In Luke, we find Mary leaning into curiosity as she ponders the story of the shepherds and how they came to find her and Jesus (Luke 2:19). And before that moment, she wondered how she would become pregnant as a virgin, asking the angel, “How will this be?” (Luke 1:34). Farther back in the story we read that she was troubled and discerning when the angel first greeted her and called her “favored one” (Luke 1:29). What we find in Mary is not a silent woman who is stepped all over, but a woman who thinks deeply, considers her situation, and is curious about what God is up to. She is also a woman who moves and acts, knowing that she cannot carry this calling alone. She carries it to her cousin (Luke 1:39).
Ask
I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.
not alone
Mary runs to share her reality and curiosity with Elizabeth, and Elizabeth rejoices in the magnificent and miraculous words of God. Elizabeth pours blessing out on Mary. She speaks love and truth, and she shares in the work God is doing in her as well, attesting to the reality of what Mary is going through (Luke 1:40–45). Mary is not alone.
Both women carry a physical miracle. As Elizabeth has experienced the shame of barrenness, Mary is subject to the judgment of her virgin birth and eventual pain and humiliation of her son. Elizabeth knows Mary needs her love, support, and a reminder of God’s presence with her. She offers this joyfully. Both women are in awe of God’s wondrous works, and they share in it together.
cultivating wonder
As the women shared in wonder, they cultivated curiosity and gave courage. Many of us have lost our sense of wonder. Throughout the years we were quieted, we were told we asked too many questions, or maybe we were told we should not ask questions. Questions, wonder, and curiosity were the enemies of truth. Yet these things lead to deeper and richer truth. The exploration of our doubts and voicing our questions grows in us space to receive what God may be saying in different ways through a variety of people. After all, God is a creator! His creativity is far beyond our imagination, and we will never out-question God! We are invited to stay curious, listen to God, and connect in community. In community we share, we receive, and we explore what God is doing and saying in each of us. We pay attention to how he is moving through others, remaining open to new ways he is revealing his truth. We stay curious and we see the beauty of his creativity in and through his creation. We don’t want to miss it!
Watch Session One
Jesus Equips the Ordinary
Daily Question
Who has been your source of community and connection lately? Who points you to Jesus?
Comments (11)
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My church , family and a few friends have connected me with Christ and continues to point me to the direction of Jesus . I try to stay away from people who turn me away from him.
My family and the church groups I participate in. I gain so much from listening to others perspective about God’s word. It hellos me you grow tremendously.
My source of community and connection has been the people in our small groups on Sunday mornings. This bible study, What the Women Saw, has been pointing me to Jesus from the responses from other ladies and the videos in our virtual study.
Great encouragement for me!
My husband, my adult children, a couple of close friends, my small group, and the other staff members of the church where I work. I am thankful for Zoom and other technology to stay in touch with friends and to be able to continue to meet with my small group. I am thankful for my husband’s and my weekly meetings at a park with friends. I am thankful for our church’s streaming of the service. I miss seeing my church family in person on Sundays, but feel connected to them when we tune into the live stream on Sunday morning.
I am blessed.
I have connected with many people over zoom during the pandemic and through many phone calls with my sisters. I think that God has used these connections to point me back to how Jesus is the one who satisfies me and I can rely on him.
my sister
❤️
My relationship with friends, boyfriend, family, and other wonderful individuals. They all have helped me grow closer to God and point me in the right direction. So thankful for all of them!
My source of community and connection is in a season of newness at the new church I am attending with my fiancé. God has brought me so far in the past four years. Our pastors wife started this small group with the series of Bible study. I have anxiously awaited for a new study group.
My community includes my Dad, my boyfriend, my kids, my framily- friends that are family- and hopefully a new group of women who have a love of the Lord and learning more about His word and how we can be the best versions of ourselves as God intended.
CBS, core group, and SCC – Renie