There are many types of parents. Some are close to their children, while others walk away. Some work, some stay at home. At this time of year, it makes one wonder how Mary and Joseph would fit with the parents of today.
Was Mary egotistical — after all, she was to give birth to God’s son? Did she throw it in everybody’s face? When Joseph discovered Mary was pregnant, did he treat her like a whore? Did he allow Jesus to do what he wanted as long as the gold, frankincense, and myrrh kept coming in?
Luke 2:16-20 tells us So they came as fast as they could and they found Mary and Joseph—and the baby lying in the manger. And when they had seen this sight, they told everybody what had been said to them about the little child. And those who heard them were amazed at what the shepherds said. But Mary treasured all these things and turned them over in her mind. The shepherds went back to work, glorifying and praising God for everything that they had heard and seen, which had happened just as they had been told.
Mary and Joseph were humble people. They were glad others came to see their child, the Son of God, but they didn’t use it for their gain. There was no charging admission just to get a glimpse. Mary didn’t insist on riding to Bethlehem on a stallion. And Joseph didn’t threaten a lawsuit until the innkeeper found them a room.
I can’t help but imagine how Jesus’ parents would behave if He were born in this modern world. Would they appear on television and tell the cameras about their upcoming bundle of joy? His birth might end up more about them than it would be the Son of God.
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Mary thus learns that the Most High has ever borne a Son in his bosom, and that this Son has now chosen her bosom as dwelling-place. – Hans Urs von Balthasar, Swiss Theologian
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Today there is name dropping and tantrums pitched so a parent can get what he or she wants. They force their children into the public eye so they can get attention. Everything some parents do is about them, not the child.
Yet, everything Mary and Joseph did was for the good of Jesus. It appears to me that we could use more of Mary and Joseph’s parenting style than some of what we see today.
Do you ever think of comparisons between Mary and Joseph and the parents of today? I talked about differences, but what similarities do you think there are? Please comment below.
And as always, if you need prayer, please post it in the comment section so we can pray for you.
