Even Mary
Scripture Reading: Luke 1:26–56
One of the most famous and controversial plays in NFL history is known as the “Immaculate Reception.” The name was a clever play on words borrowed from an older religious phrase: the “Immaculate Conception.”
That doctrine teaches that Mary herself was conceived without sin in order to explain how Jesus could be sinless. But Scripture never makes that claim. Jesus alone was immaculate—perfect, spotless, without sin. Mary was not. She was a sinner saved by grace, just like us.
The angel Gabriel explained exactly how the Savior would come into the world: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you” (Luke 1:35). Christ’s purity did not depend on Mary’s perfection. It rested entirely on the miraculous work of God.
That truth does not diminish Mary. It helps us honor her rightly.
Mary was a remarkable young woman. Most likely a teenager, she received news that would have overwhelmed anyone. She would face misunderstanding, criticism, and lifelong questions about her character. Yet her response was humble and courageous: “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (v. 38).
She believed God could do the impossible.
She trusted His plan.
She surrendered her future.
Her faith was extraordinary. Her obedience was costly. Her trust was beautiful.
And yet, for all her faith and devotion, Mary never claimed to be sinless. In her song of praise—the Magnificat—she tells us exactly how she saw herself: “My spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”
You do not rejoice in a Savior unless you know you need saving.
Years ago, I once began a sermon with a simple game.
“Which is bigger—Earth or Mars?”
“Africa or South America?”
“The Old Testament or the New?”
People guessed, laughed, and missed several of them. Then I asked one final question:
“Which miracle is greater—the virgin birth of Jesus, or the new birth of a sinner?”
The room went quiet.
Because both require the same supernatural power of God. One brought a sinless Savior into the world. The other brings dead sinners to life.
Mary rejoiced in God her Savior because she knew her need for mercy. And if Mary needed a Savior, so do I—and so do you.
Over time, some have elevated Mary in ways she never would have welcomed. Worship belongs to God alone. The woman who said, “My soul magnifies the Lord,” would never want her own name magnified in His place.
Yes, she was blessed among women.
Yes, she experienced God’s favor.
Yes, she carried the Son of God in her womb.
But she also watched Him carry the cross.
She saw her Son suffer and bleed for sin—hers and ours. The greatest favor Mary ever received was not the cradle in Bethlehem. It was the cross outside Jerusalem.
“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). That included Mary. That includes us.
Even Mary needed a Savior.
And like Mary, we rejoice in Him.
Christ gently & lovingly humbles me through each of these daily devotions ..
Her obedience was costly.
Christ’s purity did not depend on Mary’s perfection. It rested entirely on the miraculous work of God.
She would face misunderstanding, criticism, and lifelong questions about her character.
And yet, for all her faith and devotion, Mary never claimed to be sinless.
she knew her need for mercy. And if Mary needed a Savior, so do I
Having just read about the crucifixion in Mark and knowing Mary was there for that, I thought again of the joy and agony she faced being the mother of our Savior. I had to listen to the Christmas song, Mary, did you know?”
She was told her son would reign (1:33) but I certainly don’t think that she knew all that would be involved with his life on earth. But she believed and willingly submitted.
I can’t imagine watching my son suffer like she had to. But what an example she is to me of being a willing servant!