Luke 2:16-19
"So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart."
This last verse about Mary has always peaked my curiosity - what do you think is its significance?
I have heard from my flat mate that Mary was one of Luke's main sources when it came to writing his version of the gospel.
ReplyDeleteAlthough that doesn't really explain it :)
ReplyDeleteThe final verse draws a contrast between Mary's reaction and everyone else's. They're shocked, but she's contented. Just like a lot of Luke's first readers would probably be thinking at this point, Mary is wondering what all this means, yet she's clearly trusting in God (she "treasured up all these things"). I think she's also reflecting on the odd particulars of the Incarnation. Look at who God has decided to involve in the story at this point: a barren elderly woman, a girl from a backwater town, and a bunch of shepherds (who were low down on the social ladder). Why would the God of all creation pick them? You see this idea in 1 Cor. 1:28-31, and it's a display of God's grace, a reminder that none of us are worthy of God's love and yet He chooses to give it to us despite that. That's enough to make anyone ponder:)
ReplyDeleteSean - that is really helpful. Thank you for sharing, seriously!
ReplyDelete