Mark Lowry wrote Mary, Did You Know? in 1984, with music written by Buddy Greene in 1991. This song searches Mary’s thoughts and how much she knew about Jesus. Did she know her baby boy would heal, save, deliver, and make all things new? We know she knew he was God’s son, and his conception was miraculous. We know she willingly surrendered to birthing Jesus into the world. We know she kept things hidden away in her heart. But did she know the extent of suffering she’d experienced in his thirty-three years on earth? One thing she came to know was the child she’d delivered would deliver her.  

I can’t image Mary’s anguish as she stood with John, watching Jesus suffer his excruciating death by crucifixion. The same baby boy she’d kissed, nursed, held close, and wrapped tightly in swaddling cloths was willingly giving himself to save the world. I’d imagine her obedience to become the mother of Jesus didn’t include a complete understanding of the sorrow she’d feel as she watched her son suffer.

Not only did Jesus suffer to deliver the world from sin, but he also delivered his mother, Mary. We can infer she believed in Jesus as her Savior because we read of her presence in the upper room as she and the other disciples waited for the Holy Spirit.

Mary, Did You Know? has become a modern Christmas classic recorded by hundreds of artists spanning several genres. The catchy lyrics give us much to consider about Mary’s understanding. This is captivating, but it leaves us with many unanswered questions. There is a greater question that can be asked of every individual. Do you know that Jesus has delivered you from sin unto salvation? There is a known answer; what is yours?

And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come. I Thessalonians 1:1