Mary one of the most loved characters in the Bible

One of the most loved characters from the Bible is Mary. Catholics and Muslims all revere her, but what were her feelings about Jesus. In the Bible, during her pregnancy, she prayed a very insightful prayer that shared some of her thoughts on Jesus.

The following prayer comes from Luke 1:46-55: “And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed forever.”

It is profound that Mary, like all of us, needed a Savior and this amazing baby reminded her that the Savior was God. Finally, reread the passage and notice now her focus is not on her, but on God. Mary would never have accepted worship or focus on herself as some “special” saint with power. In fact, Mary called herself a handmaiden or a servant.

Just like Mary, there were men who had personal experience with Jesus. If you were to ask me about the University of Missouri (Mizzou), I could talk all day. I am a 5th generation graduate from the greatest University in the World! I have personal experience with the school. If you were to also ask me about the University of Kansas (arch-rival), I could tell you very little about it as I have only been there twice.

The disciples or people that followed Jesus had in-depth experience with Jesus. They did not know Jesus like I know KU, but like I know Mizzou.

1 John 1:1-3 explains:

“That which was from the beginning, which we have

• heard,

• which we have seen with our eyes,

• which we have looked upon,

• and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.”

These followers of Jesus were convinced that he existed from the beginning (he was not created). They listened (heard) and saw (eye) him.

When the verse says they “looked upon him” it means they considered or thought about who he was.

Finally, they had physical contact with Jesus (hands).

In summary, their experience with Jesus was life on life. Many people would assume they would say Jesus was a revolutionary or some great teacher, but there is another point that they emphasized. They were clear that Jesus showed them eternal life.

What is eternal life? In the verses, there is a little word that is highlighted called fellowship. This word communicates the idea of relationship. Eternal life is having a real relationship with God. If you want a relationship with God the only way is through Jesus Christ.

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