In the Quiet of Nazareth

Honoring Mary During Women’s History Month

Happy Sabbath, friends!

As we conclude our series on women in the Word of God — in honor of Women’s History Month — we end with a focus on Mary, the mother of Jesus.

Just like the other women we have honored this month, Mary plays a significant role in Scripture — especially in the life of Jesus.

Positioned With A Calling

Mary’s story begins in the book of Luke — in a quiet and ordinary place called Nazareth. She was pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, yet she did not hold high status or recognition in her town.

And yet, an angel sent from the Lord came to her with a message that would change everything.

Luke 1:26–30 (NIV)
“In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.”

We may not be of high status. We may simply be living ordinary lives — yet the Lord still finds ways to place purpose on us when we least expect it.

1 Corinthians 1:26–31 (NIV)
“Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.””

An Unexpected Assignment

What exactly was the message that would change everything?

Mary was told that she would give birth to Jesus — the Son of God.

This was not a small calling. It was life-altering.

Keep in mind, Mary was not yet married to Joseph, and during that time, it would have been considered shameful to have a child before marriage. Mary was honoring God in waiting, yet now she was being asked to step into something that could be misunderstood by those around her.

Luke 1:31–33 (NIV)
“You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.””

This was a plan far greater than anything Mary could have imagined. She may not have felt capable of carrying such a responsibility, but the Lord knew she was more than able.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

Wrestling With Understanding

Mary did not fully understand what was happening. After hearing this message, she likely felt anxiety, confusion, and shock.

If we are honest, many of us would feel the same.

Yet even in her uncertainty, Mary chose to engage with what the Lord was asking of her. She trusted that the Lord was good and that He would give her the strength to walk in the purpose He had placed before her.

Luke 1:34–38 (NIV)
““How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.” “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.”

A Heart Of Surrender

Even without fully understanding the plan, Mary chose to follow the Lord’s command.

She chose obedience over fear. She trusted in the Lord, knowing that His plans are always good.

What does true faith look like?

It looks like not having full understanding — but saying yes to God anyway.

Romans 8:28 (NIV)
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

God Working Through Obedience

Because of Mary’s obedience and faith, this led to the birth of Jesus — the fulfillment of God’s promise and the beginning of redemption for all.

What began with a quiet yes became part of one of the greatest stories ever told — the birth and life of Jesus, which would ultimately lead to His crucifixion and resurrection.

Luke 2:6–7 (NIV)
“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.”

God can use one single act of obedience to accomplish something far greater than we can ever imagine. Just stepping out in faith can be all that is needed to change the direction of your life.

Allow the Lord to lead your life — it may feel unfamiliar at first, but place your trust in Him and watch how your life unfolds according to His plan.

Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,”

A Life Of Surrender

Mary did not come from status. She was simply a woman willing to surrender to the Lord.

That is what our Heavenly Father looks for — a willing heart.

He does not look for perfection or status. He looks at the heart and the faith within it.

I want to leave you with this question to reflect on and pray about:

Are you willing to surrender it all to the Lord — even when you do not fully understand the plan or the outcome?

Psalms 37:5–6 (NIV)
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.”

Amen.