The Bible contains a great many accounts, several of which pertain to mothers. While attending Future Teachers’ Training Camp, one year we dedicated our time to studying women’s role. My assigned lesson topic was Jochebed, the mother of Moses. As I was studying, I quickly learned that scripture doesn’t say much about Jochebed herself, but instead most of what we know about her comes from her children. It was really interesting to me how someone who made such a huge impact isn’t mentioned much at all. 

But that got me thinking about someone else. Someone who isn’t known, but did amazing things to further God’s plan. As we consider this individual, I encourage you to read Luke 1:30-31. I bet at this point you’ve figured out who this character is. Im going to talk about Mary, right? Well actually, wrong. Instead of looking at Mary, I want us to consider someone who isn’t mentioned in this passage. In fact, this person isn’t mentioned anywhere in the Bible. I know that sounds bonkers for an article on a website dedicated to Bible study, but bear with me. For the next few moments of your time, I’d like to draw your attention to the mother of Mary. 

The passage we just read in Luke makes a simple statement about Mary the mother of Jesus. Gabriel tells her, “you have found favor with God.” But why was he talking to Mary in the first place? He was announcing that she would conceive miraculously and give birth to the Son of God. Imagine for a moment that you’re getting excited about your wedding and then someone tells you that you’re going to have a child. And not just any child, but you are responsible for raising the literal Son of God. No pressure, right? But hey, at least she got a warning. At the very least, she knew a little bit about what to expect. 

However, what I want us to consider today is that Mary’s mother had no idea. Allow me to explain. Gabriel visited Mary to let her know that she would be raising the Son of God, but in contrast, we have zero indication that Mary’s mother was told that she was raising the mother of the Son of God. 

Here’s why that’s significant: sometimes, when we aren’t guaranteed that our work will yield positive results, or that we’ll get to see the results of our work, we decide not to try. Now I know that it isn’t fair to make a blanket statement, so allow me to revise it. Sometimes, when we aren’t guaranteed good, visible results for our work, we decide not to work AS HARD. I firmly believe that Mary’s mother did not do that. 

Colossians 3:23-24 tells us to work as for the Lord and not for men. Mary’s mother had no idea what God was going to accomplish through her daughter, all she knew is that it was her responsibility to raise her child to fear, respect, and obey the Lord, so that’s what she’s did. Mary did those things to such an extent that she found favor in God’s sight and was chosen to bring up His only begotten Son. 

So next time you wonder if anyone is noticing your work, next time you feel like your service isn’t ever going to pay off, remember Mary’s mother. A lady whose name is not even written in Scripture yet raised the woman who was hand-picked by God to raise His Son. Work for the Lord, just like Mary’s mother did. As I leave this lesson in your hands, remember this: Mary may have known, but her mother didn’t. 

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Ariana Crowell

Hey everyone! My name is Ana and I'm currently a junior at Freed-Hardeman University, double majoring in Bible and Physical Therapy Assistance. I live in Bethel Springs, TN. I've been a Christian for five years and have spoken for ladies events both stateside and abroad. I love the Word of God and I love sharing it with others!

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