Week 51: Treasuring Jesus

Luke 2

If we will be still a few minutes and use our imagination as we read of the birth of Jesus, we can share the amazement of Joseph and Mary to some extent.

What was going through Mary's mind as the moment came time for this child, whom she knew would be the Son of God, to be born? 

It's not going to happen in a clean, hospital delivery room, nor even a decent motel. It's happening in a smelly stable, and the child is being placed in a manger. 

While this seems a bit sad and depressing, it suddenly becomes incredible. 

Out of nowhere come a few shepherds who excitedly share that an angel revealed to them that a Savior, the Messiah, had been born to them. They rush out to spread the news, and everyone is amazed.

"But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." (19)

Mary waits 40 days before taking baby Jesus to the temple to consecrate him to the Lord. Simeon, a righteous and devout man, took the infant in his arms and declared the child to be "a light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel." (32)

"The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him." (33)

Luke fast-forwards 12 years where we find Jesus in the temple again, listening to the teachers and asking them questions. Joseph and Mary had been anxiously searching for Jesus and were astonished by the scene when they found him.

"But his mother treasured all these things in her heart." (51)

The treasuring of Jesus will multiply for Mary in the years to come as she witnesses countless miracles, the crowds of thousands that follow him, and the priceless words from his teachings. As Simeon prophesied, a sword pierced her soul at the crucifixion and death of Jesus, but imagine Mary's joy to see him risen from the grave! To witness his ascension! To watch his kingdom launch on the Day of Pentecost!

We can relate to the parents of Jesus, treasuring up wonderful moments because we have our own children and grandchildren. How much more are we blessed as followers of Jesus today as the opportunities to treasure him continue!

We are among those Gentiles Simeon spoke of! "To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." (Colossians 1:27)

Paul's prayer for the saints was, "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe." (Eph. 1:18-19)

Paul wanted us to know "the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." (Colossians 2:2-3)

Jesus said, "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:20-21)

—Charlie Herndon