Mary, the mother of Jesus, holds a significant place in Christian theology and history. She is revered as the woman chosen by God to bear His Son, Jesus Christ, and is a central figure in the narratives of the New Testament. Her life and role are primarily documented in the Gospels of Matthew, Luke, and John.

Genealogy and Early Life

Mary was a young Jewish woman from Nazareth, a town in Galilee. According to the Gospel of Luke, she was betrothed to Joseph, a descendant of King David (Luke 1:27). The genealogies presented in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke trace Jesus' legal and biological lineage through Joseph, affirming His rightful place in the Davidic line, which fulfills Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah (Matthew 1:1-16; Luke 3:23-38).

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 message but listens as Gabriel explains that she will conceive a son by the Holy Spirit and name Him Jesus. This child will be "great and will be called the Son of the Most High" (Luke 1:32). Mary's response, "I am the Lord’s servant. May it happen to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38), exemplifies her faith and obedience.

The Visitation

Following the Annunciation, Mary visits her relative Elizabeth, who is pregnant with John the Baptist. Upon Mary's greeting, Elizabeth's baby leaps in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, exclaims, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!" (Luke 1:42). Mary responds with the Magnificat, a hymn of praise and thanksgiving to God (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 2:1-7). The birth of Jesus is heralded by angels and witnessed by shepherds, who come to see the newborn Savior (Luke 2:8-20). The Gospel of Matthew also recounts the visit of the Magi, who bring gifts to the young Jesus, acknowledging His kingship (Matthew 2:1-12).

Mary's 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. Mary is also present during significant moments, such as when Jesus is teaching and healing, though she often remains in the background.

The Crucifixion and Resurrection

Mary's presence at the crucifixion of Jesus is a testament to her enduring faith and love. She stands near the cross with other women and the beloved disciple, John. Jesus, in His final moments, entrusts Mary to John's care, saying, "Woman, here is your son," and to John, "Here is your mother" (John 19:26-27). This act underscores the importance of familial bonds and care within the Christian community.

After the resurrection, Mary is mentioned among the disciples who gather in prayer in the upper room, awaiting the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 1:14). This inclusion highlights her continued role in the early Christian community.

Theological Significance

Mary's role as the mother of Jesus is central to Christian theology. Her willingness to accept God's plan exemplifies humility and obedience. She is often seen as a model of faith, and her life is a testament to God's grace and favor. Throughout Christian history, Mary has been venerated for her unique role in salvation history, and her example continues to inspire believers.Matthew 1:16
And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
Nave's Topical Index

Luke 1:26-38
And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
Nave's Topical Index

Luke 2:5-19
To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
Nave's Topical Index

3137. Maria -- Mary, the name of several Christian women
... Transliteration: Maria or Mariam Phonetic Spelling: (mar-ee'-ah) Short Definition:
Mary, Miriam Definition: Mary, Miriam, (a) the mother of Jesus, (b) of ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3137.htm - 6k

Mary, Future Mother of Jesus, visits Elisabeth, Future Mother of ...
... Part First. The Period of Christ's Life Prior to His Ministry. VII. Mary, Future
Mother of Jesus, Visits Elisabeth, Future Mother of John the Baptist. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/vii mary future mother of.htm

The Birth of Mary the Holy Mother of God, and Very Glorious Mother ...
... The Birth of Mary the Holy Mother of God, and Very Glorious Mother of Jesus
Christ. The Birth of Mary the Holy Mother of God, and ...
/.../unknown/the protevangelium of james/the birth of mary the.htm

And Joseph Having Come to a Feast with his Sons...
... her sister Mary of Cleophas, whom the Lord God had given to her father Cleophas
and her mother Anna, because they had offered Mary the mother of Jesus to the ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of pseudo-matthew/chapter 42 and joseph having.htm

The Second Fall of Jesus.
... had an entrance in that street which Jesus traversed after ... stand at the entrance
mentioned above, with Mary and her ... The Mother of God was pale, her eyes were ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xxxii the second fall.htm

Of what John Learned from Jesus when Mary visited Elisabeth in the ...
... in the process of formation and in His mother's womb, approached ... that John is a voice
but that Jesus is the ... the Holy Spirit at the salutation of Mary there was ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/30 of what john learned.htm

Jesus is Born in Bethlehem
... CHAPTER II JESUS IS BORN IN BETHLEHEM. Mary, the mother of Jesus, lived
in the little town of Nazareth, among the hills of Galilee. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/the good shepherd/chapter ii jesus is born.htm

The Departure of Mary and the Holy Women of Calvary.
... The Mother of Jesus, accompanied by her niece, Mary (the daughter of Cleophas),
John, and Salome went quite up to the round platform; but Martha, Mary of Heli ...
/.../chapter xxxvii the departure of.htm

Mary in the House of Caiphas.
... Mary was with Jesus in spirit, and Jesus was with her; but this loving Mother
wished to hear with her own ear the voice of her Divine Son. ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xi mary in the.htm

Jesus and his Mother.
... ever was born. No mother was ever more to her infant than Mary was to
Jesus. She taught him all his first lessons. She gave him ...
/.../miller/personal friendships of jesus/chapter ii jesus and his.htm

The Brethren of the Lord.
... Twelve. 2. That these persons are found in all places, but one or two,
in immediate connection with Mary, the mother of Jesus. 3 ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the brethren of the lord.htm

What is the Gospel of Mary (Magdalene)? | GotQuestions.org

Was Mary sinless? Was Mary without sin? | GotQuestions.org

Why is Queen Mary I of England known as Bloody Mary? | GotQuestions.org

Mary: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus