One of the great mysteries of life is how a certified ding like Mark Lowry could write lyrics like “Mary, Did You Know?”
I type that with all respect; I’ve had occasion to meet Mark very early in his career and a few times later. He is a poster child for ADD, and loves Jesus crazily.
By God’s good grace I’ve also met the guy who wrote the music, Buddy Green. He and I sat in my office in New York years ago discussing great theological themes, like how much we both enjoyed the Beatles.
Anyway…I like the song. And I’ve heard, over the years, many smart people blast it.
A friend recently commented on one of my threads that he hated the song “because it’s a waste of time. Yes… she knew. Luke 1:26-35.”
Well, here’s the text he cited: “26 In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged[a] to a man named Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And the angel came to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you.”[b] 29 But she was deeply troubled by this statement, wondering what kind of greeting this could be. 30 Then the angel told her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 Now listen: You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David. 33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and his kingdom will have no end.”
So what exactly did she “know?” And how much did this teenager really grasp? Did she go thirty plus years knowing her Son was going to die such a horrific death? Doesn’t seem like that would be a joyous motherhood.
A few times Scripture records Jesus telling the disciples exactly what was going to happen to Him on what we call “passion week.” The Word continues to say they understood none of it.
How come?
Beats me.
But I will continue to enjoy “Mary, Did You Know?” and am hopeful that non-Christians will hear it and begin to wonder…