2025_01_03 Insight Post- David Schleyer
This week’s reading- Matthew 1, Matthew 2, Matthew 12:46-50, Luke 1, Luke 2, John 2:1-12, John 19:25-27, Acts 1:14
I was struck by something Kim shared in Monday’s Insight Post: “She [Mary] was present when Jesus took His first breath and when He took His last.” That simple statement stuck with me. Mary’s role as Jesus’ mother is something I’ve thought about before, but this really brought home how significant it was. She was there for His very first moment on Earth, holding Him in a manger, and she was there when He breathed His last on the cross. The connection between those two moments, and what it must have been like for her as His mom, feels so powerful.
When Jesus was born, it wasn’t exactly the easiest start for Mary. A stable isn’t where anyone imagines welcoming their baby, let alone the Messiah. But there she was, holding Him and taking it all in as shepherds showed up to worship Him and wise men brought gifts. She must have felt a mix of surprise and exhaustion, wondering how she ended up at the center of such a huge plan. And yet, she just kept going, trusting God and doing her best as a mom, even if she might not fully understand what lay ahead.
As Jesus grew, Mary probably experienced all the normal ups and downs of parenting. She saw His first steps, heard His first words, and watched Him grow into someone so full of wisdom and kindness. She knew His life was meant for something bigger than her. It couldn’t have been easy to see Him stepping into His purpose.
The hardest moment for Mary had to come at the cross, where she witnessed Jesus’ last breath. Watching her son suffer and die must have been an unimaginable pain, one that no parent should ever endure. Yet even in His agony, Jesus cared for her, making sure she would be looked after by His disciple John. This heartbreaking moment was also a profound act of love—a reminder of the deep bond between them and the incredible sacrifice both were part of. Mary’s strength didn’t end there; after the resurrection, she joined the disciples in prayer, continuing to live out her faith and the mission Jesus had started.
As we step into 2025, Mary’s story challenges us all—not just parents—to think about the depth of love and sacrifice we’re willing to show in our own lives. Love isn’t just for family; it’s about how we treat everyone around us, from close friends to complete strangers. Her story invites us to ask: How can we care for the people and make the most of the opportunities in our lives? How can we step up and make a difference, even when it’s hard? Let’s take these questions to heart as we head into the new year. What small changes can we make to show more compassion, trust a little deeper, and reflect the kind of love that makes the world brighter? Mary’s journey is proof that even in the toughest moments, our actions and choices can create ripples far beyond what we’ll ever see. Let’s make 2025 a year of stepping into that challenge with open hearts.
David Schleyer
Elementary Small Group Leader