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.