Talk

What Did Mary Know?

Ben Stuart
December, 4, 2022

Ben walks us through the story of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and shows us how Mary’s understanding of who God is gave her supernatural peace in the middle of a chaotic life.

Key Takeaway

Focusing on the character of God is a remedy for Chaos.

  1. Mary's first response is not to look to her circumstances but to look to God.

  2. Mary recognizes the significance of being seen as she is of the low estate in her society, yet the Mighty One sought her out. He sees us, and He stands apart. There is an otherness to God.

  3. Mary reminds us of His past and present consistency. You can expect that the same God who saw Abraham sees you.

  4. Mary celebrates the strength of Jesus. He rules over every place and he leads us. He has used that strength in service of His mercy.

  5. Mary highlights His steadfast love. He is a stabilizing force.

“
"There are some difficulties associated with belonging to God, but all of these stresses get right-sized when I look up at what my sovereign King is like; that He is strong, and He is loving. That He is set apart, but He sees me."
”
Ben Stuart

Discussion Questions

  1. What is your first response when something unexpected happens?

  2. How can you look to God when in the unexpected instead of immediately jumping in to try to control it?

  3. Meditate on how God sees you right now in your lowliness. How does that make you feel, knowing that in His mightiness, He chooses to see you?

  4. Do you tend to lump in God with your earthly father? If yes, how can you remember how He is set apart?

  5. Where in the Bible are you reminded of the strength of God?

  6. How can you be better at focusing on the character of God as a remedy for chaos?

Scripture References

46And Mary said:

“My soul glorifies the Lord

47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48for he has been mindful

of the humble state of his servant.

From now on all generations will call me blessed,

49for the Mighty One has done great things for me—

holy is his name.

50His mercy extends to those who fear him,

from generation to generation.

51He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;

he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

52He has brought down rulers from their thrones

but has lifted up the humble.

53He has filled the hungry with good things

but has sent the rich away empty.

54He has helped his servant Israel,

remembering to be merciful

55to Abraham and his descendants forever,

just as he promised our ancestors.”

Ben Stuart
Ben Stuart
Ben Stuart is the pastor of Passion City Church D.C. Prior to joining Passion City Church, Ben served as the executive director of Breakaway Ministries on the campus of Texas A&M. He also earned a master’s degree in historical theology from Dallas Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Donna, live to inspire and equip people to walk with God for a lifetime.