Mary, Mother of Jesus

The young Jewish woman chosen to be the mother of Jesus Christ, honored in Christianity as the Blessed Virgin and in Islam as the greatest of women. Mary’s humble acceptance of God’s call—“May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38)—set in motion the Incarnation, God becoming human. Her role spans from the Annunciation through Jesus’s childhood, ministry, crucifixion, and the birth of the early church, making her Christianity’s most venerated saint and Islam’s most honored woman.

Early Life

Family Background

Parents (Tradition):

• Father: Joachim (not in Scripture, from Protoevangelium of James)
• Mother: Anne/Anna (tradition, meaning “grace”)
• Lineage: Tribe of Judah, Davidic descent (Luke 1:32 implies)
• Residence: Nazareth, Galilee (Luke 1:26)

Social Context:

• Poor, humble family (Luke 1:48: “humble state”)
• Small village (Nazareth ~400 people)
• Devout Jewish household
• Maintained Davidic royal lineage despite poverty

Betrothal to Joseph

Engagement:

• Matthew 1:18: “Pledged to be married to Joseph”
• Jewish betrothal (erusin): Legally binding, but not yet cohabiting
• Typical age: Early-to-mid teens (cultural norm of era)
• One-year betrothal period standard

Joseph’s Character:

• Matthew 1:19: “Faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace”
• Descendant of David (Matthew 1:16)
• Carpenter (Matthew 13:55)
• Righteous man

The Annunciation

Gabriel’s Visit (Luke 1:26-38)

The Announcement:

• Luke 1:26: Sixth month (of Elizabeth’s pregnancy)
• Angel Gabriel sent to Nazareth
• Luke 1:28: “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

Mary’s Response:

• Luke 1:29: “Greatly troubled,” wondered what greeting meant
• Humble, thoughtful character
• Not expecting such an honor

The Message:

• Luke 1:30-33:
  • “You will conceive and give birth to a son”
  • “You are to call him Jesus”
  • “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High”
  • “The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David”
  • “He will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end”

Mary’s Question:

• Luke 1:34: “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”
• Not doubt (unlike Zechariah), but seeking understanding
• Practical question

Gabriel’s Explanation:

• Luke 1:35: “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you”
• “So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God”
• Sign given: Elizabeth (barren, old) is pregnant
• Luke 1:37: “For no word from God will ever fail”

Mary’s Acceptance:

• Luke 1:38: “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.”
• Fiat (Latin: “let it be done”)
• Unconditional surrender to God’s will
• Faith without complete understanding

Theological Significance

Incarnation Begins:

• Word became flesh (John 1:14)
• God entering human history through Mary
• Fully divine and fully human

Virgin Birth:

• Matthew 1:23: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son”
• Fulfills Isaiah 7:14
• Miraculous conception by Holy Spirit
• No human father
• Debated/rejected by some modern scholars
• Central to traditional Christian belief

Mary’s Free Consent:

• God didn’t force, but invited
• Mary’s “yes” crucial
• Cooperation with divine plan

Visit to Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-56)

The Journey

Mary’s Haste:

• Luke 1:39: “Mary got ready and hurried” to Judean hill country
• Visit relative Elizabeth (also miraculously pregnant)
• Confirm Gabriel’s sign
• ~80-100 mile journey from Nazareth

The Greeting

Elizabeth’s Exclamation:

• Luke 1:41: Baby (John the Baptist) leaped in Elizabeth’s womb
• Elizabeth filled with Holy Spirit
• Luke 1:42-45: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?… Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

Recognition:

• Elizabeth recognized Mary’s pregnancy miraculous
• Called Jesus “my Lord” before his birth
• Affirmed Mary’s faith

Mary’s Song: The Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55)

Opening Praise:

• “My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior”

Humility and Exaltation:

• “He has been mindful of the humble state of his servant”
• “From now on all generations will call me blessed”

God’s Character:

• Mighty, holy, merciful
• Scatters the proud
• Brings down rulers, lifts up humble
• Fills hungry, sends rich away empty

Covenant Faithfulness:

• “He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever”

Theological Depth:

• Young peasant girl’s profound understanding of Scripture
• Echoes Hannah’s prayer (1 Samuel 2:1-10)
• Revolutionary social implications
• God’s preferential care for lowly

Stay:

• Luke 1:56: Mary stayed ~3 months (possibly until John’s birth)
• Returned home pregnant

Joseph’s Dilemma and Reassurance (Matthew 1:18-25)

The Problem

Apparent Infidelity:

• Matthew 1:18: “Before they came together, she was found to be pregnant”
• Betrothal legally binding
• Pregnancy outside marriage meant adultery
• Law required stoning (Deuteronomy 22:23-24)

Joseph’s Plan:

• Matthew 1:19: “Minded to divorce her quietly”
• Righteous but merciful
• Protect Mary from public shame
• Private certificate of divorce

Angel’s Intervention

Dream:

• Matthew 1:20: Angel of the Lord appeared in dream
• “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife”
• “What is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit”

Prophecy:

• Matthew 1:21: “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins”
• Matthew 1:22-23: Fulfills Isaiah 7:14
• “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (God with us)

Joseph’s Obedience:

• Matthew 1:24: “Did what the angel of the Lord had commanded”
• Took Mary as wife
• Matthew 1:25: “But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son”
• Protected Mary’s reputation
• Protected the child

Birth of Jesus (Luke 2:1-7)

Journey to Bethlehem

Census:

• Luke 2:1: Caesar Augustus’s decree
• Luke 2:3-4: Joseph went from Nazareth to Bethlehem (Judea)
• “Town of David” because Joseph was David’s descendant
• Mary accompanied, heavily pregnant
• ~90-mile journey while 9 months pregnant

The Birth

No Room:

• Luke 2:7: “No guest room available for them”
• Not necessarily inn; possibly relatives’ home overcrowded
• Birth in humble circumstances

Manger:

• Jesus laid in feeding trough
• Wrapped in cloths (standard infant care)
• Born in stable/cave (tradition)

Mary’s Experience:

• Gave birth far from home
• No female relatives to assist (customary)
• Humble, difficult circumstances
• Yet fulfilling ancient prophecies (Micah 5:2)

Shepherds’ Visit (Luke 2:8-20)

Angels’ Announcement:

• Angels appeared to shepherds nearby
• Directed to “baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger”

Shepherds Came:

• Luke 2:16: “Hurried off and found Mary, Joseph, and the baby”
• Spread the word about what angels said

Mary’s Response:

• Luke 2:19: “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart”
• Contemplative, reflective
• Recognizing significance

Presentation at the Temple (Luke 2:22-38)

Purification Rites

Timing:

• 40 days after Jesus’s birth
• Leviticus 12: Purification after childbirth
• Brought to Jerusalem temple

Offering:

• Luke 2:24: Two doves or two young pigeons
• Leviticus 12:8: Offering for those who can’t afford lamb
• Confirms poverty

Simeon’s Prophecy

Simeon’s Words (Luke 2:29-32):

• “My eyes have seen your salvation”
• “A light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel”

Blessing Mary and Joseph:

• Luke 2:34-35: Simeon blessed them
• To Mary: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel”
• “A sword will pierce your own soul too”
  • Foreshadows crucifixion pain
  • Mary will suffer watching Jesus suffer

Anna’s Testimony

Anna the Prophetess:

• Luke 2:36-38: 84-year-old widow, never left temple
• Gave thanks to God
• Spoke about child to all looking for redemption
• Female prophetic witness

Visit of the Magi (Matthew 2:1-12)

Wise Men:

• Matthew 2:1: Magi from the east
• Followed star to Jerusalem
• Sought “king of the Jews”

Herod’s Inquiry:

• Matthew 2:3: Herod disturbed
• Secretly asked Magi when star appeared
• Deceptive plan to find and kill child

Bethlehem:

• Matthew 2:9-11: Star stopped over house (no longer stable)
• “Saw the child with his mother Mary”
• Worshiped, presented gifts: Gold, frankincense, myrrh
  • Gold: Kingship
  • Frankincense: Deity/priesthood
  • Myrrh: Death/burial

Mary’s Presence:

• Always mentioned with Jesus
• Witnessed worship of her son

Flight to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15)

Warning Dream

Angel’s Command:

• Matthew 2:13: Joseph warned in dream
• “Herod is going to search for the child to kill him”
• Commanded to flee to Egypt

Immediate Obedience:

• Matthew 2:14: “Got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt”
• Urgent departure
• Possibly used Magi’s gold for journey/sustenance

Herod’s Massacre

Slaughter of Innocents:

• Matthew 2:16: Herod killed all boys in Bethlehem area, 2 years and under
• Based on time learned from Magi
• Jesus escaped

Mary’s Experience:

• Refugee in foreign land
• Knew other babies killed
• Fear, uncertainty
• Trust in God’s protection

Return from Egypt (Matthew 2:19-23)

After Herod’s Death:

• Angel told Joseph in dream
• Returned to Israel
• Settled in Nazareth (Galilee, not Judea)
• Archelaus ruling Judea (Herod’s son, also cruel)

Childhood in Nazareth

Jesus’s Boyhood

Luke 2:39-40:

• Returned to Nazareth
• “Child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him”

Mary’s Role:

• Raised Jesus in Jewish faith
• Taught Torah, prayers
• Observed Sabbath, festivals
• Normal childhood (Luke 2:51: “obedient to them”)

Boy Jesus at the Temple (Luke 2:41-52)

Passover Pilgrimage:

• Luke 2:41: Every year to Jerusalem for Passover
• Jesus age 12
• Bar Mitzvah age

Lost and Found:

• Luke 2:43-45: Jesus stayed in Jerusalem
• Parents traveled day’s journey before realizing
• Returned, searched three days

In the Temple:

• Luke 2:46: “Sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions”
• Luke 2:47: “Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers”

Mary’s Response:

• Luke 2:48: “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”
• Motherly concern, rebuke

Jesus’s Reply:

• Luke 2:49: “Why were you searching for me? Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”
• First recorded words of Jesus
• Asserting divine sonship

Mary’s Pondering:

• Luke 2:50-51: “They did not understand,” but “his mother treasured all these things in her heart”
• Again, contemplative response
• Not immediate comprehension but faithful reflection

During Jesus’s Ministry

Wedding at Cana (John 2:1-11)

Mary’s Presence:

• John 2:1: “Jesus’s mother was there”
• Also Jesus and disciples invited

Wine Runs Out:

• John 2:3: Mary told Jesus, “They have no wine”
• Compassion for hosts’ embarrassment
• Confidence in Jesus (despite no prior miracles recorded)

Jesus’s Response:

• John 2:4: “Woman, why do you involve me? My hour has not yet come.”
• Seems harsh, but “woman” (γυνή) was respectful term
• Indicates his messianic mission on divine timetable
• Gently resists being directed

Mary’s Faith:

• John 2:5: To servants, “Do whatever he tells you”
• Proceeds despite Jesus’s words
• Faith he will help

First Miracle:

• Water to wine
• Manifested glory (John 2:11)
• Disciples believed
• Mary witnessed first miracle

Family Concerns (Mark 3:20-21, 31-35)

Family Worried:

• Mark 3:21: “When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, ‘He is out of his mind.’”
• Crowds overwhelming
• Jesus’s teaching controversial

Mary with Family:

• Mark 3:31: “His mother and brothers arrived”
• Stood outside, sent message
• Trying to see him

Jesus’s Response:

• Mark 3:33-35: “Who are my mother and my brothers?… Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”
• Redefining family as spiritual, not just biological
• Not rejecting Mary, but prioritizing discipleship

Mary’s Position:

• Struggled to understand Jesus’s mission at times
• Yet remained faithful
• Witnessed growing opposition

Following Jesus

Among Disciples:

• Likely followed Jesus during ministry periods
• Galilee ministry
• With other women who supported (Luke 8:1-3)

Gradual Understanding:

• From confusion to full faith
• Witnessed miracles, heard teachings
• Saw opposition mount

At the Crucifixion (John 19:25-27)

Standing by the Cross

Witnesses:

• John 19:25: “Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene”
• Remained when disciples fled (except John)
• Courage and devotion
• Fulfillment of Simeon’s prophecy: “A sword will pierce your own soul”

Mother’s Anguish:

• Watched her son tortured, mocked, crucified
• Unable to prevent or relieve suffering
• Deepest maternal pain

Jesus’s Care for Mary

Final Words to Mary:

• John 19:26-27: Jesus saw mother and disciple he loved (John)
• To Mary: “Woman, here is your son”
• To John: “Here is your mother”

Adoption:

• John 19:27: “From that time on, this disciple took her into his home”
• Jesus ensured Mary’s care
• Possibly Joseph already dead (not mentioned after Jesus age 12)
• Filial duty even in agony

Theological Significance:

• Mary given to beloved disciple
• Some see as Mary becoming mother of all believers (Catholic view)
• At minimum: Jesus cared for mother’s practical needs

Resurrection and Early Church

Resurrection Appearances

Not Specifically Mentioned:

• Gospels don’t record Jesus appearing to Mary
• Likely did (mother-son reunion)
• Private, tender moment not recorded

With Disciples:

• Presumably saw risen Jesus with other followers

Upper Room (Acts 1:12-14)

After Ascension:

• Acts 1:14: “They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers”

Final Biblical Mention:

• Last explicit reference to Mary
• In upper room awaiting Holy Spirit
• Praying with early church

Pentecost (Acts 2):

• Likely present when Holy Spirit came
• Birth of church
• Mary there from beginning

Brothers Believing:

• Acts 1:14 mentions Jesus’s brothers
• Now believers (earlier skeptical, John 7:5)
• Mary possibly instrumental in their faith

Later Life and Death

Biblical Silence

No Record:

• New Testament doesn’t mention Mary’s later life or death
• Focus shifts to apostles’ ministry
• Mary fades from narrative (naturally, as Jesus central)

Church Tradition

Lived with John:

• Based on John 19:27
• Possibly in Jerusalem
• Some traditions say Ephesus (where John later ministered)

Death:

• Tradition: Died peacefully, c. 40-50 CE
• Called “Dormition” (falling asleep) in Eastern Christianity
• Assumption: Catholic dogma (1950) that Mary taken body and soul to heaven
  • Not in Scripture
  • Based on tradition
  • Debated among Christians

Mary’s Character and Virtues

Faith

Belief Without Sight:

• Believed angel’s impossible message
• Trusted despite not understanding
• Mary’s fiat: Model of faith

Hebrews 11 Faith:

• Though not listed there, exemplifies faith heroes
• “I am the Lord’s servant” echoes Abraham’s obedience

Humility

Lowly Estate:

• Magnificat: “He has been mindful of the humble state of his servant”
• No self-promotion
• Accepted servant role

Background:

• Poor, obscure village
• No status or power
• Yet chosen for greatest honor

Pondering Heart

Contemplative:

• Luke 2:19, 51: “Treasured… pondered in her heart”
• Didn’t immediately understand
• Reflected, meditated on events
• Spiritual depth

Obedience

Immediate Response:

• To angel: “May your word to me be fulfilled”
• To circumstances: Accepted hardship
• No recorded complaint despite:
  • Pregnancy scandal
  • Difficult birth
  • Flight to Egypt
  • Son’s suffering

Courage

Facing Shame:

• Pregnancy before marriage in conservative society
• Risked stoning
• Trusted God’s protection

At the Cross:

• Stood when others fled
• Watched son die
• Maternal courage in unimaginable pain

Devotion to God

Faithful Jew:

• Observed Torah
• Temple presentation
• Passover pilgrimages
• Raised Jesus in faith

Prayer:

• Acts 1:14: Praying with early church
• Lifelong devotion

Veneration Across Traditions

In Catholicism

Marian Dogmas:

1. Theotokos (Mother of God): Council of Ephesus (431 CE)
2. Perpetual Virginity: Before, during, after Jesus’s birth
3. Immaculate Conception (1854): Born without original sin
4. Assumption (1950): Taken body and soul to heaven

Veneration (Hyperdulia):

• Highest honor among saints
• Not worship (latria—for God only)
• Intercessory prayers
• Rosary devotion

Titles:

• Blessed Virgin Mary
• Our Lady
• Queen of Heaven
• Mother of the Church

Apparitions:

• Guadalupe, Lourdes, Fatima, etc.
• Devotional significance

In Eastern Orthodoxy

Theotokos:

• Central title: God-bearer
• Ever-Virgin
• Honored above angels and saints

Dormition:

• Falling asleep, assumption to heaven
• Major feast (August 15)

Icons:

• Numerous iconographic traditions
• Madonna and Child central image

Intercession:

• Prayers for her intercession common
• “More honorable than the cherubim”

In Protestantism

Varied Views:

• Honored as Jesus’s mother
• Example of faith and obedience
• Generally less emphasis than Catholic/Orthodox

Rejections:

• Marian dogmas (Immaculate Conception, Assumption)
• Prayers to Mary
• Perpetual virginity (debated)

Affirmation:

• Virgin birth (mostly)
• Blessed among women
• Important biblical figure

Scripture Alone:

• Focus on what Bible explicitly states
• Caution about tradition

In Islam

Maryam in Quran:

• Only woman named in Quran
• Entire chapter (Surah 19: Maryam)
• Mentioned more than in New Testament

Pure and Chosen:

• Quran 3:42: “O Mary, indeed Allah has chosen you and purified you and chosen you above the women of the worlds”

Virgin Birth:

• Quran 19:16-22: Angel appeared, announced virgin birth
• Quran 19:20: “How can I have a boy while no man has touched me?”
• Miraculous conception affirmed

Defense Against Slander:

• Quran 19:27-34: Mary brought baby Jesus to her people
• Baby Jesus spoke from cradle, defended mother’s honor
• Miracle testimony

Greatest Woman:

• Hadith: Muhammad said greatest women are Mary, Asiya (Pharaoh’s wife), Khadijah (Muhammad’s wife), Fatima (Muhammad’s daughter)

Honored:

• Example of piety and submission
• Isa (Jesus) honored as prophet, so mother honored

Differences:

• Jesus not divine (Islam rejects Trinity)
• Mary not mother of God, but mother of prophet
• No worship or prayers to Mary

Mary’s Theological Significance

Mother of God (Theotokos)

Council of Ephesus (431 CE):

• Declared Mary Theotokos (God-bearer)
• Against Nestorius (said Mary only mother of human Jesus, not divine Logos)
• Affirmed Jesus’s divine and human natures united
• Mary’s maternity applied to whole person of Christ

Implication:

• If Jesus is God, Mary is mother of God
• Not that Mary preceded God or gave God existence
• But that the person she bore is divine

New Eve

Patristic Theme:

• Eve’s disobedience brought sin
• Mary’s obedience brought Savior
• Reversal of the Fall
• Mary’s “yes” undoes Eve’s “no”

Typology:

• Eve: Mother of all living, led to death
• Mary: Mother of Life (Jesus), leads to eternal life

Model of Discipleship

First Disciple:

• First to say yes to Jesus
• Followed him through life, death, resurrection
• Remained faithful when others fled

Pondering Heart:

• Contemplated God’s work
• Model for meditation, spiritual reflection

Suffering Love:

• Stood at cross
• Love through pain
• Co-suffering with Christ (not co-redeeming, but sharing)

Intercessor

Wedding at Cana:

• Brought need to Jesus
• Trusted his provision
• Model of intercession

Catholic/Orthodox View:

• Continues interceding in heaven
• Brings prayers to Jesus
• Motherly care for believers

Protestant View:

• Intercession exclusive to Christ (1 Timothy 2:5)
• Mary honored but not invoked

Mary in Art and Culture

Artistic Depictions

Madonna and Child:

• Most common Christian art subject
• Countless paintings, sculptures
• Raphael, Michelangelo, Leonardo, etc.

Pietà:

• Mary holding dead Jesus
• Michelangelo’s masterpiece
• Maternal grief

Annunciation:

• Gabriel’s visit
• Fra Angelico, Leonardo, countless others

Assumption:

• Mary ascending to heaven
• Titian, Rubens

Cultural Impact

Names:

• Mary/Maria among most common names globally
• Marian, Marion, Marilyn derivatives

Churches:

• Notre Dame (Our Lady) cathedrals worldwide
• Santa Maria churches
• Countless Marian dedications

Feasts:

• Annunciation (March 25)
• Visitation (May 31)
• Assumption (August 15)
• Immaculate Conception (December 8)
• Many others

Significance

Mary, the humble girl from Nazareth who said “yes” to an angel, became the hinge on which salvation history turned. Her willingness to bear the Son of God, despite scandal, danger, and unknowns, made the Incarnation possible. God became human through Mary’s womb, the infinite contained in the finite, divinity clothed in humanity.

She treasured and pondered—a contemplative heart that held mysteries. She suffered—the sword Simeon promised pierced deep as she watched her son die. She persevered—from Bethlehem’s manger to Calvary’s cross to Pentecost’s upper room.

To Catholics and Orthodox, she’s Queen of Heaven, ever-interceding. To Protestants, she’s blessed but not invoked. To Muslims, she’s the purest of women, honored above all. Across traditions, Mary stands as the faithful servant who answered God’s call, the mother who suffered with her son, the disciple who followed to the end.

“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” Elizabeth’s words echo through centuries. Mary believed, obeyed, suffered, and witnessed her son’s resurrection. Her fiat—“Let it be”—still resonates wherever believers surrender to God’s will, wherever the impossible becomes reality through faith, wherever the lowly are lifted and the proud scattered.

Mary, Mother of God or blessed woman among women, virgin who conceived, refugee who fled, mother who lost and found, disciple who stood at the cross—her life embodies the paradox of faith: strength in weakness, exaltation in humility, life through death, hope in sorrow. She who sang, “My soul glorifies the Lord,” continues to point beyond herself to her son: “Do whatever he tells you.”