Mary’s heart was amazed at what was happening during this three year period of her Son’s ministry. She recalled how, as a child, Jesus was always a friend to everyone. He was the “go to” guy when it came to advice and counseling. He continued to show His love for everyone throughout His life. His words, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends,” were His mantra and would be until His dying day.
If Jesus were walking with us today, He wouldn’t think twice about hugging us with unconditional love. No sickness or disability would hinder Him. Jesus loves us in a way we can’t begin to comprehend. He healed those with untreatable illnesses. He gave sight and voice to those who never saw or spoke. He even breathed life back into those who had died. He counseled the homeless and gave them purpose to go on living. He brought hope to a hopeless world.
His following was growing. Not only were people coming to be healed, but to hear His amazing message of forgiveness of all sin. There was no sin too great, but the cost would require the final sacrifice – the perfect, unblemished lamb – the promised King from the lineage of David – the Son of God.
He spoke of things beyond human comprehension. He described a “new” life – a new heaven and earth. His compassion for all human beings, no matter what their occupation or station in life, was evident. His advice for living was new to most – love your enemies and do good to those who hate you. He seemed an ordinary man with extraordinary powers, but Mary knew that he was much more.
His words were new to her as well, but she knew that Jesus was holy – He was from God. The angel told her He would be called the Son of God. God had taken on human flesh, just like us, to be the perfect sacrifice to take away the sin of the world.
The pieces were beginning to fall into place. As he taught from the Mount of Olives, the power of His words were holding tenaciously to many hearts. His love for them was apparent. It was the love of God emanating from his voice. It was God’s voice. Mary must have realized that the name Immanuel truly did mean, God with us.
