“The power of the gospel is even great enough to heal the wounds of the sins inflicted upon us.”
I was recently in a conference and heard David Nassar make this statement. It made an impact in my life and I hope it will in yours. Isn’t it a marvelous thing that our God is big enough to take care of anything in our lives? Lean on Him.
Diane Conn
Tennessee
PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for Michigan Women Active for Christ as they meet together today.
“And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business” (Luke 2:49).
To say Mary and Jesus had a complex relationship would be an understatement. As Jesus grew in stature and wisdom, there would be things said or done she wouldn’t fully understand. The one thing He had hoped she would comprehend was His need to be about His “Father’s business.” Why didn’t it occur to her that He was back at the Temple? Why didn’t she think to look there first?
It would take time, but Mary had to learn that divine mission takes pre-eminence over earthly relationships. Parental interests can never override the higher authority of the Heavenly Father. There were going to be decisions made that Jesus wouldn’t be obliged to consult with her. His earthly ministry was going to start and Mary was not going to be able to question what He was doing or where He was going. He was sent by the Father and had a mission to complete. He had to be about doing His “Father’s business.”
Sue Winchester
Missouri
PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for New Mexico Women Active for Christ as they meet together today.
“And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing” (Luke 2:48).
The three day frantic search ends. Jesus was found in the temple at Jerusalem. Needless to say, His parents were more than “amazed.” They had to be relieved. However, the wording of Mary’s question to Jesus was not what you or I might have said to Him. We would have scolded Him and said something like, “Don’t you ever scare us like that again, young man.”
Mary was glad Jesus was safe, but in spite of His maturity, she still thought of Him as her little boy. Jesus did not come to earth just to be Mary’s son. Mary was not going to be able to interfere with God’s plan for Him. Tomorrow Jesus will give an answer to the question in today’s verse. It will be His way of telling her it’s time for her to begin to let go. It’s one of the hardest parts of being a parent.
Sue Winchester
Missouri
PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for Stan and Brenda Bunch as they return to Panama to begin work at the seminary.
“And when they found him not, they turned back to Jerusalem, seeking him” (Luke 2:45).
The more time that passed, the more frantic His parents would become. I can picture Joseph trying to stay calm and strong for Mary, but somehow I think Mary was more upset. Even mothers with faith are prone to get rattled when a crisis involves one of their children. It was time to go back to Jerusalem in hopes of finding Jesus. Would they find Him? Would He be unharmed? These are just two of the questions that had to race through Mary’s mind. Tomorrow we will learn the answers as the search ends.
Sue Winchester
Missouri
PRAY TOGETHER: Let the title of April’s Together in the Word study, “In the Mind of Mary,” serve as a prayer reminder. Intercede for the “Marys” in your congregation today.
“And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it” (Luke 2:43).
You may be thinking if Jesus was twelve why couldn’t He have kept up with His parents? The Passover was always attended by a throng of people. It would have been just as easy for an adult to end up lost in the masses. Depending on the person’s size they might have even gotten hurt in that big of a crowd. Mary wasn’t just trying to keep track of Jesus but she had several other children to consider. Mary and Joseph didn’t hit the panic button the first day. They thought Jesus was off with other relatives or acquaintances. When that day turned into another day and no sign of Jesus, His parents felt they better retrace their steps. It started to hit them that Jesus was missing. Can you imagine the thoughts running through Mary’s mind? You may have been in a similar situation and felt so distraught. Mary’s feelings were no different. What is she going to do? She has lost Jesus!
Sue Winchester
Missouri
PRAY TOGETHER: Women Active for Christ know God is the answer for our problems, but do the youth of our nation fully understand this concept? Ask God to help you convey this truth to the young people in your life.
“And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast” (Luke 2:42).
There were three feasts that adult Jewish males were required by law to attend. They would take their families with them. If distance prohibited them from attending all three, the Passover was one the Jews would do their best to attend. This was nothing new for Jesus to attend but now we see Him at age twelve. Back then boys that age were preparing to enter the religious community so this was a special year for the boy Jesus. We are going to learn this week what happens after the feast days are over. I could possibly sum up most of this week asking you this question, “What does a frantic Mom do when she loses Jesus?” If you have ever lost sight of your child for even a brief time, you are going to be able to identify with Mary’s feelings.
Sue Winchester
Missouri
PRAY TOGETHER: Working mothers and single mothers need a special prayer today.
Up from the grave He arose
with a mighty triumph o’er His foes.
He arose a victor from the dark domain
and He lives forever with His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!
Rejoice today for a risen Savior!
PRAY TOGETHER: Remember what this Easter Sunday represents and present your life anew to the One who made eternal life possible.
