Topical Encyclopedia Mary, the mother of Jesus, holds a significant place in Christian theology and history. She is often referred to as the Virgin Mary, emphasizing her role in the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ. Her account is primarily found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, where she is depicted as a young woman of deep faith and obedience to God.Genealogy and Betrothal Mary was a descendant of King David, as indicated in the genealogies presented in the Gospels. In the Gospel of Luke, she is introduced as a virgin betrothed to Joseph, a man of the house of David (Luke 1:27). This betrothal was a formal engagement, legally binding in Jewish culture, though the couple had not yet come together as husband and wife. The Annunciation The angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary, known as the Annunciation, is a pivotal moment in the New Testament. Gabriel greets her with the words, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you" (Luke 1:28). Mary is initially troubled by the angel's greeting, but Gabriel reassures her, explaining that she has found favor with God and will conceive a son by the Holy Spirit, whom she is to name Jesus (Luke 1:30-31). This child is described as the Son of the Most High, destined to inherit the throne of David and reign forever (Luke 1:32-33). Mary's response to this extraordinary message is one of humble submission: "I am the Lord’s servant. May it happen to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38). Her acceptance of God's will exemplifies her faith and obedience. The Visitation Following the Annunciation, Mary visits her relative Elizabeth, who is also miraculously pregnant with John the Baptist. Upon Mary's arrival, Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaims, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!" (Luke 1:42). Mary responds with the Magnificat, a song of praise and thanksgiving to God, highlighting His mercy and faithfulness (Luke 1:46-55). The Birth of Jesus Mary travels with Joseph to Bethlehem for a census, where she gives birth to Jesus in humble circumstances, laying Him in a manger (Luke 2:4-7). The birth of Jesus is announced to shepherds by angels, who glorify God and proclaim peace on earth (Luke 2:8-14). Mary treasures these events, pondering them in her heart (Luke 2:19). Role in Jesus' Ministry Mary appears at various points during Jesus' ministry. At the wedding in Cana, she informs Jesus of the lack of wine, prompting His first miracle of turning water into wine (John 2:1-11). This event marks the beginning of His public ministry and reveals His glory. Mary is also present at the crucifixion, standing near the cross with other women. Jesus, in His final moments, entrusts her to the care of the beloved disciple, saying, "Woman, here is your son," and to the disciple, "Here is your mother" (John 19:26-27). This act underscores the deep bond between Jesus and His mother and highlights her continued role in the early Christian community. Mary in Early Christianity After the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, Mary is mentioned among the disciples in the upper room, devoted to prayer (Acts 1:14). Her presence in the early church signifies her ongoing faith and support of the nascent Christian movement. Theological Significance Mary's role as the mother of Jesus is central to Christian theology. Her virgin birth is seen as a fulfillment of prophecy, specifically Isaiah 7:14, which speaks of a virgin conceiving and bearing a son. This miraculous event underscores the divine nature of Jesus and His mission as the Savior of humanity. Mary's example of faith, humility, and obedience serves as an inspiration for believers. Her willingness to accept God's plan, despite the potential for misunderstanding and hardship, exemplifies a life of devotion and trust in God's promises. Smith's Bible Dictionary Mary the Virginthe mother of our Lord. There is no person perhaps in sacred or profane history around whom so many legends have been grouped a the Virgin Mary; and there are few whose authentic history is more concise. She was, like Joseph, of the tribe of Judah and of the lineage of David. (Psalms 132:11; Luke 1:32; Romans 1:3) She had a sister, named, like herself, (John 19:25) and she was connected by marriage, (Luke 1:36) with Elizabeth, who was of the tribe of Levi and of the lineage of Aaron. This is all that we know of her antecedents. She was betrothed to Joseph of Nazareth; but before her marriage she became with child by the Holy Ghost, and became the mother of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world. Her history at this time, her residence at Bethlehem, flight to Egypt, and return to her early home st Nazareth, are well known. Four times only does she appear after the commencement of Christ's ministry. These four occasions are--
Greek 1097. ginosko -- to come to know, recognize, perceive ... 1097 ("experientially know") is used for example in Lk 1:34, "And Mary [a virgin] said to the angel, 'How will this be since I do not (1097 = sexual intimacy ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1097.htm - 12k Library The Life of the Blessed Virgin Mary Hail virgin, Dearest Mary The Death of the Blessed virgin Mary at Ephesus The virgin Mary's Song; Or, the Promised Messiah Born, Luke 1 46 ... The Epistle of Ignatius to the Virgin Mary The Blessed virgin Mary May have Lived Without Sin. None of the ... The virgin Mary's Song. Luke 1:46Ff. Letter Liii to Another Holy virgin of the Convent of S. Mary of ... The Blessed and Glorious Ever-virgin Mary, Sprung from the Royal ... The Parallel Case of Mary Considered. Resources What does the Bible say about the virgin Mary? | GotQuestions.orgAre apparitions of Mary, such as Lady Fatima, true messages from God? | GotQuestions.org What happened to Mary? | GotQuestions.org Mary: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Mary: A Christian Woman in Rome Mary: Assists in Preparing the Corpse of Jesus for Burial Mary: Attends the Feast at Jerusalem With Her Husband and Her Son Mary: Magdalene: Possessed of Devils, Delivered by Jesus Mary: Magdalene: Present at the Crucifixion Mary: Magdalene: Recognizes Jesus After the Resurrection Mary: Mother of Mark and Sister of Barnabas Mary: Sister of Lazarus: Anoints Jesus Mary: Sister of Lazarus: Beloved of Jesus Mary: Sister of Lazarus: Sits at Jesus' Feet for Instruction Mary: Sister of Mary the Mother of Jesus, and Wife of Cleophas Mary: Sister of Mary the Mother of Jesus, and Wife of Cleophas: A Witness of the Resurrection Mary: Sister of Mary the Mother of Jesus, and Wife of Cleophas: At the Gravesite of Jesus Mary: Sister of Mary the Mother of Jesus, and Wife of Cleophas: Mother of James and Joses Mary: The Mother of Jesus is Committed to the Care of John Mary: The Mother of Jesus is Present With Jesus at a Marriage Feast in Cana of Galilee Mary: The Mother of Jesus: Lives With the Disciples in Jerusalem Mary: The Mother of Jesus: Present at the Cross Mary: The Mother of Jesus: Prophecies Concerning Mary: The Mother of Jesus: Seeks Jesus when he is Teaching in a House Mary: The Mother of Jesus: Visits Her Cousin, Elisabeth Related Terms Over-against (156 Occurrences) |
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