May 12, 2024
May We Honor – Mother’s Day
Sermon Title: There’s Something About Mary
Introduction
- Today’s focus: The story of Mother Mary.
- On Mother’s Day, we honor all forms of motherhood and reflect on the significant yet often unrecognized role mothers play.
- Introduction to the unexpected and unprepared roles, like Mary, the mother of Jesus, facing an unimaginable calling.
1. Mary Was Unprepared
Luke 1:26-38
- Highlight Mary’s situation as a young, unwed, and financially insecure woman who faced an extraordinary and divine calling.
- Draw parallels between Mary’s unexpected pregnancy and modern challenges where we find ourselves unprepared.
- Discuss how God’s call transcends our readiness and instead requires our faith and willingness.
2. Mary Was Afraid
Key Scripture: Luke 1:29-30
- There was a natural fear Mary felt upon learning her role in God’s plan, similar to our fears when facing unknowns.
- We must choose faith over fear, focusing on God’s power rather than our limitations.
- Mary’s choice to trust God can be a model for us when we are afraid.
3. Mary Was Favored
Explanation of Favor: Luke 1:28, 30
- Favor in the biblical context, is not a worldly success but being chosen for God’s purpose.
- Mary’s favor was not about her qualifications but about her willingness and grace to accept God’s plan.
- Favor involves both blessings and burdens. Mary’s life to illustrates the profound impacts of favor.
Bring it home: Embracing Favor
- Mary’s story reflects the journey of faith, favor, and surrender to God’s will.
- Our challenges and unprepared moments as opportunities for God to work through their lives.
- We have the chance to acceptGod’s favor, trust His plan, and respond with a “yes” to His calls, regardless of our fears or feelings of unpreparedness.