Bible Character • New Testament

Mary

Blessed Mother of Jesus

c. 18 BC - c. 41 AD

Mary was chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. Her humble acceptance of this extraordinary calling and her faithful devotion throughout Jesus' life and ministry make her one of the most revered women in Scripture.

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Biography

Mary was a young virgin, likely in her early teens, living in the insignificant town of Nazareth in Galilee when the angel Gabriel appeared to her with a life-changing announcement. She was highly favored by God and chosen to conceive and bear the Son of God through the Holy Spirit. Though initially troubled by this greeting, Mary's response revealed extraordinary faith and humility: 'I am the Lord's servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.'

Mary's acceptance of God's plan came with significant personal cost. Her pregnancy before marriage to Joseph could have resulted in public disgrace or even death by stoning. Yet God protected her reputation by revealing the divine nature of her pregnancy to Joseph in a dream, leading him to take her as his wife and protect both mother and child.

During her pregnancy, Mary visited her relative Elizabeth, whose own miraculous pregnancy with John the Baptist confirmed God's work in Mary's life. Mary's song of praise, known as the Magnificat, revealed her deep knowledge of Scripture and her understanding that God uses the humble and lowly to accomplish His purposes. This young woman possessed remarkable spiritual maturity and insight.

Mary gave birth to Jesus in a stable in Bethlehem, fleeing with Joseph to Egypt when King Herod sought to kill the child. After returning to Nazareth, Mary raised Jesus alongside other children born to her and Joseph. She witnessed Jesus' first miracle at the wedding in Cana, where she demonstrated both faith in His abilities and understanding of His divine timing.

Throughout Jesus' ministry, Mary followed from a distance, though His public work sometimes created tension with family expectations. She stood at the foot of the cross, watching her firstborn son suffer and die—a sword piercing her own soul as Simeon had prophesied when Jesus was an infant. From the cross, Jesus entrusted Mary to the care of John the beloved disciple.

After Jesus' resurrection and ascension, Mary was present with the disciples in the upper room, praying and waiting for the promised Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Her final mention in Scripture shows her as part of the praying church, continuing in devotion to the mission her son established. Mary's life exemplifies faithful acceptance of God's will, even when it leads through paths of suffering and sacrifice.

Key Events

The Annunciation

The angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, announcing that she would conceive by the Holy Spirit and give birth to the Son of God. Despite the extraordinary nature of this calling and its potential social consequences, Mary humbly accepted, saying, 'I am the Lord's servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.'

Luke 1:26-38

Visit to Elizabeth and the Magnificat

Mary traveled to visit her relative Elizabeth, who was miraculously pregnant with John the Baptist. Elizabeth's baby leaped in her womb, and she blessed Mary for believing God's promise. Mary responded with a beautiful song of praise celebrating God's mercy and faithfulness.

Luke 1:39-56

The Birth of Jesus

While in Bethlehem for the census, Mary gave birth to Jesus and laid Him in a manger because there was no guest room available. Shepherds came to worship after angels announced the birth, and Mary treasured all these things in her heart.

Luke 2:1-20

Simeon's Prophecy

When Mary and Joseph brought baby Jesus to the temple, the righteous Simeon recognized Him as the Messiah and prophesied that a sword would pierce Mary's soul—a prediction fulfilled as she watched Jesus suffer on the cross.

Luke 2:25-35

The Wedding at Cana

At a wedding feast in Cana, Mary told Jesus that the wine had run out. Though Jesus initially seemed to resist, He honored her request and performed His first miracle, turning water into wine. Mary instructed the servants, 'Do whatever he tells you.'

John 2:1-11

At the Foot of the Cross

Mary stood near the cross as Jesus was crucified, experiencing the prophesied sword piercing her soul. Jesus, even in His suffering, cared for His mother by entrusting her to the apostle John's care, saying 'Woman, here is your son' and to John, 'Here is your mother.'

John 19:25-27

Character Traits

Humble and willing servant of GodFaithful in difficult and confusing circumstancesThoughtful and reflective, treasuring things in her heartKnowledgeable in Scripture and God's characterCourageous in accepting social risk for God's purposesDevoted mother who followed Jesus' ministryPrayerful member of the early churchSubmissive to God's will despite personal cost

Lessons from Mary's Life

1
God chooses humble, willing servants to accomplish His greatest purposes
2
Faithful obedience to God may involve personal sacrifice and suffering
3
Treasuring and pondering God's work in our lives deepens spiritual understanding
4
True submission to God's will means trusting Him even when the path is unclear
5
God's plans often unfold in unexpected ways that confound human wisdom

Questions for Reflection

How does Mary's willing acceptance of God's plan challenge your own responses to His calling?
What does it mean to treasure and ponder God's work in your heart as Mary did?
How can you develop the kind of faith that says 'yes' to God even when it's costly?
In what ways does Mary's example of faithful suffering speak to your own difficulties?