The Gospel of Mary

For weeks, I’ve been studying the book of Luke.

Luke, a convert of the Apostle Paul, was not an eyewitness to the events he describes. If you read the opening verses, he explains his sources.

“Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.” Luke 1:1-4

What we read in Luke is a product of his investigative approach to gathering a faithful record for the benefit of believers of that day and to us, two thousand years later.

I believe it is evident that the primary source for the first few chapters of Luke was the eyewitness account that originated with Mary.

In fact, you see Mary at pivotal moments throughout the Gospels, and she had to have been the “witness” on the scene, even with the quotes.

Luke wasn’t present when the angel announced to Mary that she would give birth to the Messiah.

He was not there to hear the shepherds’ witness of the angelic choir.

Mary herself was the primary source for many of the key facts of the narrative of the Gospel of Luke.

Mary’s testimony begins before Jesus’ birth and extends far beyond it.

“And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” Luke 1:35

These things, she would never forget. Notice what Luke records that she did.

Luke 2:19 - "But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.”

You hear an echo of this sentiment later in this chapter.

When Jesus was twelve years old and was left for a few days in the temple. When they returned to Jerusalem, and witnessed the wonder of Jesus conferring with the greatest minds in all of Isreal.

Luke 2:51 - "…his mother kept all these sayings in her heart."

Why isn’t there a Gospel according to Mary?

Perhaps because God foresaw that some would elevate Mary beyond the proper role, praying to her or ascribing attributes contrary to Scripture. Still, her firsthand testimony profoundly shapes Luke’s account.

Mary was present at pivotal moments: the crucifixion (John 19:25),

Mary stood by the cross.

Mary was present at the Burial of Jesus.

Mary was present after the resurrection, when the tomb was found empty;

Mary was present during the forty days Jesus was seen and heard afterward.

Mary was there when Jesus ascended into heaven.

Mary was present in Jerusalem, in the upper room, when the Holy Spirit was poured out.

“These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.” Acts 1:14

Mary had a testimony that was unique to her. No one else could illuminate, explain, or expand on what Jesus did in her life.

HEADLINE. EMPHASIS. I also have a Testimony of Jesus has done in my life.

The Gospel According to Scott.

My birth was a miracle, my parents tell me of the prayer and deep desire for children, and the doctor's diagnosis to my mother that caused her to cry unto the Lord.

When I was born, the Doctors told my parents I would either die or be severely handicapped.

I can relate to you the wonderful experience of a small child coming to faith in Jesus Christ. I remember and can share with great detail my baptism in the water and later my baptism with the Holy Spirit.

I was not there when Jesus was Born, but I can tell you when I was Born Again.

I am an eye-witness and primary source to the Gospel according to Scott.

This is not as a book to be included in theology, don’t get me wrong.

However, in my life of witness and evangelism, the most powerful story I have to tell is, “What Jesus has done for me.”

Mary’s testimony inspires us to reflect on our own.

I’ve seen others transformed through repentance, baptism, and the infilling of the Spirit. I’ve witnessed prayers answered, the sick healed, and hope restored where doctors saw none.

These are the miracles that define my worldview. Jesus in my life.

Mary had a front-row seat to Jesus’ life, and her unwavering faith challenges us to cherish our own experiences with Jesus Christ.

Our faith is not mere theology, philosophy, or tradition—it’s a living testimony of God’s work in our lives.

Each of us has a personal Gospel—a story of God’s faithfulness.

When I see the children around our church and consider the hopeful future of their lives, I believe and pray for the powerful Gospel that will come from and through their lives.

What will God do in their lives?

They will have their moments of awe, just as their parents and grandparents.

“be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” 1 Peter 3:15

My hope rests in Jesus Christ. What I read in the Bible and how I have seen that truth materialized and realized in my own personal life.

My hope rests on what is written and because of what I’ve seen: God’s power to save, heal, and deliver. I’ve tasted of the world to come and glimpsed eternity, however dimly.

This Gospel is not a relic of history but a living reality. I reject the notion that miracles ceased long ago. The God who appeared to Paul still reveals himself to ordinary people like you and I.

Delivering us from sickness, darkness, and despair.

Mary treasured these truths in her heart, and so must we.

In our hearts we treasure these things.

I recently saw a video of my granddaughter Laura, who learned a song in Sunday school:

“I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart… And I’m so happy, so very happy, I’ve got the love of Jesus in my heart.”

That song speaks to my own reality.

In My Heart, I have a knowledge of scripture and its truth, paired with my own personal testimony.

The resulting reality is

I have joy in my heart.

Joy in my mind.

Joy since that happy day.

Joy in my hands.

Joy in my feet.

Joy in everyday.

God took those worldly desires and gave me heavenly fires….

Joy.

I know those reading,

There is a Gospel with your name on it.

In Him, By Him, Through Him,

Scott Philips