Mary Did You Know?
In 1991 Buddy Greene and Mark Lowry wrote a modern Christmas song that has become a contemporary “classic.” In its short history, this song has been recorded by many contemporary artists, and sung in many church services.
The song asks a simple rhetorical question: Mary, did you know who your Son was? The question is expanded throughout the song citing both the salvation Jesus would bring and the miracles He would work. Did Mary know while holding Him in Bethlehem’s barn who Jesus really was?
This song is musically beautiful, but it also shines a spotlight on the paradox of the Sovereign God becoming a dependent baby. But for all of its beauty, is it accurate? Did Mary know? If so, what did Mary know?
From the very beginning, Mary certainly knew that Jesus was not a normal baby. Take a moment and read Luke 1:26-38. In these verses, Mary finds out she is pregnant through a conversation with the angel Gabriel. In this conversation she would come to know:
- She had found favor with God (1:28-30)
- She was pregnant with a Son, even though she was a virgin (1:31)
- Her Son would be the Son of God (1:32a, 35)
- Her Son would be the promised Messiah (1:32b)
- Her Son’s Kingdom would know no end (1:33)
For nine months Mary carried Jesus with the words of the Angel (no doubt) reverberating in her ears and echoing through her heart. Then, when Jesus was born, angels and shepherds, and Magi show up and remind her of the supernatural nature of her Son. As He grows up, she continued to know that Jesus was unique. She even had an expectation that He could do miracles (like turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana – John 2).
So, based on these verses, did Mary know? Yes. I think she knew.
However, let’s not make Mary into more than she was. She was certainly favored by God, but she was still human. At one point, she (and Jesus’ half brothers) openly questioned His methods (Matthew 12:46-50). After Jesus’ crucifixion, Mary was not sitting outside the tomb on the morning fo the third day expecting to see the stone rolled away. She (like the other disciples) thought the Dream died on the cross.
So, in one sense Mary knew, but in another sense she didn’t.
So, the question asked in this song reminds us that at times we can KNOW a truth about God, but still have questions about how it looks in our lives. Can you relate? Allow this tension to encourage you today in the areas of your life where you know, but in another sense don’t know.
Mary Did You Know?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day walk on water?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you’ve delivered, will soon deliver you
Mary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little baby, you kiss the face of God
Mary did you know? Mary did you know? Mary did you know?
Mary did you know? Mary did you know? Mary did you know?
The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb
Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven’s perfect lamb?
That sleeping child you’re holding is the great I am
Mary did you know? Mary did you know? Mary did you know?
Mary did you know? Mary did you know? Mary did you know? Oh
Mary did you know?
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