In Bethlehem there is a place known as the “Milk Grotto.” It’s a site that helps us contemplate that at approximately age 15, Mary was on the run to a foreign country. Think about yourself as a fifteen year old — were you ready for such an endeavor? Consider Mary as a young mother, told by her husband that the Lord had warned him that they should flee to Egypt (see Matthew 2:13). What did she feel? Was she frightened? Full of faith? Alternating between the two? Pondering these questions helps me better understand Mary as a person and causes my admiration for her to grow.
I think it’s significant that when Nephi asked to know the meaning of the tree that his father saw, the angel first showed him Mary (see 1 Nephi 11:9-15). There is a reason why prophets foresaw her centuries before the birth of Christ, prophesied of her divine mission, and called her by name (see 1 Nephi 11:15-20, Mosiah 3:8, Alma 7:10). While members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints do not worship Mary, we can certainly reverence her and show her deep respect for her amazing role in God’s plan for humanity.
To learn more about the Milk Grotto and for additional learning and teaching resources for Matthew 2 and Luke 2, visit https://johnhiltoniii.com/teaching-helps-for-come-follow-me-matthew-2-luke-2/
