Humble Hero

The Anguish Christ’s Mother Must Know

Yet Mary did not understand Christ’s mission. Simeon had prophesied of Him as a light to illuminate the Gentiles, and the angels had announced the Savior’s birth as tidings of joy to all peoples. God wanted everyone to see in Him the Redeemer of the world. But many years must pass before even the mother of Jesus would understand. HH 20.9

Mary did not see the baptism of suffering needed to bring about the Messiah’s reign on David’s throne. In Simeon’s words to Mary, “A sword will pierce through your own soul also,” God in tender mercy gave the mother of Jesus a hint of the anguish that she had already begun to bear for His sake. HH 21.1

“Behold,” Simeon had said, “this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel.” Whoever would rise again must first fall. We must fall upon the Rock and be broken before Christ can lift us up. Self must be dethroned. The Jews would not accept the honor that comes through humiliation. This is the reason they would not receive their Redeemer. HH 21.2

“That the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” The hearts of all, from the Creator to the prince of darkness, are revealed in the light of the Savior’s life. Satan has represented God as selfish. But the gift of Christ testifies that while God’s hatred of sin is as strong as death, His love for the sinner is stronger than death. Having set out to redeem us, God will not withhold anything necessary for completing His work. Having collected the riches of the universe, He gives them all into the hands of Christ and says, Use these gifts to convince the human race that there is no love greater than Mine. They will find their greatest happiness in loving Me. HH 21.3