In Luke 2, we are given several incidents that left an impression upon Mary, the mother of Jesus. I can’t imagine what it would have been like to be the chosen mother of the Savior of the world. I imagine she saw him as just an ordinary child most of the time. But then there were those special times when she would have been reminded that he was destined for so much more than her heart could fathom.
The Shepherds: Mary has just given birth in a town that was unknown to her, and in a lowly stable at that. Imagine her surprise when shepherds from that region, who would have been strangers, come to see her newborn child and tell her what God proclaimed to them about her son. “And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11.
Simeon and Anna: When they took Jesus to present him at the Temple, both Simeon and Anna recognized Mary’s child as the prophesied Savior. Simeon proclaimed “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel."” Luke 2:29-32
Simeon blessed their child but he specifically warned Mary that as a mother she would also have to endure a mother’s heartache for her child would shake up the order of things and not all would be accepting of him.
Anna also gave thanks to God on behalf of Mary’s child and began to spread news of him.
Mary watched her baby boy grow into a young lad of 12. At the Feast of the Passover, her mother’s heart became very distressed when he couldn’t be found and she worried about what might have happened to him. But Jesus, full of wisdom and knowledge that he had a purpose on this earth, reminded her that ultimately he could be entrusted into the care of his Heavenly Father. “And he said to them, "Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?"” Luke 2:49
It can be a hard thing to trust God’s plans for our loved ones. Naturally we want to protect them from hardship, trials and pain. I’m sure Mary was no different but she was also wise enough to recognize that she had to trust God and His ultimate plan. Thats’s why Luke 2 tells us , “and his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.” Luke 2:51
I imagine she drew strength from these memories when she had to witness her son’s brutal death. We too have to trust God’s Word to us and trust the details of our lives and the lives of our loved ones to Him. We may not understand all of the whys in this life but we can trust that God can make something beautiful out of every heartache. He always has a higher purpose and a plan of salvation for us all.