Blessings can be painful.

Luke 2:25-35

Already we have learned what a great woman Mary was. In fact, the bible declares her to be blessed among all women. Wow! But blessings often come with their own burdens--a painful fact Mary would learn about the upcoming life and ministry of her Son, as prophesied by Simeon. In one short message she was encouraged by the marvelous truth of the scope of Jesus' ministry, but then soberly reminded that she would feel the bitter pain of rejection herself.