July 26, 2026 | Mary, the Loyal Mother

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Devotional Reading: Revelation 12:1–6

Background Scripture: Luke 1:26–56; 2:15–19; John 2:1–5; 19:25–27

Introduction

A. Hidden Treasure

My children love a good mystery, and we often listen to podcasts as a family when we travel. It is common for us to choose enigmatic tales. One such recent story involved the so-called eighth wonder of the world—Prussia’s Amber Room. The Amber Room was built between 1701 and 1714 for King Frederick I of Prussia. It was given to Peter the Great, the Tzar of Russia, and moved to the Catherine Palace near St. Petersburg in 1716.

The Amber Room was considered one of Russia’s most beloved artifacts for 200 years, a cultural treasure. But the Nazis stole the room in 1941. It was reconstructed in Germany and then disassembled and packed up for protection from the war in 1944. No one has seen it since. Historians believe it was stored in crates in the basement of a castle museum that collapsed from wartime bombing.

In pictures of the replica, the Amber Room glows with golden light. It is a wonder to behold. Unfortunately, its beauty was stolen and hidden, resulting in great loss.

Today’s lesson tells of a different kind of hidden treasure—the identity, capabilities, and calling of the Lord, Jesus Christ. It focuses on Jesus’ mother, Mary, and how she trusted the slow unfolding of Jesus’ person and work.