Meaning of Luke 2:19

Mary's action of "treasuring up" and "pondering" these events in her heart signifies a profound internal engagement with the miraculous circumstances surrounding Jesus' birth. This is not a passive recollection, but an active, deliberate process of internalizing, reflecting upon, and seeking understanding of the divine significance of what she had witnessed and experienced. The Greek word for "treasured up" ( syntereō) suggests a careful gathering and preservation, akin to safeguarding precious possessions. The word for "pondered" ( symballeō) implies bringing together disparate elements, comparing them, and seeking their deeper meaning, much like someone assembling pieces of a puzzle or weighing arguments. This internal processing reveals Mary's deep spiritual sensitivity and her commitment to understanding God's purposes, even when those purposes were mysterious and unfolded in ways that transcended ordinary human comprehension.

Context and Background

This verse immediately follows the account of the shepherds visiting the infant Jesus. After the shepherds, who had been divinely instructed by angels, came to Bethlehem, saw Jesus, and were told by Mary and Joseph about the angelic pronouncements, they "went back, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen" (Luke 2:20). Mary, having personally experienced the angelic visitation and the shepherds' worship, now withdraws into a period of reflection. The events thus far – the virgin birth, the angelic announcements, the humble circumstances of the birth, and the adoration of shepherds – were extraordinary and laden with divine implication. Mary, as the mother, bore a unique and intimate connection to these unfolding prophecies.

Key Themes and Messages

• Active Faith and Reflection: The verse highlights that faith is not merely intellectual assent but involves active contemplation and internalization of God's workings. Mary's response is one of deep thought, not just emotional reaction.
• Divine Mystery: The events surrounding Jesus' birth were full of mystery. Mary's pondering suggests an acceptance of and a desire to understand these mysteries, even if complete comprehension was not immediately available.
• Maternal Devotion and Discernment: As Jesus' mother, Mary was tasked with nurturing and safeguarding him, both physically and spiritually. Her internal reflection is a crucial part of this spiritual guardianship, as she begins to discern the unique identity and destiny of her son.
• The Value of Internalization: In a world often focused on outward action and pronouncements, the verse emphasizes the importance of inner spiritual processing and the cultivation of a rich inner life.

Spiritual Significance and Application

For believers today, Mary's example teaches the importance of meditating on God's word and His actions in our lives. Just as Mary treasured and pondered the events of Jesus' birth, we are called to reflect on scripture, prayerfully consider God's guidance, and seek to understand His will. This internal reflection is a vital aspect of spiritual growth, leading to a deeper appreciation of God's grace and a more robust faith. It encourages us to pause amidst the busyness of life to truly absorb and process the spiritual realities that surround us.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Mary's pondering is a foreshadowing of the deeper understanding she would eventually gain about Jesus' identity and mission. This internal process is essential for her role as the mother of the Messiah, preparing her for the future joys and sorrows that would accompany her son's life, ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection. Her quiet contemplation is part of the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, a plan that often begins with humble beginnings and divine mysteries.

Analogies

• A Gardener Tending a Seed: Just as a gardener carefully tends to a precious seed, watering it and protecting it, Mary is carefully nurturing the understanding of the divine seed of God's plan planted within her experience. She is tending to the spiritual implications of what she has witnessed.
• A Jeweler Examining a Gem: Imagine a jeweler carefully turning a rare gem in the light, examining its facets from every angle to appreciate its beauty and value. Mary is doing something similar with the divine revelations she has received, turning them over in her mind to grasp their full worth and significance.
• A Scribe Copying Sacred Texts: While not identical, the act of treasuring up and pondering can be likened to a scribe meticulously copying sacred texts, not just to preserve them, but to internalize their content through the act of careful reproduction. Mary is internalizing the "sacred text" of Jesus' early life.

Relation to Other Verses

• Luke 1:29: This verse describes Mary's initial reaction to the angel Gabriel's announcement: "Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be." Her pondering in Luke 2:19 is a continuation and deepening of this initial wonder and questioning, moving from a state of surprise to one of active contemplation.
• Luke 2:51: This verse also speaks of Mary's internal processing, occurring when Jesus, at age twelve, remained in Jerusalem: "But his mother treasured all these things in her heart." This demonstrates a consistent pattern of Mary's thoughtful engagement with her son's life and identity.
• Psalm 119:11: "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." This verse speaks of internalizing God's word for spiritual guidance, a concept echoed in Mary's internal treasuring and pondering of divinely revealed events.