Luke 2:18-19 - Wonder or Treasure?

Luke 2:18-19 (ESV)

[18] And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. [19] But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.

Those who heard the shepherds’ testimony wondered at what they were told. Wonder is a word indicating surprise and amazement. They were amazed, even shocked by what they heard. “But Mary. . .” Mary treasured what she had seen and heard. To treasure is to keep, to guard, and to take to heart. She treasured and pondered what had happened. BibleHub.com says that the word translated as treasure refers to “the personal responsibility to meditate on and internalize spiritual truths.” The word ponder emphasizes “the importance of reflection and discernment in the life of a believer.”

These two responses indicate two of the same responses we see toward the gospel today. Some are amazed by the idea. Others take it to heart and believe. Those amazed by the idea may fall into different camps. Some may be amazed and repulsed by the idea of forgiveness. Others may be amazed and angered by the idea. Still others may be amazed and attracted to the idea. But the real question is, Do they treasure and ponder the truth of the gospel? Do they take it to heart, believe it, and find rest in it?

The coming of the King is not something simply to celebrate. It is something to take to heart, believe, and build our lives on. The gospel is not just something to wonder at. It is something to take to heart, believe, and build our lives on. The Word of God is not something to simply enjoy. It is something to take to heart, believe, and build our lives on. So which response is yours? Do you wonder at the story or do you treasure and ponder it?

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