Mary The Mother Of Jesus: A Picture of Hope

Devotional

Day 1: God Uses the Humble and Ordinary for His Purposes

God chooses ordinary, humble people—like Mary, a poor and unassuming young woman—to accomplish extraordinary things for His kingdom, reminding us that no one is overlooked in His plan. Even when society deems someone insignificant or unqualified, God sees their potential and calls them to play a vital role in His story. Mary’s background, her poverty, and her youth did not disqualify her; instead, they became the very stage upon which God’s grace and power were displayed. If you ever feel too small, too broken, or too ordinary, remember that God delights in using those the world might forget to bring about His greatest works. [54:56]

Luke 1:26-33 (ESV)
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

Reflection:
What is one area of your life where you feel “too ordinary” or unqualified for God to use you? Ask God today to show you how He can use your unique story for His glory.

Day 2: Faithful Surrender—Mary’s “Let It Be”

Mary’s response to God’s call was not one of doubt or resistance, but of humble surrender: “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” Despite the weight of uncertainty, fear, and the unknown, Mary trusted God’s plan above her own comfort or understanding. Her willingness to say “yes” to God, even when it meant stepping far outside her comfort zone, is a model for all believers. God calls each of us to a similar surrender, inviting us to trust Him with our lives, our futures, and our fears, knowing that His plans are always for our good and His glory. [01:08:23]

Luke 1:34-38 (ESV)
And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Reflection:
Is there something God is asking you to surrender or trust Him with today? What would it look like for you to say, “Let it be to me according to your word” in that area?

Day 3: Nothing Is Impossible with God

The angel’s declaration to Mary—“For nothing will be impossible with God”—reminds us that God’s power is not limited by our circumstances, our resources, or our understanding. Whether it’s a miraculous birth, a broken relationship, or a daunting calling, God is able to do what seems impossible to us. He delights in showing His strength in our weakness and making a way where there seems to be no way. When we face challenges that feel insurmountable, we can hold fast to the truth that God is able to accomplish His purposes in and through us, no matter how unlikely it may seem. [01:13:41]

Luke 1:35-37 (ESV)
And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Reflection:
What is one “impossible” situation you are facing right now? Take a moment to pray and ask God to show you His power and possibilities in that area.

Day 4: God’s Master Plan Includes You

God’s plan is bigger than any one person, and He weaves together the lives of many—each with their own backgrounds, strengths, and weaknesses—to accomplish His purposes. Just as Mary, Joseph, and the diverse people around them were all part of God’s unfolding story, so too are you a vital part of God’s plan for your church, your family, and your community. You are not here by accident; God has placed you where you are for a reason, and He invites you to step out in faith, work together in unity, and trust that He is orchestrating all things for His glory and your good. [01:09:29]

Romans 8:28 (ESV)
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Reflection:
How might God be inviting you to participate in His plan right where you are—in your church, your family, or your neighborhood—this week?

Day 5: Responding with Praise and Gratitude

Mary’s song, often called the Magnificat, is a response of deep praise and gratitude to God for His faithfulness, mercy, and mighty works. Even before seeing the fulfillment of all God had promised, Mary chose to magnify the Lord and rejoice in her Savior. Her example encourages us to cultivate hearts of worship and thanksgiving, especially in seasons of uncertainty or waiting. When we remember God’s goodness and choose to praise Him, our perspective shifts from fear to faith, and from anxiety to adoration. [01:19:07]

Luke 1:46-55 (ESV)
And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

Reflection:
What is one specific thing you can praise and thank God for today, even if you are still waiting to see His promises fulfilled?

Sermon Summary

As we gather at the start of this Christmas season, I invite you to step into the story of Mary with fresh eyes and an open heart. God often calls us out of our comfort zones, just as He did with Mary—a young, humble, and seemingly ordinary girl from Nazareth. She was not wealthy, not educated by the world’s standards, and yet God chose her to carry the hope of the world. This is a reminder that God delights in using those whom society might overlook, and that His plans are not limited by our backgrounds or our own expectations.

Mary’s encounter with the angel Gabriel was not just a moment of divine announcement, but a profound invitation to trust God’s plan, even when it seemed impossible. The angel’s words to Mary—“Rejoice, highly favored one… the Lord is with you”—were not just for her, but for all who are willing to say yes to God’s call. Mary’s response was not one of doubt, but of honest questioning: “How can this be?” She did not say it couldn’t happen, but simply asked how. This posture of faith—willing to trust God’s word even when the path is unclear—is what God desires from each of us.

The weight Mary carried was immense, not just the physical burden of pregnancy, but the spiritual and social implications of her calling. Yet, her final response, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word,” is a model for us all. In a world that often values status, power, and self-sufficiency, Mary’s humility and willingness to be used by God stand as a powerful testimony. She magnified the Lord, recognizing that God exalts the lowly and fills the hungry with good things.

We are called to be a people who step out in faith, who allow God to use us in our ordinariness, and who trust that with God, nothing is impossible. Whether you feel overlooked, unqualified, or afraid, remember that God’s master plan includes you. He is looking for those who will say, “Here I am, use me,” and He will provide what you need to fulfill His purpose. Let us be a church that works together in unity, embracing our diversity, and reaching out beyond our walls to be the living body of Christ in our community.

Key Takeaways

1. God Uses the Overlooked and Ordinary God’s choice of Mary—a poor, young, and seemingly insignificant girl—reminds us that He delights in using those whom the world might ignore. Our value in God’s eyes is not determined by our status, education, or resources, but by our willingness to be available to Him. When we surrender our limitations, God’s power is made perfect in our weakness, and He can accomplish extraordinary things through ordinary people. [54:56]
2. Faith Asks “How?” Not “If” Mary’s response to the angel was not disbelief, but a genuine question: “How can this be?” She did not reject God’s plan, but sought understanding. True faith does not require us to have all the answers, but to trust God’s word and be open to His leading, even when the path is mysterious. God honors honest questions that come from a heart willing to obey. [60:17]
3. Embracing the Weight of God’s Calling Mary bore not only the physical weight of carrying Jesus, but also the emotional and spiritual burden of her calling. God’s assignments often come with challenges and responsibilities that feel overwhelming. Yet, like Mary, we are invited to respond with humility and surrender, trusting that God will equip us for what He asks us to do. Our “yes” to God opens the door for His power to work through us. [55:47]
4. Unity and Diversity in God’s Family The story of Mary and the collaborative spirit in our church highlight the beauty of unity in diversity. God’s family is made up of people with different backgrounds, gifts, and perspectives. When we step forward together, embracing both leadership and service, we reflect the fullness of Christ’s body and create a safe place for growth and exploration. [44:00]
5. With God, Nothing Is Impossible Gabriel’s declaration to Mary—“For with God nothing will be impossible”—is a promise for every believer. No matter how daunting the task or how unlikely the circumstances, God’s power can accomplish what we cannot. Our role is to trust, obey, and make ourselves available, knowing that God’s plans are always greater than our fears. [73:41]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[05:35] - Opening Prayer and Unity
[13:11] - Lighting the Candle of Hope
[43:10] - Launching the Christmas Series
[44:00] - Embracing Diversity in Ministry
[45:44] - The Weight of Christmas Traditions
[47:37] - Reading Luke 1:26-38
[51:07] - The Sixth Month and God’s Timing
[53:03] - Mary’s Betrothal and Cultural Context
[54:56] - Mary’s Humility and Poverty
[56:15] - Highly Favored, Not Divine
[57:45] - God’s Choice of Mary
[59:04] - Mary’s Honest Question
[61:05] - Seven Promises from Gabriel
[66:52] - Mary’s Surrender: “Let It Be”
[73:41] - Nothing Is Impossible with God
[79:07] - Mary’s Song of Praise
[82:11] - Invitation to Faith and Salvation
[93:35] - Altar Call and Church Membership
[95:05] - Upcoming Projects and Closing Remarks

Bible Study Guide

**Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Mary: Saying Yes to God’s Call"**

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### Bible Reading

**Luke 1:26-38 (ESV)**
26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,
27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary.
28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!”
29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be.
30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.
32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David,
33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”
35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.
36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren.
37 For nothing will be impossible with God.”
38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

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### Observation Questions

What do we learn about Mary’s background and social status from this passage and the sermon?

[[54:56]]

How does Mary respond to the angel’s message, and what is unique about her question to Gabriel?

[[01:00:17]]

What are the seven promises Gabriel gives to Mary about the child she will bear?

[[01:01:05]]

According to the sermon, what does Mary’s final response to the angel show about her character?

[[01:06:52]]

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### Interpretation Questions

Why do you think God chose someone like Mary—young, poor, and from an overlooked town—to carry out such an important part of His plan?

[[54:56]]

The sermon points out that Mary’s faith was not about having all the answers, but about being willing to trust God’s word. What does this teach us about the kind of faith God desires?

[[01:00:17]]

The angel says, “For nothing will be impossible with God.” How does this statement connect to the challenges Mary would face, and what does it mean for us today?

[[01:13:41]]

The pastor talked about the “weight” Mary carried—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. What are some of the costs or challenges that come with saying “yes” to God’s call?

[[55:47]]

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### Application Questions

The sermon reminds us that God uses ordinary, overlooked people to do extraordinary things. Have you ever felt overlooked or unqualified? How might God want to use you right where you are?

[[54:56]]

Mary’s first response to God’s plan was an honest question, not a rejection. When God asks you to step out in faith, do you tend to ask “How?” or do you say “It can’t be done”? How can you bring your honest questions to God this week?

[[01:00:17]]

The “weight” of God’s calling can feel overwhelming. Is there something God is asking you to do right now that feels heavy or scary? What would it look like to respond with Mary’s words: “Let it be to me according to your word”?

[[01:06:52]]

The sermon talked about unity and diversity in the church—how everyone’s background and gifts matter. What is one way you can step forward to serve or encourage someone different from you in our church family this month?

[[44:00]]

Gabriel’s words, “For nothing will be impossible with God,” are a promise for us too. Is there a situation in your life that feels impossible right now? How can you trust God with it this week?

[[01:13:41]]

The pastor shared about getting out of his comfort zone and letting others lead. Is there an area in your life or ministry where you need to step out of your comfort zone? What’s one small step you can take?

[[45:08]]

Mary’s song (Luke 1:46-55) praises God for exalting the lowly and filling the hungry with good things. How can you “magnify the Lord” in your own life this Christmas season, especially if you feel low or empty?

[[01:19:07]]

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Sermon Clips

When you are filled with the Spirit, you ought to be able to embrace that adversity and know when to step forward as a leader and when to step back. Can I get an amen? Amen. It's not about Bubba and what Bubba does. It's about whether you're growing in Christ Jesus. Amen. This pulpit, this main thing for me as pastor of this church is that not that I'm supposed to feed you, but I'm supposed to give you the tools so you can feed yourself. Amen. And have opportunities to explore and have a safe harbor where people can explore. [00:44:09] (48 seconds) #SpiritLedLeadership

God has a plan, amen? And to a virgin, betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, the house of David, the virgin's name was Mary. Now, get this, Joseph had a marriage contract, if you will, for one year, no sex, that would knock a lot of you out, amen? Don't say that, amen? But listen to me, one year, they had to wait, couldn't get married to what? Because he had to build a custom, he had to build a house or a room on his dad's house, amen? That was custom of that day. [00:52:51] (49 seconds) #FaithfulWaiting

Do you realize that Jesus and his greatness, if we study the Bible and read the Bible, that Mary's son, Jesus Christ, the savior of the world, that he never got mad at sinners, he never, ever had any hate for any sinner. You want to know the only people he got mad at was the religious crowd of that day. [01:02:25] (24 seconds) #RoyalLineage

Mary's lineage not only was Joseph's lineage to David's throne but Mary's was. Mary's lineage both Mary and both Joseph and Mary are descendants from David through the different branches. Mary through David's son Nathan while Joseph's line was the royal line through Solomon. Yeah. And it's important that we understand because David is called David is called the real son of David or Jesus is called the real son of David. Amen? Through Mary since Joseph had no part in his birth. Mary was the source of his human birth. It was therefore essential that she was also from David's line to ensure Jesus bore royal blood. [01:05:13] (61 seconds) #MarysYes

People that are forgotten people in society that may be called common that don't matter they matter to me a little boy that grew up in a household of the only remembrance of a dad beating his mother and kicking him a little boy that grew up in a house to where everything somebody was mad at somebody all the time and a step father that said you'll never amount to nothing look at this you built a bird house and you've got this crooked we've got to take it and they took it all apart and didn't help him put it back to God said that little boy that little girl matters to me. [01:15:39] (70 seconds) #BeTheLight

You may be the one that'll be the Jesus that somebody sees whether it be back in the nursery the children's the men's the ladies group here on this platform you may be the one that the next Billy Graham the doctor that cures cancer you may be the one that shows someone Jesus you may be the one but you don't understand pastor I'm scared yeah I understand I get scared can I do this. [01:16:55] (50 seconds) #FaithOverFear

So the question today is this in closing have you ever invited Jesus to come from the outside team come have you ever invited Jesus to come from the outside of you to the inside have you ever turned the volume of life down and said Lord I know that I'm a sinner and I can't do it without you Lord I confess you as Lord of my life I confess that I'm a sinner today and I can't do this called life without you Father I accept the gift for the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord God has a plan for you fact not fiction do you hear me today church God has a plan for you have you ever turned the volume of life down and accepted what Jesus Christ did on the cross today's the day of salvation. [01:22:28] (80 seconds) #InviteJesusIn

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