Mary’s Yes: Obedience in the Face of the Unknown

Mary’s Yes: Obedience in the Face of the Unknown

Introduction

In the Gospel of Luke, a simple moment of heavenly interruption transformed the course of human history. An angel appeared to a young girl in a humble village, greeting her with these words:

“Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” —Luke 1:28

This girl, Mary of Nazareth, was chosen for an extraordinary mission—to bear the Son of God. Her response, though brief, echoes through the ages:

“I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.” —Luke 1:38

With these words, Mary said “yes” to God. She agreed to a future she didn’t fully understand. Her obedience was not passive submission but an active, courageous act of faith.

What does this moment teach us about trust, surrender, and walking faithfully into the unknown?

The Angel’s Message: A Disruption to the Ordinary

Mary was likely a teenager, engaged to Joseph, preparing for a quiet life in her community. Then Gabriel appeared, declaring that she would conceive a child by the Holy Spirit.

This wasn’t just a divine announcement—it was a disruption of every plan she had.

• She would face misunderstanding, scandal, and shame.

• She risked losing Joseph, her reputation, and her security.

• She had no guarantees about how it would all unfold.

And yet, after a single question—“How can this be?”—Mary submitted fully to God’s will.

Lesson #1: Faith often begins where certainty ends.
Mary did not demand full clarity before responding. She trusted the One who was calling her. Her “yes” was grounded not in understanding the future, but in confidence in God.

Courage in Uncertainty: The Cost of Obedience

Saying yes to God often comes with a cost . For Mary, that cost was social rejection, emotional pain, and physical hardship. Her journey included:

• A difficult trip to Bethlehem late in pregnancy.

• Giving birth in a stable , with no midwife or comfort.

• Fleeing to Egypt to escape Herod’s murderous wrath.

• Watching her Son suffer and die , with a sword piercing her soul.

Obedience doesn’t mean life will be easy—it means being faithful even when it’s hard.

Lesson #2: Obedience is not always comfortable, but it is always fruitful.
Mary’s story proves that God doesn’t always lead us on smooth roads—but He walks with us every step. Her suffering had eternal significance. Our obedience, too, may bear fruit we cannot yet see.

A Model of Humility and Trust

Mary’s “yes” was rooted in her humility . She saw herself not as a worthy candidate, but as God’s servant. She didn’t exalt herself or argue her unworthiness. She simply surrendered.

“He has looked with favor on the humble state of His servant.” —Luke 1:48

She praised God in the Magnificat (Luke 1:46–55), acknowledging that it was His greatness, not hers , that made the moment sacred.

Lesson #3: True obedience flows from humility.
We often think obedience requires strength, but it begins with surrender. Mary trusted that God's power would work through her weakness.

Embracing Mystery: The Journey of Faith

Mary was not given a detailed plan. She was given a promise. She didn’t know all the implications of her “yes.” But she believed:

“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her!” —Luke 1:45

Faith means trusting that God is good, even when we do not understand. Mary’s life was filled with mystery—from the Incarnation to the Crucifixion—but she continued to ponder these things in her heart (Luke 2:19).

Lesson #4: Faith doesn’t require full understanding, but full trust.
Mary shows us how to live in mystery, holding questions with peace and trusting the One who holds the answers.

God Uses the Willing

Mary was not wealthy, powerful, or influential. She was an ordinary girl with an extraordinary willingness to say “yes.”

Throughout Scripture, God doesn’t call the equipped—He equips the called. What He looks for is availability, not perfection.

Lesson #5: God does great things through simple, willing hearts.
Mary didn’t need to know everything or be everything. She just had to trust. Her obedience opened the door for God’s greatest miracle—the birth of Jesus.

From Nazareth to the Cross: A Lifelong Commitment

Mary’s “yes” wasn’t a one-time event. It was the start of a lifelong journey of obedience . She stayed faithful:

• In Bethlehem , as she nurtured the infant Christ.

• In Nazareth , as she raised a Son she didn’t fully understand.

• At Cana , urging Jesus to begin His public ministry.

• At Calvary , watching Him die for the world.

Her faith remained steady through every season—joy and pain, revelation and silence.

Lesson #6: Obedience is a daily decision, not a one-time event.
Mary teaches us to renew our yes to God in every chapter. Sometimes the call is dramatic; often, it’s in the ordinary. Either way, God honors our faithfulness.

Mary and the Church: A Model for All Believers

Mary is more than a historical figure—she is a symbol of the Church , called to bear Christ to the world. Her obedience mirrors the calling of every believer:

• To receive the Word of God.

• To carry it within us.

• To bring Christ into the lives of others.

Her example challenges us to respond, as she did, with openness, faith, and courage .

“Let it be done to me according to your word.” —Luke 1:38

Lesson #7: We are all called to bear Christ to the world.
Mary’s role is unique, but her posture is universal. Her yes invites our yes —to God's plan, even when we don’t have all the answers.

Living Mary’s “Yes” Today: How We Can Follow Her Example

1. Pray for a Willing Spirit

Before big decisions or daily tasks, ask God to give you a heart like Mary’s—humble, trusting, and willing.

2. Trust Beyond Understanding

Like Mary, we may not understand God’s plan immediately. But we can say yes anyway, trusting His love and power.

3. Ponder God’s Word Daily

Mary treasured the words spoken to her and meditated on them. Spend time each day reflecting on Scripture and God’s promises.

4. Serve in the Small Things

Mary's greatness began with simple obedience. Don’t underestimate the power of faithfulness in the ordinary.

5. Stand Firm in Trials

Mary stood at the foot of the cross. Stay committed even when following Christ becomes difficult. God sees your sacrifice.

Conclusion: Say Yes

Mary’s “yes” changed the world. It brought heaven to earth. But it began in a quiet moment of surrender, when a young woman chose to trust God completely.

Today, God still invites us to say yes.

• Yes to His love.

• Yes to His calling.

• Yes to the unknown path that leads to divine purpose.

You may not know where your obedience will take you—but like Mary, you can trust the One who is calling.

Let her words be your prayer today:

“I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.”

Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the example of Mary, whose trust in You teaches us how to live in faith. Give us hearts that are willing to say yes, even when the road is unclear. Help us to surrender to Your plan with courage and humility. Like Mary, may we carry Christ into the world with grace and love. Strengthen our obedience, and let our lives reflect Your glory.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.