Topical Bible: Obedience: Mary

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Mary, the mother of Jesus, stands as a profound example of obedience in the biblical narrative. Her life and actions reflect a deep commitment to God's will, showcasing her as a model of faith and submission to divine authority.

The Annunciation and Mary's Response

The account of the Annunciation, found in the Gospel of Luke, highlights Mary's obedience. When the angel Gabriel appeared to her, announcing that she would conceive and bear the Son of God, Mary was initially troubled and questioned how this could be, given her virginity. Gabriel explained that the Holy Spirit would come upon her, and the power of the Most High would overshadow her (Luke 1:35). Despite the potential social and personal repercussions, Mary responded with remarkable faith and obedience: "I am the Lord’s servant. May it happen to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38). Her acceptance of God's plan, despite the uncertainties and challenges it presented, exemplifies her unwavering trust and submission to God's will.

Mary's Role in Jesus' Early Life

Mary's obedience continued throughout Jesus' early life. She and Joseph adhered to the Jewish customs and laws, presenting Jesus at the temple and offering sacrifices as prescribed (Luke 2:22-24). Her attentiveness to God's law and her role in nurturing Jesus in a devout Jewish household underscore her commitment to raising Him according to God's statutes.

The Wedding at Cana

Mary's obedience and faith are further illustrated at the wedding in Cana, where Jesus performed His first miracle. When the wine ran out, Mary informed Jesus of the situation, demonstrating her trust in His ability to address the need. Despite Jesus' initial response, "Woman, why does this concern us? My hour has not yet come" (John 2:4), Mary instructed the servants, "Do whatever He tells you" (John 2:5). Her directive to the servants reflects her confidence in Jesus' authority and her own obedience to His divine mission.

Mary at the Crucifixion

Mary's presence at the crucifixion of Jesus is a testament to her enduring obedience and faithfulness. Standing by the cross, she witnessed the fulfillment of Simeon's prophecy that a sword would pierce her own soul (Luke 2:35). Despite the immense sorrow and pain, Mary remained steadfast, embodying the obedience and devotion that characterized her life.

Mary in the Early Church

After Jesus' resurrection and ascension, Mary continued to demonstrate her obedience by joining the disciples in prayer and fellowship. Acts 1:14 notes, "They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers." Her presence in the early Christian community highlights her ongoing commitment to God's work and her role in the nascent Church.

Mary's life, marked by her obedience to God's will, serves as an enduring example of faith and submission. Her willingness to embrace God's plan, despite the personal cost, underscores the profound trust and devotion that define her character in the biblical narrative.

Nave's Topical Index

Luke 1:38
And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it to me according to your word. And the angel departed from her.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Of the Wonderful ChapterHeld by St Francis at St Mary of the ...
... Seeing the friars all seated in the plain round St Mary of the Angels ... most devoutly,
he comforted the brethren, encouraging them to holy obedience, to reverence ...
/.../the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter xviii of the wonderful.htm

The Relationship we have with Christ through Obedience.
... Obedience to God makes us one with God. Mary was the mother of Jesus after the flesh,
but God's children enjoy such a relation after the spirit. ...
/.../orr/how to live a holy life/the relationship we have with.htm

A Comparison is Instituted Between the Disobedient and Sinning Eve ...
... disobedience which had occurred in connection with a tree, through the obedience
which was ... means of the truth [spoken] by the angel to the Virgin Mary, who was ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xix a comparison is instituted.htm

Christ Assumed Actual Flesh, Conceived and Born of the virgin.
... not they Him. And thus also it was that the knot of Eve's disobedience
was loosed by the obedience of Mary. For what the virgin ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxii christ assumed actual flesh.htm

Man's Inability to Keep the Moral Law
... commentary upon God's law. The Virgin Mary's obedience was not perfect; she
needed Christ's blood to wash her tears. Aaron was to make ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/3 1 mans inability to keep.htm

Shewing How a Simple and Ready Obedience is the Only Means of for ...
... You will know that Obedience is a ready way to arrive quickly at Perfection: tis ...
The Lord often-times manifested to that venerable Mother Ann Mary of S. Joseph ...
/.../the spiritual guide which disentangles the soul/chap ix shewing how a.htm

How St Clare Ate with St Francis and his Companions at St Mary of ...
... Assisi and of Bettona, and all the country round about, saw St Mary of the ... thee to
some other convent"; and she, like a daughter of holy obedience, had answered ...
/.../ugolino/the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter xv how st clare.htm

The Objection Taken on the Ground of the Son's Obedience is ...
... first shown that He was man, in order that we might understand that obedience unto
death ... taken His place in the form of man, He was subject to Joseph and Mary. ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter x the objection taken.htm

To Monna Catarina of the Hospital and to Giovanna Di Capo in Siena
... In the Name of Jesus Christ crucified and of sweet Mary: ... This obedience and love
will dissipate all your suffering and gloom; for obedience removes the thing ...
/.../benincasa/letters of catherine benincasa/to monna catarina of the.htm

The Nativity
... His pain and hesitation, his consideration for Mary, the divine communication to
him, and his obedience to it, embarrassing as his position must have been ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the nativity.htm