A Lineage of Grace by Francine Rivers
The awe of her first encounter with God came upon Mary again. Her soul exalted him. Her spirit rejoiced in Jesus, her Savior. All her life, she had struggled to find answers, to rise above her circumstances, to obey God and wait—not always patiently—for his plan to unfold, and now she was filled with awe at what God had done. She had mourned and was comforted with the promise of life eternal with him. She had hungered and thirsted for justice, and now beheld the one who would judge.
Mary fell to her knees before Jesus and bowed her head to the ground. “My Lord,” she said in complete surrender. “My Lord and God.”
EIGHT
Mary lay upon her pallet, meditating upon the years since she had last seen Jesus. John sat nearby, praying. There were others present, just beyond the door of the small house she shared with him on the edge of Ephesus. She was troubled by their weeping.
“John?”
He rose and came close, taking her hand. “Yes, Mother.”
“Why do they mourn?”
“Because they know your time with us is nearing an end.”
She sighed. “They make too much of me.”
“Because you are the mother of our Lord.”
“Do you remember the forty days after the crucifixion? Jesus did not set me above the rest. He didn’t give me an exalted place among his followers. Tell them.”
“I have told them.”
“Tell them again, John. We were all together, breaking bread with him while he told us about the kingdom of God. I served him and touched his hand and filled his cup with water.” Her mind drifted. “Oh, I remember his smile. Do you remember his smile, John?”
John’s eyes were moist. “Yes, Mother.”
“That day when we stood on the Mount of Olives and we all saw him taken up into heaven, I thought my heart would break. I missed him the instant I saw him embraced in the clouds, and wondered how long it would be before I saw his face again. I hungered so much for one more look at him.”
“We all did.”
“Yes, and we stood staring up into the heavens, waiting and expecting him to come right back.”
“Until the angels came.” John closed his eyes, joining in her memories. “They said, ‘Men of Galilee, why are you standing here staring at the sky? Jesus has been taken away from you into heaven. And someday, just as you saw him go, he will return!’”
Mary sighed. She had accompanied Jesus’ followers as they walked the half mile back to Jerusalem. She and her sons had remained with them, meeting with the men continually for prayer, and waiting and waiting. . . . She still waited. She and John had prayed together every day for Jesus to return, for Jesus to make them the instruments of faith they were intended to be. Each morning, she had risen from her pallet with the thought that today might be the day and she must be ready. But she knew Jesus would return in God’s time and not because she asked it.
Still, Jesus was with them.
On the Day of Pentecost, seven weeks after Jesus had risen from the grave, while all of his believers were gathered together, the Lord had poured out the Holy Spirit on them. She remembered that day as clearly as if it were yesterday, for the Holy Spirit was still alive within her, just as he was in every believer. The joy of her salvation still filled her with exultation, just as it had that day when she had run outside with the others to spread the Good News throughout Jerusalem.
And then the persecution had come.
“They’re all gone now, aren’t they, John?” Tears filled her eyes as she remembered all of those who had died as Satan had sought to extinguish the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. She could almost see their faces. Young Stephen had been the first to die, stoned to death by Damascus Gate. Then others followed.
The apostles she knew and loved had scattered, taking with them the gospel message and spreading it like seeds across the world. And the seeds they planted had taken root, for there were believers in Syria, Macedonia, Greece, Rome.
Word had trickled back over the years of how the apostles had died. Some were mocked, their backs cut open with whips. Others were chained in dungeons. Some were sawed in half; others killed by the sword. Peter was crucified upside down near the obelisk in Rome; Paul was beheaded outside the walls of the city. Not one recanted his faith.
Among those martyred were her sons.
When she had heard of their deaths, she understood why Jesus had given her over to John’s care. Jesus had known what was to come and made provisions for her even as he was dying on the cross. Her throat closed even now as she thought of it. Right from the beginning, Jesus had been pouring his life out for others.
John had brought her to Ephesus during the years of persecution, and she had lived under his care on the outskirts of Satan’s city ever since, telling everyone who lived in the shadow of the Artemisian Temple about Jesus Christ who had died to save them. Paul had come to help the Ephesians, and then written to them as he traveled. His letter was still read at meetings.
Satan still waged battle against the truth, trying to cloud the minds of men. And so it would go on. Every day, the choice was the same: Will God reign in my life, or will my desires win out? Will I make demands of Jesus and be distressed that he doesn’t come back to us when I call?
Waiting was the hardest thing to do. Mary had always struggled with waiting. But she was older now. She was eager now—not impetuous, not impatient. Each day was a refining fire. Each day brought the question, Will you obey no matter the cost?
“Today I say yes.”
“Mother?”
“Today I say yes. And today, and today, and today, until there are no more todays left.”
John squeezed her hand. “Each day has trouble of its own.”
“And the Lord will carry us through it.”
How was it God had chosen her, a simple peasant girl, to be his vessel? The privilege still rocked her. Jesus, born in darkness, was the Light of the World. He, the Bread of Life, had known hunger. The Living Water had known thirst. He had been misunderstood, sold for thirty pieces of silver, rejected by all, and crucified, and now he stood before the throne of God as the advocate of all those who believed in him.
She remembered how Jesus had prayed, unceasingly, in every circumstance—standing, sitting, lying down, and walking along the road. He had prayed, and now he listened to her prayers as well as to the prayers of all those who called on him. Unblemished by sin, he had given up his life as the atonement offering for all the sins of mankind, including hers. Defeating death, he had risen from the grave.
She had hoped her son would be victorious over Israel’s oppressors. She had hoped he would reign as king. How small her dreams had been! How great and mighty was God’s plan! Jesus was far beyond and above what man expected. He is victorious! He is king above all kings! He is everlasting life, the holiness and righteousness of God. He is the Son of Man, Messiah, God in spirit and in truth. And he had come to save not only Israel, but also the world.
Oh, Jesus, my sins are many, as you well know. I was so proud of you, so proud of the part I was given in bringing you into this world. I was so eager to see you reign on earth as king, with Joseph’s sons at your side. . . . And you knew, didn’t you? I pressed you and prodded you to that end, didn’t I? I didn’t know that even I could be used by Satan to tempt you. Even I, the one chosen to be your mother, added to your burdens. I didn’t understand you’d come to be the sacrifice. And I praise you for that. I praise and worship you for your tender mercy and compassion.
Oh, Lord God of my fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, you were so kind to me. For how could I have lived with the knowledge that my precious baby was born to be nailed to a cross? I was in your presence for thirty years. I saw your beauty, experienced your love and mercy, witnessed your strength and righteousness, your perfection and holiness. I saw the living, breathing fulfillment of all your promises.
Lord, it was only during those last three years that I began to see what was to come. And still, I didn’t understand. Thro
She felt the change in her body. “I will be with him soon.”
John leaned down. “I will miss you, Mother, but I will rejoice knowing you are with our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Again, Mary heard the weeping just beyond the door. Deeply troubled by it, she looked into John’s eyes. “More have come?”
He nodded.
Over the years, many had come to touch the edge of her garment. They thought because she was Jesus’ mother, she had his power. Some had even bowed down before her, pleading with her to pray for them because they felt unworthy to do so themselves. She was no more worthy than they were. Did they not see clearly? Did they not hear the message preached?
She had always corrected them firmly and with love. “Did Jesus die for you and rise from the grave so that you could come to me for help? Do not be fooled! Salvation is from the Lord! Jesus is Savior and Lord! Jesus loves you. He listens to your prayers. Trust in him.”
She smiled sadly now. “Perhaps they will understand better when I go the way of all flesh.” She felt the shifting inside her body, the loosening of the bonds of this earth. “When I die, John, bury me where no one will know. Don’t let them make a shrine to honor me. It is by God’s grace we are saved, by his power. Jesus died for them so that they would be free of sin and death. Remind them to love the Lord God above all others. It has always been that way from the beginning. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your mind, all your soul and strength, and love one another. Keep the gospel pure, my son. Keep it pure.”
“I will, Mother,” John said. He stroked her hand tenderly. “I will tell them the truth. Jesus is the Word, and the Word already existed in the beginning. He was with God, and he was God. He was in the beginning with God. He created everything there is. Nothing exists that he didn’t make. Life itself was in him, and this life gives light to everyone. The light shines through the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.”
“Yes, my son. Tell them. Tell them . . . to do what Jesus says.”
SEEK AND FIND
Dear reader,
You have just read the story of Mary as perceived by one author. Is this the whole truth about the story? Jesus said to seek and you will find the answers you need for life. The best way to find the truth is to look for yourself!
This “Seek and Find” section is designed to help you discover the story of Mary as recorded in the Bible. It consists of six short studies that you can do on your own or with a small discussion group.
You may be surprised to learn that this ancient story will have applications for your life today. No matter where we live or in what century, God’s Word is truth. It is as relevant today as it was yesterday. In it we find a future and a hope.
Peggy Lynch
CONSENT
SEEK GOD’S WORD FOR TRUTH
Read the following passage:
God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!”
Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. “Don’t be frightened, Mary,” the angel told her, “for God has decided to bless you! You will become pregnant and have a son, and you are to name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!”
Mary asked the angel, “But how can I have a baby? I am a virgin.”
The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby born to you will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God.” . . .
Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant, and I am willing to accept whatever he wants. May whatever you have said come true.” And then the angel left.
LUKE 1:26-35, 38
• From the above passage, what do we learn about Mary? (e.g., She was from Galilee.)
• According to Gabriel’s greeting, what was God’s attitude toward Mary?
• How did Mary respond to the angel’s greeting?
• Gabriel reassured Mary and proceeded to explain his mission. List the things he revealed to Mary regarding herself. And what does he tell Mary about the child?
• Mary reminds the angel that she is a virgin and asks him how she can become pregnant. What additional information does Gabriel give her?
• How does Mary respond?
FIND GOD’S WAYS FOR YOU
According to the following passage from Scripture, God speaks to us today through his written Word.
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God’s way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do.
2 TIMOTHY 3:16-17
• How is God’s Word useful to us?
• Mary was alone and quiet when God spoke to her. God speaks to us in small, quiet ways today, but are we available to hear? List the things that might distract us and keep us from hearing him.
• When you hear God’s voice, how do you respond?
Read Jesus’ words in the following passage from Scripture:
Anyone whose Father is God listens gladly to the words of God. Since you don’t, it proves you aren’t God’s children.
JOHN 8:47
• What reason does Jesus give for our not hearing God?
STOP AND PONDER
But people who aren’t Christians can’t understand these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them because only those who have the Spirit can understand what the Spirit means. We who have the Spirit understand these things, but others can’t understand us at all. How could they? For, “Who can know what the Lord is thinking? Who can give him counsel?” But we can understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ.
1 CORINTHIANS 2:14-16
• Do you have the mind of Christ?
CELEBRATION
SEEK GOD’S WORD FOR TRUTH
Read the following passage:
At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, his fiancée, who was obviously pregnant by this time.
And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the village inn.
That night some shepherds were in the fields outside the village, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terribly frightened, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news of great joy for everyone! The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David! And this is how you will recognize him: You will find a baby lying in a manger, wrapped snugly in strips of cloth!”
Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God:
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to all whom God favors.”
When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Come on, let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this wonderful thing that has happened, which the Lord has
They ran to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. Then the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary quietly treasured these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their fields and flocks, glorifying and praising God for what the angels had told them, and because they had seen the child, just as the angel had said.
LUKE 2:1-20
• Why were Mary and Joseph traveling to Bethlehem?
• When they were in Bethlehem, what happened to Mary? What details are given?
• Angels visited the shepherds. What sign was given to the shepherds regarding the event? What was their response?
• What was Mary’s response to the shepherds’ visit?
• List all the evidence of celebration from the above passage.
FIND GOD’S WAYS FOR YOU
• The best laid plans often go awry. How do you handle interrupted plans?
• Share a time when you had to “make do” with your circumstances.
Read the following verse:
You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.
PROVERBS 19:21
• What do we learn from this verse?
• Mary found reasons to rejoice and events to treasure even when her circumstances were not what she would have chosen. What causes you to treasure things in your heart?
STOP AND PONDER
We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.
PROVERBS 16:9
How can we understand the road we travel? It is the Lord who directs our steps.