Luke 2:33-35
“And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”
As a parent, I’m partial to my kids. I think they’re pretty great. I’ve watched them grow up and turn into young adults, growing into their personalities and gifts. And it’s always a blessing when someone else sees the specialness about them.
Joseph and Mary were proud of their son as well. They knew he was special, but not just in the way that a parent thinks of their child. They had it on good authority that Jesus was like no other child. He was the Son of God and he would change the world forever. He would usher in the Kingdom of God through a new covenant that would not just effect the people of Israel, but the whole world.
But the change that Jesus would bring on would touch on one of the greatest fears of a parent – that through this change, their son would suffer great pain. The worst thing a parent can go through is the suffering of their child. And the prophet Simeon told Mary that she would feel it like a sword through her heart.
I can’t imagine my own child going through such terrible persecution. I don’t love anyone else enough to let my son or daughter do what Jesus did for us all. His suffering and death was because of our sin, but Jesus was willing to go through it all because of his love for the Father and for us.
“For God SO LOVED the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
While using the HEAR method (see below) consider the following questions:
- How does looking through the eyes of Mary and Joseph effect your view of what Jesus did for us?
- Does a parent’s perspective help your understanding of the sacrifice God made and His love for us? How so?
Highlight – what words or phrases jump out at you?
Explain – what does the passage mean?
Apply – how does the passage intersect with your life today?
Respond – how is God leading you to respond?
Today’s post is by Jon Price, Associate Pastor
