Mary treasuring things in her heart is mentioned twice in the Gospel of Luke – in Luke 2:19 and Luke 2:51. Both instances refer to Mary’s thoughtful reflection and meditation on the events surrounding Jesus’ early life.
The Context of Luke 2:19
Luke 2:19 comes after the shepherds had come to see the newborn Jesus in the manger. The shepherds spread the word about what the angels had told them concerning this child who is the Savior, Christ the Lord. All who heard the shepherds’ report were amazed (Luke 2:18). Then verse 19 states: “But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.”
So right after the shepherds’ visit, Mary took time to deeply think about and cherish in her heart all that had taken place concerning the birth of Jesus. The word translated “treasured up” in Greek is sympero which means to preserve together, to bear together in mind, to ponder or meditate upon. The literal picture is of Mary gathering together all the remarkable events and details and preserving them, as someone would cherish precious treasures.
Mary’s Thoughtful Reflection
Mary treasured these things and pondered them in her heart because she recognized the great significance and wonder of all that had happened and all that had been said about her son Jesus.
Imagine how much Mary had to reflect upon:
– The angel Gabriel appearing to her and declaring she would supernaturally conceive by the power of the Holy Spirit, and her son would be the promised Messiah.
– How her relative Elizabeth, being past child-bearing age, was miraculously pregnant with John the Baptist who would prepare the way for the Messiah.
– Joseph receiving divine assurance in a dream to wed Mary despite her inexplicable pregnancy.
– The prophet Simeon declaring at Jesus’ dedication at the temple that her son was the promised Messiah who would be a light for revelation to the Gentiles.
– The prophetess Anna giving thanks to God in the temple and speaking about the redemptive purpose of this child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
– The choir of angels praising God and announcing Jesus’ birth to the shepherds.
– The shepherds visit and their report of the angels’ declaration.
– And now the curious crowds, amazed at what the shepherds told them about Mary’s child.
Truly, Mary had a lot to treasure up and ponder deeply in her heart! She recognized that supernatural, monumental events were happening right before her eyes concerning this baby God had given her. There was so much to reflect on and seek to understand concerning how God was working and who this son of hers really was.
What Mary’s Response Teaches Us
Mary’s example shows the importance of thoughtful meditation on the truths and works of God we encounter, rather than quickly moving on to the next thing without reflection. We should follow Mary’s example by pausing to cherish and ponder the spiritual truths and experiences the Lord brings our way so that we don’t miss what He wants to teach us through them.
Mary no doubt gained much wisdom through meditating on these things and treasuring them up in her heart, gaining insight into the identity and work of Jesus along the way. As the years went on, she was able to pull from that mental treasure trove of memories and experiences with her son as she saw Him grow and carry out His ministry.
We can picture Mary especially treasuring these things up in her heart once she began to witness Jesus’ public ministry and reflect back on the supernatural events surrounding His birth and early life. The deeper truths about Jesus’ identity and purpose became clearer for Mary as the years went on.
Mary’s Heart Response in Luke 2:51
Luke 2 records a second occasion when Mary treasured things and pondered them in her heart:
“And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.” (Luke 2:51)
This time Mary was treasuring up her experiences with the young Jesus after He was found in the temple at age 12. When Mary and Joseph had left Jerusalem, Jesus stayed behind without them knowing it. They searched for Him and finally found Jesus three days later discussing theological matters with the temple teachers.
Mary asked why Jesus had treated them this way, to which He replied, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” (Luke 2:49). Clearly, Jesus was not giving a typical response expected from a normal 12-year-old!
So again Mary had some remarkable experiences and insights concerning her son Jesus to treasure up and ponder deeply. She was getting glimpses into the unfolding awareness of Jesus’ identity and divine calling.
Reflecting on God’s Work in Our Lives
Like Mary, we should make time to treasure up and ponder the spiritual truths we learn as well as the ways we see God working in our lives. As we reflect on and gain insight into the experiences we have, it grounds our faith more deeply and helps us gain discernment for the future God has planned.
Here are some ways we can respond like Mary did:
– Take time to meditate on the Bible and what it reveals about who God is and what He has done for us. Seek to understand more deeply the miraculous gift of salvation through Christ.
– Reflect on sermons and teachings from church, the insights God gave you, and how you can apply His truths to your life. Make time to ponder these things.
– Think back on significant life experiences and moments when you saw God’s hand at work or experienced His comfort and healing. Don’t let these memories fade.
– Reflect on answers to prayer and providential guidance in your life journey. Recognize God’s faithfulness in the past.
– Consider the spiritual growth you have experienced over time and how God has brought you deeper in your walk with Him.
– Meditate on the amazing truth that the infinite God would come near to us by taking on flesh, perfectly revealing the Father, and redeeming us at immense cost. Treasuring this in our hearts fills us with praise and gratitude.
– Look for the hidden hand of God shaping circumstances, opening and closing doors in your life journey. Reflect on how He has led you thus far.
– Ponder how God speaks to you through His Word, through other believers, and through the inner witness of the Holy Spirit. Cherish His personal leading in your life.
– Think about the spiritual gifts and talents God has distributed to you. Consider how you can use them for Kingdom purposes.
– Reflect on God’s faithfulness through hardships and valleys of life. Call to mind how He comforts us and bears us up when we see no way forward on our own.
– Meditate on God’s great promises to believers in Scripture. Think of how these deep truths can transform your daily life and perspective.
Conclusion
Mary’s example of treasuring and pondering is a model we should follow. She shows the type of thoughtful reflection that gains spiritual insight and helps us know God more deeply. When we treasure up experiences with the Lord and His truth, our roots go down deep into His love. We gain a bedrock foundation that stabilizes our faith and helps us discern the path ahead.
So amidst the busyness of life, be sure to pause and reflect on what God is doing. Follow Mary’s pattern of treasuring these things up in your heart through meditation and thoughtful pondering. In doing so, we gain hard-earned wisdom about walking with Jesus just as Mary did.