Luke 2:19

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

Study Bible

But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart
But Mary
The verse begins with "But Mary," highlighting the central figure in this passage. Mary, the mother of Jesus, is a pivotal character in the Gospel narratives. Her role is not only as the mother of the Messiah but also as a model of faith and obedience. The name "Mary" is derived from the Hebrew "Miryam," which can mean "beloved" or "bitter," reflecting the dual nature of her experience as both blessed and burdened by her unique role.

treasured up
The phrase "treasured up" comes from the Greek word "συνετήρει" (synetērei), which implies careful preservation and guarding of something valuable. This suggests that Mary did not merely remember these events but held them in high regard, recognizing their significance. In a historical context, this reflects the oral tradition of the time, where important events and teachings were memorized and passed down through generations.

all these things
"All these things" refers to the events surrounding the birth of Jesus, including the visit of the shepherds and the angelic announcement. This phrase indicates the comprehensive nature of Mary's reflection, encompassing the miraculous and the mundane. It underscores the importance of these events in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

pondering them
The word "pondering" is translated from the Greek "συμβάλλουσα" (symballousa), which means to bring together or to consider deeply. This suggests an active engagement with the events, as Mary seeks to understand their meaning and implications. It reflects a meditative and contemplative approach, characteristic of a heart seeking divine wisdom and insight.

in her heart
The phrase "in her heart" signifies the depth and sincerity of Mary's reflection. In biblical terms, the heart is often seen as the center of thought, emotion, and will. This indicates that Mary's contemplation was not superficial but deeply rooted in her innermost being. It highlights the personal and intimate nature of her relationship with God and her role in His plan.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Mary
The mother of Jesus, a young Jewish woman chosen by God to bear His Son. Her response to the events surrounding Jesus' birth is one of contemplation and reflection.

2. Bethlehem
The town where Jesus was born, fulfilling the prophecy of the Messiah's birthplace. It is a significant location in the account of Jesus' birth.

3. Shepherds' Visit
Prior to this verse, shepherds visited Mary, Joseph, and the newborn Jesus after being told by angels about the birth of the Savior. Their visit and the message they shared are part of what Mary pondered.

4. Angelic Announcement
The angels announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds, declaring peace and goodwill. This divine revelation is part of the events Mary treasured.

5. Jesus' Birth
The central event around which these reflections revolve. The birth of Jesus is the fulfillment of God's promise of salvation.

Teaching Points

Reflective Faith
Mary’s example teaches us the importance of taking time to reflect on God’s work in our lives. In a world full of distractions, setting aside moments for contemplation can deepen our faith.

Treasuring God’s Promises
Just as Mary treasured the events surrounding Jesus' birth, we are called to treasure God’s promises and His Word in our hearts, allowing them to guide our lives.

Pondering Leads to Understanding
By pondering the events, Mary sought to understand God’s plan. We too should seek understanding through prayer and meditation on Scripture.

Heart as a Repository
Our hearts should be a repository for God’s truths, where we store and reflect on His teachings, allowing them to transform us from within.

Responding to Divine Revelation
Mary’s response to the divine revelation was thoughtful and meditative. We should also respond to God’s revelations in our lives with a heart open to His guidance.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can we, like Mary, treasure and ponder the events and teachings of Jesus in our daily lives?

2. What are some practical ways to incorporate reflection and meditation on God’s Word into our busy schedules?

3. How does the act of pondering and treasuring God’s promises impact our faith and relationship with Him?

4. In what ways can we guard our hearts to ensure they remain a repository for God’s truths?

5. How can we encourage others in our community to adopt a reflective and contemplative approach to their faith journey?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Luke 1:29
Mary's initial reaction to the angel Gabriel's announcement, where she pondered what kind of greeting this might be, shows her reflective nature.

Genesis 37:11
Joseph's brothers were jealous of him, but his father Jacob kept the matter in mind, similar to how Mary treasured and pondered the events surrounding Jesus' birth.

Psalm 119:11
The psalmist speaks of treasuring God's word in the heart, akin to how Mary treasured the events and revelations about Jesus.

Proverbs 4:23
This verse emphasizes guarding the heart, which is the wellspring of life, reflecting the importance of what Mary did by pondering these things in her heart.