Where did Jesus get his social justice drive from? Partially from the prophetic drive of the Holy Spirit. Partially from growing up surrounded by injustice. And also partially from his mama. As Mary processes the news of her miracle baby, she sings,
He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.
The Messiah in her womb is good news, not just in the spiritual realm, but the physical realm. Through Jesus, God will bring about the Kingdom of Heaven, where things are topsy-turvy. The Christmas story is about the birth of a new humble King who will usurp the mighty Kings of this world in the most unexpected way.
And Jesus has his Mama, in part, to thank for his prophetic outlook. As Amy Peeler says, “she facilitates his learning of what it is to obey God. She mothers God. God not only allows it but also benefits from it.”
Jamin Bradley 
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