Mary, the mother of Jesus, stands as one of the most revered and misunderstood figures in Christian history. A young Jewish woman from an obscure village, she received the most extraordinary calling ever given to a human being—to bear the Son of God. Her response of humble faith, “Let it be to me according to your word,” changed the course of human history and demonstrated what it means to trust God completely, even when His plan seems impossible.
Mary’s story is not just about being chosen; it’s about choosing to believe God when everything—biology, social reputation, personal safety—stood against that belief. She witnessed her son’s miracles, stood at the foot of His cross, and waited in the upper room for the promised Holy Spirit. Her life offers profound lessons on faith, surrender, suffering, and the mysterious ways God works through ordinary people.
This comprehensive guide explores who Mary was, her miraculous calling, her role in Jesus’ life and ministry, what Scripture actually teaches about her (versus tradition), and the timeless lessons her faithful example offers every Christian navigating God’s unexpected and often costly calling.
Who Was Mary, Mother of Jesus?
A Young Woman from Nazareth
Mary (Hebrew: Miriam) was a young Jewish woman, likely a teenager (12-14 years old based on typical betrothal age in first-century Palestine), living in Nazareth, a small, insignificant village in Galilee.
Biblical introduction:
“In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.” (Luke 1:26-27, NIV)
Key details:
- Virgin: Emphasized twice in Luke 1:27—crucial for prophecy fulfillment (Isaiah 7:14)
- Betrothed to Joseph: Legally bound but not yet living together
- From Nazareth: A town so insignificant that Nathanael asked, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” (John 1:46)
- Descended from David: Both Mary and Joseph had royal lineage (Luke 3:23-38; Matthew 1:1-16)
What we know about her character (from Scripture):
- Thoughtful: She “pondered” and “treasured” things in her heart (Luke 2:19, 51)
- Faithful: Believed God’s impossible promise
- Humble: Called herself God’s “servant” (Luke 1:38)
- Courageous: Accepted a calling that could have resulted in death by stoning
- Devoted: Followed Jesus throughout His ministry and was present at the cross
Historical and Cultural Context
First-century Jewish betrothal worked differently than modern engagement:
- Legally binding: Could only be broken by divorce
- Not yet cohabiting: The couple lived separately for about a year
- Virgin expected: Pregnancy during betrothal meant presumed adultery—punishable by death (Deuteronomy 22:23-24)
Mary’s risk: When she became pregnant, she faced:
- Social disgrace: Public shame and ostracism
- Broken engagement: Joseph could divorce her
- Possible death: Stoning for adultery was legal
- Lifelong stigma: She and her child would be marked as illegitimate
Her courage: Despite these risks, Mary said yes to God’s plan.
The Annunciation: Mary’s Miraculous Calling
The Angel Gabriel’s Message
The encounter (Luke 1:26-33):
“The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.’ Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and 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, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.'” (Luke 1:28-33, NIV)
Gabriel’s revelation included:
- Personal affirmation: “Highly favored” (Greek: kecharitomene—graced one)
- Divine presence: “The Lord is with you”
- Miraculous conception: She will conceive while virgin
- The child’s identity: Son of the Most High, eternal King, Messiah
- Fulfillment of prophecy: Davidic throne, eternal kingdom
Mary’s Question and Faith Response
Mary’s question wasn’t doubt—it was practical curiosity:
“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” (Luke 1:34, NIV)
Contrast with Zechariah: When Gabriel announced John’s birth to Zechariah, he responded with doubt: “How can I be sure of this?” (Luke 1:18)—and was struck mute. Mary asked “How?” not “Can this really happen?”
Gabriel’s explanation:
“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. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.” (Luke 1:35-37, NIV)
Key theological truth: Jesus’ conception was a creative miracle of the Holy Spirit—not a biological process involving any human father. This preserved Jesus’ sinlessness (original sin passes through the father in biblical theology).
“Let It Be to Me According to Your Word”
Mary’s response is one of Scripture’s most beautiful expressions of surrender:
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. (Luke 1:38, NIV)
Alternate translation: “Behold, the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”
Elements of her faith:
- Self-identification: “Lord’s servant” (Greek: doule—bondslave)
- Complete submission: “Let it be”—surrendering control
- Trust in God’s word: “According to your word”—believing the impossible
Mary’s “yes” changed everything. Without her willing cooperation, God’s plan for salvation could not proceed as designed. God invited; Mary accepted.
Mary’s Magnificat: A Song of Praise
The Visit to Elizabeth
After the annunciation, Mary immediately went to visit her relative Elizabeth (also miraculously pregnant with John the Baptist):
“When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: ‘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? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!'” (Luke 1:41-45, NIV)
Confirmation for Mary: Elizabeth’s Spirit-inspired words validated what the angel had told her. She wasn’t crazy—God truly was doing something miraculous.
Exalting God’s Faithfulness
Mary’s response—The Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55):
“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.” (Luke 1:46-50, NIV)
Notable aspects:
- Theologically profound: Mary quoted or alluded to numerous Old Testament passages
- God-centered: Despite her unique role, she glorified God, not herself
- Acknowledged her need: Called God “my Savior”—recognizing her own need for salvation
- Prophetic accuracy: “All generations will call me blessed”—fulfilled across 2,000 years
Prophetic Themes in Mary’s Song
The Magnificat celebrates God’s revolutionary kingdom:
- Reversal of human systems: “He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble” (v. 52)
- Economic justice: “He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty” (v. 53)
- Faithfulness to Israel: “He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever” (v. 54-55)
Mary understood: God’s kingdom turns worldly values upside down. The humble, poor, and marginalized receive His favor.
The Birth of Jesus: Mary’s First Test
The Journey to Bethlehem
“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world… So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.” (Luke 2:1-5, NIV)
The journey: About 80-90 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem—a 3-4 day journey on foot or donkey while nine months pregnant.
Divine providence: The Roman census forced Mary to Bethlehem, fulfilling Micah 5:2’s prophecy that the Messiah would be born there.
No Room in the Inn
“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” (Luke 2:6-7, NIV)
The reality: The King of Kings was born in a stable (likely a cave used for animals), laid in a feeding trough, to parents who couldn’t afford proper lodging.
Mary’s experience: First-time mother, far from home, giving birth in primitive conditions, with only Joseph to help. Yet this fulfilled prophecy and demonstrated God’s identification with the poor and marginalized.
Shepherds and Angels
“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.'” (Luke 2:10-11, NIV)
God’s announcement strategy: He revealed Jesus’ birth first to shepherds—among society’s lowest class—not to priests, kings, or scholars.
Mary’s response:
“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19, NIV)
This phrase appears twice (also Luke 2:51), showing Mary’s contemplative nature. She didn’t fully understand, but she carefully preserved and reflected on these extraordinary events.
Mary Pondered These Things in Her Heart
The Presentation at the Temple
Forty days after Jesus’ birth, Mary and Joseph brought Him to the temple for Mary’s purification and Jesus’ consecration (following Levitical law):
“When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.” (Luke 2:22, NIV)
Simeon’s encounter: A righteous man, promised by the Spirit he wouldn’t die before seeing the Messiah, took Jesus in his arms and prophesied:
“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” (Luke 2:29-32, NIV)
Simeon’s Prophecy: A Sword Will Pierce Your Soul
Then Simeon turned to Mary with sobering words:
“This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” (Luke 2:34-35, NIV)
The prophecy’s fulfillment: The “sword” pierced Mary’s soul when she stood at the cross, watching her son die in agony. Every mother’s nightmare—outliving your child and witnessing their suffering—became Mary’s reality.
Simeon prepared Mary: This child would bring division, conflict, and deep personal pain. The calling came with a cost.
Treasuring and Reflecting
Mary’s contemplative habit appears throughout the Gospels:
- After the shepherds’ visit (Luke 2:19)
- After finding Jesus in the temple (Luke 2:51)
What she pondered:
- How could a virgin conceive?
- Why was the Messiah born in a stable?
- What did the angels’ message mean?
- How would Simeon’s sword pierce her soul?
- Why did her son speak about “his Father’s house”?
Application: Mary models reflective faith—not understanding everything immediately, but trusting God while carefully considering His works.
Mary’s Life with Jesus
The Flight to Egypt
After the Magi’s visit, an angel warned Joseph:
“Get up, take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” (Matthew 2:13, NIV)
Mary’s sacrifice: Fleeing to a foreign land, living as a refugee, all to protect her child from a murderous king.
After Herod’s death, they returned and settled in Nazareth—fulfilling prophecy that Jesus would be called a Nazarene (Matthew 2:23).
Finding Jesus in the Temple
When Jesus was twelve, the family traveled to Jerusalem for Passover. On the return journey, Mary and Joseph discovered Jesus missing. After three days of searching, they found Him in the temple courts, discussing theology with teachers.
Mary’s response:
“Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.” (Luke 2:48, NIV)
Jesus’ reply:
“Why were you searching for me? Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” (Luke 2:49, NIV)
The text notes: “But they did not understand what he was saying to them” (Luke 2:50).
Mary’s motherhood challenge: Raising a child who was fully God while being fully human. Jesus was perfectly obedient (Luke 2:51), yet He also had a divine mission that transcended family ties.
The Wedding at Cana
Mary’s faith and influence appears at Jesus’ first miracle:
“On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, ‘They have no more wine.'” (John 2:1-3, NIV)
Jesus’ response:
“Woman, why do you involve me? My hour has not yet come.” (John 2:4, NIV)
Mary’s response to the servants:
“Do whatever he tells you.” (John 2:5, NIV)
Result: Jesus turned water into wine—His first public miracle.
Insights:
- Mary knew Jesus could help, even when He initially declined
- She didn’t argue—she simply told servants to obey Him
- Jesus honored His mother by performing the miracle
Mary’s role: Pointing others to Jesus and encouraging obedience to Him—a model for all believers.
Jesus’ Public Ministry
During Jesus’ ministry, Mary appears occasionally:
Matthew 12:46-50: When told His mother and brothers were outside, Jesus redefined family:
“Pointing to his disciples, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.'” (Matthew 12:49-50, NIV)
This wasn’t rejection of Mary—it was elevation of spiritual family. Mary herself entered this spiritual family by doing God’s will.
Luke 11:27-28: A woman in the crowd declared, “Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you.”
Jesus replied:
“Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” (Luke 11:28, NIV)
Jesus’ point: Physical relationship to Him doesn’t confer spiritual blessing—obedient faith does. Ironically, Mary exemplified both—she was His physical mother AND a faithful disciple who heard and obeyed God’s word.
Mary at the Cross: The Sword Pierces
Standing by Her Son
While most disciples fled, Mary stood at the cross:
“Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.” (John 19:25, NIV)
Simeon’s prophecy fulfilled: The sword pierced her soul as she watched her son:
- Beaten beyond recognition
- Mocked and spat upon
- Crucified as a criminal
- Suffering unimaginable agony
Every mother’s nightmare—yet Mary remained. Her presence demonstrated:
- Unfailing love: She wouldn’t abandon Him
- Profound faith: Despite apparent defeat, she stayed
- Fulfilled calling: From annunciation to crucifixion, she said “yes” to God’s plan
Jesus’ Words to Mary and John
Even in His suffering, Jesus cared for His mother:
“When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, ‘Woman, here is your son,’ and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.” (John 19:26-27, NIV)
Jesus’ provision: Entrusting Mary to John (likely the youngest disciple) ensured she’d be cared for in her old age (Joseph had apparently died by this time).
Spiritual meaning: Jesus expanded family beyond biology—His followers become family to one another.
The Ultimate Act of Faith
Mary’s silence at the cross speaks volumes. No recorded protests, no demands that God intervene, no collapse into despair (though she surely felt it). She trusted that somehow, beyond the horror, God’s plan would prevail.
Three days later, the resurrection proved her trust was not misplaced.
Mary in the Early Church
In the Upper Room at Pentecost
After Jesus’ ascension, the disciples gathered:
“They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.” (Acts 1:14, NIV)
Significance:
- Mary was among the 120 who received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4)
- She remained part of the believing community—a disciple, not an object of worship
- Jesus’ brothers believed—they who once doubted (John 7:5) now followed Him
Her Legacy in the Apostolic Church
After Acts 1:14, Mary is never mentioned again in the New Testament. She:
- Didn’t lead the church
- Wasn’t worshiped or prayed to
- Wasn’t considered a mediator
- Lived as a faithful disciple among others
This silence is instructive: The early church honored Mary but kept focus on Jesus.
Biblical vs. Extra-Biblical Traditions About Mary
What Scripture Says
Biblical facts about Mary:
- Virgin conception (Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38)
- Mother of Jesus (all four Gospels)
- Present at key moments (birth, temple, wedding, cross, Pentecost)
- Had other children (Matthew 13:55-56; Mark 6:3)
- Faithful disciple who pondered God’s works
- Needed a Savior (Luke 1:47)
What Scripture Doesn’t Say
Teachings NOT found in Scripture:
- Immaculate Conception: The belief Mary was conceived without original sin
- Perpetual virginity: That Mary remained virgin after Jesus’ birth (Bible mentions His brothers and sisters)
- Assumption: That Mary was taken bodily to heaven
- Co-redemptrix: That Mary participates in redemption alongside Jesus
- Prayers to Mary: No biblical instruction or example of praying to/through Mary
Biblical correction:
- Mary called God “my Savior” (Luke 1:47)—acknowledging her need for salvation
- Jesus is the “one mediator” (1 Timothy 2:5)—not Mary
- Jesus gently redirected Marian devotion to obedience (Luke 11:27-28)
Protestant and Catholic Perspectives
Protestant view:
- Mary was blessed and faithful, worthy of honor
- She was fully human, needing salvation like everyone
- Worship, prayer to, or through Mary is unbiblical
- Her role was to bear and nurture Jesus, then live as His disciple
Catholic/Orthodox view:
- Mary holds special status as “Mother of God” (Theotokos)
- Various additional honors based on church tradition
- Veneration (honoring) Mary is appropriate, though worship belongs to God alone
Common ground: All Christians should honor Mary’s faith, obedience, and unique role in God’s plan.
Lessons from Mary’s Life for Christians Today
Faith in the Impossible
Mary believed God when His promise seemed biologically, socially, and practically impossible.
“For no word from God will ever fail.” (Luke 1:37, NIV)
Application: When God calls you to something that seems impossible, remember Mary’s example. Faith isn’t believing God can do something—it’s believing He will, even when circumstances say otherwise.
Obedience Without Understanding
Mary didn’t understand everything (Luke 2:50), yet she obeyed. She asked “How?” not “Why not?”
Modern struggle: We want complete understanding before obeying—a roadmap, guarantee of success, assurance of comfort.
Mary’s model: Trust and obey, then understand later as God reveals His purposes.
Humility and Surrender
“I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:38, NIV)
Mary surrendered:
- Her reputation
- Her plans
- Her comfort
- Her safety
- Her very life
The question: What is God asking you to surrender? Your career? Relationship? Dream? Comfort?
Treasuring God’s Work in Our Lives
Mary “pondered” and “treasured” God’s works in her heart (Luke 2:19, 51).
In our fast-paced culture: We move from one experience to the next without reflection.
Mary’s practice: Slow down. Meditate. Journal. Pray. Reflect on how God is working.
Application:
- Keep a spiritual journal
- Review answered prayers
- Remember God’s faithfulness
- Treasure His word
Conclusion: Blessed Among Women
Mary’s life began with an angelic announcement and ended (according to tradition) surrounded by the church she helped birth. Between those bookends, she experienced:
Extraordinary privilege: Bearing the Son of God Profound suffering: Watching Him die Remarkable faith: Trusting when understanding failed Beautiful humility: Pointing others to Jesus, not herself
Elizabeth’s words remain true:
“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!” (Luke 1:42, NIV)
But the greater blessing, as Jesus said, belongs to all who hear God’s word and obey it (Luke 11:28)—and Mary exemplified this. She didn’t just hear; she believed, obeyed, treasured, and persevered.
Every generation has called her blessed (Luke 1:48), not because she was divine or sinless, but because she demonstrated what it means to be fully surrendered to God’s will, even when that will leads through a stable in Bethlehem and up a hill called Golgotha.
Her life asks us:
- Will you say “yes” to God’s calling, even when it costs everything?
- Can you trust His promises when circumstances contradict them?
- Will you ponder His works in your heart, treasuring His faithfulness?
- Can you point others to Jesus rather than building your own reputation?
Mary’s legacy isn’t perfection—it’s faithful surrender. And that legacy invites every believer into the same posture: “Let it be to me according to your word.”
“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” (Luke 1:45, NIV)
Frequently Asked Questions About Mary
1. Who was Mary, mother of Jesus?
Mary was a young Jewish virgin from Nazareth, betrothed to Joseph, chosen by God to bear Jesus Christ through miraculous conception by the Holy Spirit. She was a faithful disciple who followed Jesus from His birth through His crucifixion and was present in the early church at Pentecost.
2. Was Mary really a virgin when Jesus was born?
Yes. Scripture clearly states Mary was a virgin when she conceived Jesus (Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38). The angel told her the Holy Spirit would “overshadow” her, and Jesus would be conceived miraculously. This fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy (Isaiah 7:14) and ensured Jesus’ sinless nature.
3. Did Mary have other children besides Jesus?
Yes. Scripture mentions Jesus’ brothers by name—James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas—and refers to His sisters (Matthew 13:55-56; Mark 6:3). After Jesus’ virgin birth, Mary and Joseph had a normal marital relationship and additional children.
4. What is the Magnificat?
The Magnificat is Mary’s song of praise recorded in Luke 1:46-55, spoken when she visited Elizabeth. It exalts God’s faithfulness, mercy, and revolutionary kingdom that lifts up the humble and feeds the hungry. The name comes from its first word in Latin: “Magnificat anima mea Dominum” (“My soul magnifies the Lord”).
5. What does “a sword will pierce your soul” mean?
This prophecy from Simeon (Luke 2:35) referred to the deep anguish Mary would experience watching Jesus suffer and die. The “sword” pierced her soul when she stood at the foot of the cross, witnessing her son’s crucifixion—the ultimate mother’s heartbreak.
6. Should Christians pray to Mary?
No. Scripture teaches Jesus is the “one mediator between God and mankind” (1 Timothy 2:5). The Bible never instructs or shows anyone praying to Mary. Christians pray to God the Father through Jesus Christ. While Mary should be honored for her faith and obedience, worship and prayer belong to God alone.
7. What does “blessed among women” mean?
Elizabeth’s declaration (Luke 1:42) acknowledges Mary’s unique privilege and honor in being chosen to bear the Messiah. However, Jesus clarified the greater blessing: “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it” (Luke 11:28)—which Mary herself exemplified.
8. Was Mary without sin?
No. Scripture presents Mary as fully human, needing salvation. She called God “my Savior” (Luke 1:47), acknowledging her need for redemption. While she was faithful and blessed, the Bible doesn’t teach that Mary was born sinless or remained sinless throughout her life.
9. Why did Jesus call Mary “Woman” instead of “Mother”?
At the wedding in Cana (John 2:4) and at the cross (John 19:26), Jesus addressed Mary as “Woman” (gynai in Greek)—a respectful term, not disrespectful. This emphasized His divine mission transcending earthly family relationships while still showing respect and care (evidenced by entrusting her to John).
10. What lessons can Christians learn from Mary’s life?
Christians can learn: (1) Faith in God’s impossible promises, (2) Obedience without complete understanding, (3) Humility and surrender to God’s will, (4) Treasuring and reflecting on God’s works, (5) Persevering through suffering, (6) Pointing others to Jesus, and (7) Saying “yes” to God’s calling regardless of cost.
Recommended Resources for Deeper Study
- “Mary: A Biblical Walk with the Blessed Mother” by Edward Sri – Catholic but balanced perspective
- “Blessed: The Surprising Life of Mary” by Ann Spangler & Jean E. Syswerda – Accessible biography
- “Mary, Mother of God: The Untold Story” by Carl Olson – Historical and theological exploration
- ESV Study Bible – Excellent notes on Mary’s role throughout Scripture
- “The Jesus I Never Knew” by Philip Yancey – Includes thoughtful chapter on Mary