Mary is such an iconic figure in religious history that she has often been portrayed as perfect. She is an awesome example of a woman of faith, but there are indications that she didn't always get it right. It's true!

The Scriptures tell us a lot about Mary, especially in the book of Luke.. Luke refers to "eyewitnesses" and "careful investigation" and some scholars believe there is a very good chance that Mary was a primary source for his gospel narrative. That would make the account of the birth of Jesus that many people read every Christmas Eve an accurate description of the events. If she was a primary source, then a good deal of what we read about Mary in Luke can be considered first hand information.

With that in mind, there is an interesting story that could have come right from Mary in Luke 8:19-21. It describes Mary and her other sons standing outside a place where Jesus was teaching and calling for him. The story also appears in Mark 3:20-36 and Matthew 12:46-50. When Jesus is told that his mother and brothers (the Greek word could also mean brothers and sisters) wanted to see him, “He replied, 'My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.'" (Luke 8:21). Instead of affirming the importance of family relationships as would have been expected, he took the opportunity to teach that relationship with God was a higher priority than family relationships. Mary is left standing outside with her other sons. Not given a priority place with Jesus. Even rejected by Jesus. How could it be?

It's not really clear what the motivation is for Jesus' family to try to collect him. Perhaps they were embarrassed by his popularity and by what he was teaching. It was already apparent that the religious leaders were unhappy with him. That could stir up trouble for the whole family. Or, perhaps they feared the attention of the Romans. The account in Mark goes so far as to say that they thought he was out of his mind! Imagine that! His family, brothers and sisters and....mother? Did Mary really believe he had lost his mind? Didn't she remember his amazing birth? The shepherds? The wise men? The angel? What about all the treasures she had stored up in her heart and pondered?

How did Mary, the woman who received the angel's announcement with willingness and treasured the many words spoken about her infant and pondered them in her heart, become one standing on the outside being turned away by Jesus? What might have caused her to leave behind every promise she could not have forgotten and stand with those who said Jesus was crazy? What if the answer is as simple as forgetting to remember?

At least thirty years has passed since the birth of Jesus at this point. A lot of living has happened. Years of caring for children and running a home. The normal passage of time brought the loss of family members, most likely including Joseph. There was the constant activity of community life and the continual backdrop of the Romans. Don't forget the oppression by the Romans. All of these things would have filled Mary's mind and gained her attention. Add to that the voices of those who hadn't experienced what she had experienced, those who hadn't received the promises first hand, such as her other children. What if Mary had just lost track of the truth in the rhythm of regular life? She was human, right? It happens.

Normal life takes a lot of our energy and brain space. Raising a family. Taking care of our home. Earning a living. Community responsibilities. The constant turmoil of the political climate and world events. All these things can scream very loudly for our attention. In the midst of the cacophony, do you ever lose track of the promises God has spoken? Do you ever forget to remember?

You aren't alone and Mary is a reminder that it can even happen to those we admire most. We know that she found her way back to belief. She was at the cross when Jesus died and among the first believers waiting in Jerusalem for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, along with Jesus' brothers who became leaders in the early church. (Acts 1:14) Somehow she remembered. She returned to the treasures she had stored up and found them to be even more glorious than she had first thought. You can, too.

Even though she had forgotten them for a while, Mary had the unique experience of seeing every promise she had ever received fulfilled in her lifetime. Not many people ever get that opportunity, but if we choose to remember God's promises in the rhythm of our regular life we will experience the joy of hope and the motivation of expectation that makes life sparkle. Don't forget to remember!

Key thought: Don't forget to remember.

A Scripture to Consider:

He replied, My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.” ‭Luke‬ ‭8:21‬ ‭NIV

A YES challenge: What are some promises from God that you may have lost track of in the midst of normal life? Take some time to recall them and refresh your faith.

Prayer:

Father, life is loud. Sometimes it drowns out Your voice. Help me to recall and to reflect on Your promises. Help me to keep Your Word in the forefront of my thoughts and fix my attention on what You have declared. Regardless of the other things happening in my life and in the world let the focus of my heart be on You and Your promises. Amen.