Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, provides Christians with an example of obedience to God and trust in Christ. She shared in the sufferings of her son, and took her place alongside the other disciples.
Mary's background
She was from Nazareth
Luke 1:26, Luke 2:39, Luke 2:51
She was related to Elizabeth, a descendant of Aaron
Possibly descended from David
She was betrothed to Joseph
She was a virgin
Luke 1:34 The Greek word translated “virgin” means “young”, “unmarried” and implies virginity. Betrothal might take place as early as 12 years old and lasted usually for a year, being as binding as a marriage contract, though without sexual relations. See also Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23
“How can this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
The events in Mary's life leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ
The annunciation
So the angel told her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus.
Mary's response of submission and obedience
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it happen to me according to your word.” Then the angel left her.
The Magnificat expresses Mary's wonder and joy
See also Luke 1:46–55
Elizabeth's response to Mary
Mary, the mother
The birth of Jesus Christ
Her memories
Jesus Christ's circumcision and presentation
Luke 2:21–24 Joseph and Mary were poor and they could not afford to offer a lamb (see Leviticus 12:8).
The flight to Egypt
Her other children
Matthew 13:55–56 parallel Mark 6:3
Her anxieties
Her doubts about Jesus Christ
She could not dominate Jesus Christ
Mark 3:34–35 parallels Matthew 12:48–50, Luke 8:19–21; John 2:4
Mary, the disciple
Mary acknowledges Jesus Christ's authority
John 2:5 At the wedding at Cana.
His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever He tells you.”
Mary at the cross
John 19:25 Many Christians see this as the poignant fulfilment of Simeon's prophecy in Luke 2:35.
Near the cross of Jesus stood His mother and her sister, as well as Mary the wife of Clopas and Mary Magdalene.
Mary in Jesus Christ's family
When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then He said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” So from that hour, this disciple took her into his home.
Mary praying with other disciples
With one accord they all continued in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.