Mary, the mother of Jesus
Israelite / Jew Jewish, of Nazareth in Galilee · Life of Christ · New Testament
- Also called
- Mary
- Name means
- Greek form of the Hebrew name Miriam
- Role
- Virgin chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus
- When
- c. 6-4 BC (birth of Jesus) to the early church
What they did
The angel Gabriel told her she would conceive by the Holy Ghost and bear the Son of the Highest; she humbly accepted, sang the Magnificat, stood by the cross, and prayed with the disciples after the ascension.
Why it matters: the purpose of their role
Through her willing faith God's Son took on human flesh, fulfilling the promise of a virgin-born Saviour; she is a lasting example of humble trust and obedience.
And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. Luke 1:38 (KJV)
Bible references
And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. Luke 1:26-31 (KJV)
And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. Luke 1:38 (KJV)
And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. Luke 1:46-48 (KJV)
But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. Luke 2:19 (KJV)
Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. John 19:25-27 (KJV)
These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. Acts 1:14 (KJV)
Family
- Spouse(s)
- Joseph
- Children
- Jesus; James, Joses, Simon, Judas and sisters are called the brethren of Jesus (Matthew 13:55-56; traditions differ on the relationship)
Elisabeth is called her cousin (Luke 1:36, KJV). From the cross Jesus entrusted her to the care of the disciple whom he loved (John 19:26-27).