One day, after Jesus had been driving out demons, debating with Pharisees, and teaching large crowds, a woman called out: Blessed is the womb that carried you! (Luke 11:27).
You can almost hear this woman going on to say: What a lucky mother to have such a son, such a great rabbi! But Jesus responded that the truly blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it (11:28).
Far from turning attention away from his mother, Jesus was showing that she was not just some lucky girl who received special graces. He understood that Mary constantly chose to lay down her life in obedience to God, and that this was the true blessing. Both the angel Gabriel and Elizabeth could see Marys faith and obedience, and this was why they too called her blessed. Elizabeth said: Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled (Luke 1:45).
To Gabriel, Mary said: May it be done to me according to your word (Luke 1:38). Consider the consequences of Marys yes to this extraordinary message. Imagine you are a young girl, engaged to be married, and now you are willing to accept Gods will to become miraculously pregnant before you and your husband come together. This might be a little difficult to explain to your mother and fiancé, not to mention the town gossips! Wouldnt you want to suggest that God delay the miracle until after the marriage? Did the world really need to know it was a virgin birth? Did Mary really have to risk being stoned to death for the sin of adultery?
Marys disposition of faith and obedience is extraordinary. She deserves to be called the New Eve, for like Eve, she had free will, but unlike Eve, she trusted, believed, and obeyed. This is the woman Jesus knew as his mother. He saw her blessedness in her wisdom, strength, faith, and obedience. We too can be blessed if we seek to hear from the Lord and put his words into practice.
Lord, you have called me into the great blessing of being your disciple. Help me learn to trust and obey you just as Mary did. Help me also to count the cost, for nothing is as valuable as knowing you.
Galatians 3:22-29; Psalm 105:2-7