After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.” (Luke 2:46–51, ESV)

I can’t be totally In Control and follow Jesus at the same time

3. Following leads to Opportunities

“On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”” (John 2:1–5, ESV)

Following in faith will allow us opportunities to see God work in Extraordinary Ways

4. Following leads to a Broken Heart

“but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.” (John 19:25, ESV)

Following in faith will cause your heart to be broken by the things that break the Heart of God

A broken heart can lead to an Open Heart – Open to God and His love in fresh new ways

5. Following leads to a life of Purpose

“All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.” (Acts 1:14, ESV)

God has a purpose for your life that is far above and beyond what you can Imagine

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20–21, ESV)

“And Mary said, 'Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.'” (Luke 1:38, ESV)

Making it Personal

• Are you genuinely following Jesus today as your Lord and Savior?
• What is frightening or intimidating to you about saying to Jesus, “I will do whatever you tell me”?
• Is there any area of your life where you are resisting saying to God, “let it be to me according to your word”?
• What is your next step in response to these truths?
• Who can you share these truths with?