We read in Luke 2 of the birth of Jesus and his childhood. Twice in this chapter a phrase is repeated about the same person.
In verse 19 it reads “but Mary treasured up all these words, pondering in her heart what they might mean”
And then at the end of the chapter in the latter part of verse 51, it reads “…but his mother kept all these things in her heart”
Even in the previous chapter, Luke tells us in 1:29 that she is “greatly troubled at the saying and tried to discern what this greeting might be” in response to Gabriel’s greeting to her as “the favored one” or “blessed among women”
We cannot begin to imagine the thoughts she was pondering. To be first greeted as such and then to be given the news that you are to give birth, as a virgin, to the Son of God!
She certainly did have a lot to ponder and treasure in her heart. She probably didn’t fully grasp what she was called to do or the role she would play.
She would watch the events of the life of her Son, who was 100% God and 100% man, play out for the next 33 years. In these years she would come to understand those things that she treasured in her heart.
She would watch Him as a pre-teen studying in the midst of amazed learned men in the temple. All the while still having Him under her subjection.
Then would observe Him begin His ministry, do countless miracles, teaching from town to town. But also witness attempts on His life and probably begin to understand how things would play out.
Then have to stand at the cross and watch her human son be crucified. But knowing that He is her God and her Savior and that He would defeat death!
She ultimately understood the things that she treasured and we can too. We get to see it from the back end of the story.
But treasuring these things in our heart is a good practice. We aren’t called to give birth to the Son of God, but we are called to be His children and to obey Him. Let us focus and ponder that. Let us treasure the good news in our hearts always. And let us tell others about Him!
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