What, exactly, had she just agreed to do?!
The question spun about in Mary’s mind as the haze of the surreal moment abated. She’d been so caught up in the wonder, the amazement, the astonishment of conversing with an actual angel, that the possible ramifications of her agreement were only now dawning on her consciousness. Now that they were, now that she was considering the possible costs, she had to ask herself another question. Would it be worth it? Would the possible outrage from her family, rejection by her betrothed, and shunning by society change her decision? If it should require everything, was this opportunity, this privilege, worth it?
Her answer was a resounding, “Yes!” The privilege to carry, birth, and raise the Messiah, be part of the grand plan of God would be worth whatever she lost. And there could easily be costs. She could lose everything she held dear. Family, fiancee, friends. Gabriel had made no promises of ease or glamour. He said nothing about ready acceptance among the people. There was no mention of her family reacting positively to the news. He said nothing about faithful friends and a supportive community. Most importantly, Gabriel said nothing about Joseph. (Luke 1:26-38)
What was she supposed to do about Joseph? What would she say? How could she explain? How would he react? Was his faith strong enough to see the possibility of the impossible? Would he understand she had been chosen by God for a task greater than either of them? Would he be able to look past the inconvenience and accept the importance of the mission to which they had been called? Or would he divorce her, set her aside like so much baggage? (Matthew 1:19)
He could choose that option. If Joseph were to decide her story was too far-fetched, too imaginative, or just a downright lie, the options were all his. He could end the betrothal. Call for a divorce. The news would spread through their little town like wildfire. Everyone would know about it. Everyone would assume they knew the reason. Everyone would talk.
It would be social suicide. She’d be painted a harlot. Loose with her favors. She’d be scorned. Rejected. Outcast. Abused. The truth wouldn’t matter. No one would believe her. The telling would only bring more bullying, more scoffing, more virulent criticism. They’d call it a sham. Deem it the most creative lie they’d ever heard. Judge it an elaborate cover-up. She’d never walk the streets of town without feeling judgmental stares. She’d never visit the market without hearing vicious insults. She’d never again draw water from the well without feeling the harsh rebuff of her one-time friends.
Her family wouldn’t fare much better. They would feel the sting of her decision as well. Even if they chose to believe she was carrying the Christ child, they would not escape the wrath of the skeptics and unbelievers. The outcome could tarnish her father’s name. His business could falter. Her mother would shed tears of pain and sorrow, worry and fear over the future of her daughter charged with such an atrocious offense. Her siblings might never forgive her for jeopardizing their business relationships, current social standings, and future marriages.
As wonderful as it was to be chosen, after considering the possible ramifications, one would think Mary might be inclined to decline. Yet there is never any indication that she does. Graciously accepting the challenge of a lifetime, Mary replies to Gabriel, with the ancient equivalent of the modern-day, “Let’s do this!” She said, “I am God’s servant. May it be so.” Instinctively knowing and immediately accepting the answer to the question we now take days and weeks, months and years to answer–Is Jesus worth it?
Is Jesus worth laying aside yourself, your dreams, your wants, your wishes? Is Jesus worth extricating yourself from your comfortable life with all its conveniences and heading out into the uncomfortable, inconvenient places of the world to share His story, His love, His grace? Is Jesus worth missing the ball game, the movie, the night out with friends to sit with the hurting, serve the homeless, rescue the helpless? Is He worth a decrease in income and social status if it will advance His name? Is He worth the scorn of society in an effort to further His kingdom? Is Jesus worth your undying devotion, your faithful following, your absolute obedience? Is obeying Jesus, being part of His plan, worth anything? Is it worth everything? You know Jesus is worthy. But for you, personally, right now, in this moment–Is Jesus worth it?
Mary was not the only person who found God’s call to the outrageous worth following. Abraham left everything, home, family, friends, to go on a journey with no map, no foreseeable destination, no proof of provision, only a promise on which to place his faith. Peter, Andrew, James, and John all unquestioningly answered Jesus’ call, leaving nets and boats, careers, and family behind for the incredible opportunity to follow Him. Matthew did too. When Jesus called him from his tax collection booth, he didn’t even hesitate. Leaving his ledger and coin purse, station, and job behind, Matthew deemed nothing worthy except following Jesus Christ. For these souls and many more throughout the Bible, it took only seconds for them to know Jesus was worth anything, worth everything. Jesus was absolutely worth it. (Genesis 12:1-4; Matthew 4:18-22; Luke 5:27-28)
They went to their death believing it. Pillars of the faith who silently fell asleep. Martyrs violently abused, beheaded, stoned, forced to sleep in Jesus. They all gave up everything earthly to be part of something Heavenly, knowing that nothing would ever compare with the joy of following Jesus. No matter how they arrived there, natural causes, or a deviant’s choices, Heaven resounds with the affirmation of their shouts, “Jesus is worth it.” Just as Mary’s choice echoes through time in the blood of Jesus shed for our sins, the shouted choice of saints and martyrs echo from the sacred halls of Heaven as a reminder that nothing on earth is more important, more worthwhile, more worthy than Jesus. They gave up everything for Him. They have no regrets. Jesus was indisputably worth it. (Revelation 4:11; 5:12; Romans 8:8)
Unfortunately, not everyone found it so. The Gospels recount the story of a young man who clearly knew Jesus was worthy, yet he found the price of following too steep. His possessions were too precious. He couldn’t let them go. Apparently, no matter what his head knew, his heart was unconvinced that following Jesus was worth it. (Mark 10:17-22; Matthew 19:16-22)
Every time I read that account, I wish he’d made a different choice. I wish he’d have thrown everything down and sprinted after Jesus. I wish that rich young man would have listened to his head and followed Jesus regardless of the cost. I wish he’d have answered a resounding, “Yes.” I wish he’d have found Jesus worthy of anything, of everything. I wish he’d have deemed Jesus to be absolutely worth it.
The same heart that desperately wishes that for the rich young man of the New Testament, achingly hopes it for you too. I hope you find Jesus worth it. Whatever the cost. Whatever is required of you. Whatever it takes to follow Him. I hope you hold on to the accolades and achievements and affirmations of this world loosely, because you know in your heart and believe with all your soul that Jesus is worth infinitely more than anything the world has on offer. It is a question only you can answer. How important is Jesus to you? Is He simply worthy or absolutely worth it? (John 21:15-17; Mark 8:34-38; Matthew 16:24; Philippians 3:8)
Amen!!!