Advent 2023: Day 24

December 24

The World’s Greatest Treasure

Text: Luke 2:19

From the minimal data we have, Joseph is the man of action, Mary is the reflective one. When hearing the words of the shepherds, Mary pondered. When hearing the words of the angel, Joseph acted. 

But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. (Luke 2:19)

But the text also states that Mary treasured these moments. I think mothers are much better at treasuring life’s moments. Can you imagine how many treasure-worthy moments Mary had? So many. But like any mother, I am sure she overlooked quite a few also. But Mary also had difficult moments to deal with. Was it hard when Jesus left to begin His earthly ministry? I would assume so. Who was going to take on the family carpentry business? I mean—the evidence points to the fact that Joseph had already died. What about the ministry itself? Was Mary proud of Jesus? I am not sure. The words of Mark 3:20-21 are very interesting. 

Then he went home, and the crowd gathered again, so that they could not even eat. And when his family heard it, they went out to seize him, for they were saying, “He is out of his mind.” (Mark 3:20-21)

It seems they were thinking Jesus had lost His mind. I bet Mary wasn’t treasuring those moments. Yet as a whole, Mary knew Jesus was a treasure. Maybe she knew He was the world’s greatest treasure. This is the only treasure you should give up your life for. Have you? If not, will you?