Mary

Mary, the mother of Jesus, holds a significant place in Christian theology and history. She is often revered for her obedience, humility, and faithfulness to God's call. According to the Gospel of Luke, Mary was a young virgin living in Nazareth when the angel Gabriel appeared to her with a divine message. Gabriel announced that she would conceive a son by the Holy Spirit and that her child would be called Jesus, the Son of the Most High (Luke 1:31-32). Despite the potential social and personal repercussions, Mary responded with faith, saying, "I am the Lord’s servant. May it happen to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38).

Mary's role as the mother of Jesus is further highlighted in the Magnificat, her song of praise recorded in Luke 1:46-55. In this passage, Mary exalts the Lord for His mercy and faithfulness, acknowledging her humble state and the great things God has done for her. Her song reflects a deep understanding of God's covenant promises and His plan of salvation.

Throughout the Gospels, Mary is depicted as a devoted mother who supports Jesus during His ministry. She is present at key events, such as the wedding at Cana, where Jesus performs His first miracle (John 2:1-11), and she stands by the cross during His crucifixion (John 19:25-27). After Jesus' resurrection, Mary is mentioned among the disciples who gather in prayer in the upper room, awaiting the coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:14).

Joseph

Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, is portrayed as a righteous and compassionate man. He is a descendant of King David, which fulfills the Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah's lineage (Matthew 1:1-16). Joseph's character is revealed in the Gospel of Matthew, where he is described as a just man who initially plans to divorce Mary quietly upon discovering her pregnancy (Matthew 1:19). However, an angel of the Lord appears to him in a dream, instructing him to take Mary as his wife because the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:20-21).

Obedient to God's command, Joseph takes Mary as his wife and names the child Jesus, as instructed by the angel (Matthew 1:24-25). Joseph's protective nature is evident when he leads his family to Egypt to escape King Herod's decree to kill all male infants in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:13-15). After Herod's death, Joseph is again guided by divine instruction to return to Israel, settling in Nazareth (Matthew 2:19-23).

Though Joseph's presence in the Gospels is limited, his role as the guardian of Jesus and Mary is crucial. He provides for his family as a carpenter and raises Jesus in the Jewish faith, as seen when they travel to Jerusalem for the Passover (Luke 2:41-42). Joseph's faithfulness to God's guidance and his dedication to his family exemplify the virtues of obedience and righteousness.