Who Was Mary? The Mother of Jesus and the Vessel Through Whom the World Received Salvation

Mary was a young virgin from Nazareth, chosen by God to conceive Jesus through the Holy Spirit. She played an important role in the story of Jesus, as she was the mother of the Savior. Mary is an example of faith, obedience, and humility. Her figure highlights the essential role of women in God's plan to send Jesus to the earth.

Mary was a simple and humble woman, always willing to serve. When, in an appearance, the angel Gabriel told her that she would be the mother of the Savior, Mary felt afraid. However, she responded with faith and obedience: "Behold the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word."

Mary was blessed by God. She was chosen to be the mother of Jesus, not because of human merit, but by the grace of the Lord. Her faith and her heart full of love for God and others are profound examples for all those who follow Jesus.

There are no documents that speak about Mary’s age when she became pregnant with Jesus. However, scholars suggest she was between 14 and 16 years old, which was common among brides in her time. It is important to remember that, although she was betrothed to Joseph, they did not have relations, as the Scriptures state.

Mary accepted her mission with trust in God, knowing that He would guide her path. As a mother, she accompanied Jesus from His birth in Bethlehem to His crucifixion and resurrection. Her life reflects a journey of faith, sacrifice, and devotion, which inspires Christians to trust in God and follow His plan, regardless of the circumstances.

Relevant events in the life of Mary

The following are the most important events in the life of Mary:

• The announcement of the angel to Mary: The angel Gabriel visited Mary and announced that she would conceive and give birth to a son, Jesus, who would be called the Son of God. Mary accepted the mission with humility.

• Mary's visit to Elizabeth: Upon learning that her cousin Elizabeth was pregnant with John the Baptist, Mary went to visit her. When Mary, already pregnant with Jesus, arrived at Elizabeth's house, the baby in Elizabeth's womb leaped for joy. Elizabeth immediately recognized that Mary was carrying the Savior of the world.

• The birth of Jesus: Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem to participate in the mandatory census, and there, Mary gave birth to Jesus in a stable, placing Him in a manger.

• Presentation of Jesus in the temple: Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord, as required by the law. The prophet Simeon recognized Jesus as the Messiah.

• Flight to Egypt: Mary and Joseph had to flee to Egypt with Jesus after receiving a warning in a dream, as King Herod sought to kill the child.

• Jesus in the temple at 12 years old: When Jesus was 12, Mary and Joseph lost Him during a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. They found Him in the temple, speaking and asking questions to the teachers of the law.

• The wedding at Cana: During a wedding in Cana, Mary informed Jesus that the wine had run out. Jesus performed His first public miracle that day, turning water into wine.

• The mother and brothers of Jesus: Mary and the brothers of Jesus went to seek Him on one occasion. Jesus used the opportunity to teach about the true family of God.

• The crucifixion of Jesus: Mary was present at the foot of the cross during the crucifixion of Jesus. In His final moments, Jesus entrusted the care of His mother to the beloved disciple, John.

• She remained with the believers after the resurrection of Jesus: After Jesus' ascension, Mary is mentioned as part of the community of believers gathered to pray and wait for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

Bible study on Mary

The Annunciation of the Angel to Mary

Mary was alone the day the angel Gabriel appeared to her. Gabriel told her that she was very blessed and had been chosen by God for a great mission. Mary was surprised and a bit scared, but the angel reassured her, saying that she would give birth to a son, Jesus. The baby was the Son of God and the Savior of the world.

Upon hearing the news given by the angel Gabriel, Mary responded with humility and faith. She said, "Behold the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." (Luke 1:38). Mary accepted God's will without hesitation, even though she did not fully understand what it meant. That moment marks the beginning of Jesus' life on Earth, highlighting the importance of Mary's obedience and faith.

Mary's Visit to Elizabeth

Soon after receiving the news from the angel Gabriel, Mary went to visit her cousin Elizabeth. She lived in another town and was also miraculously pregnant. When Mary arrived, she greeted Elizabeth. At that moment, the baby Elizabeth was carrying, who was John the Baptist, leaped for joy.

Filled with the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth recognized that Mary was carrying the Savior and blessed her, saying she was very special for believing in God's promise. Mary's visit to Elizabeth shows the power of faith and the communion between people who trust in God.

In response to Elizabeth, Mary praised the Lord with a song, magnifying God's greatness and goodness:

The Birth of Jesus

Mary received a message from the angel Gabriel, who revealed to her that she would conceive through the Holy Spirit and that her son would be named Jesus.

Joseph, her betrothed, was confused when he learned that Mary was pregnant, but an angel also appeared to him in a dream. The angel explained that the baby was of the Holy Spirit and that Joseph should take Mary as his wife and care for her and the child. Joseph, being a righteous and obedient man, did as the angel instructed.

As the time for the birth of Jesus approached, Mary and Joseph had to travel to Bethlehem due to a census ordered by Caesar Augustus. When they arrived, they found that there was no room at the inns, as they were all full. They ended up finding refuge in a stable. It was there, in very humble conditions, that Mary gave birth to Jesus. She wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger.

The Savior of the world was born, fulfilling God's promises. The first people to visit Him were the shepherds, to whom the angels announced the birth of Jesus. Throughout her pregnancy, Mary played a crucial role. She accepted her mission with faith and cared for Jesus, showing dedication and obedience.

The Flight to Egypt

After the birth of Jesus, Mary and Joseph were warned in a dream about the danger King Herod posed to the child. Herod, fearing the loss of his throne, had ordered the killing of newborns in Bethlehem.

To protect Jesus, Mary and Joseph fled with Him to Egypt. They remained there until Herod's death, which occurred about two years later. When the threat had passed, they received new instructions from God to return to their homeland. The flight to Egypt was crucial to ensuring the safety and life of Jesus during His early years.

The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple

When Jesus was about 40 days old, Mary and Joseph took Him to the temple in Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord, as required by Jewish law. There, they met the prophet Simeon, to whom God had promised that he would see the Messiah before he died. Simeon, filled with the Holy Spirit, recognized Jesus as the Savior and praised God, saying that the child would be a light to the nations and the glory of Israel.

Mary listened to these words with reverence, knowing that God's plan was being fulfilled. Also present was the prophetess Anna, who gave thanks to God and spoke about Jesus to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. The presentation in the temple confirmed Jesus' mission and Mary's role as the mother of the Savior.

Jesus in the Temple at the Age of 12

When Jesus was 12 years old, Mary and Joseph went to Jerusalem for the Passover feast, as was customary. After the celebration, they began the journey back home, but Jesus stayed behind in the Temple without His parents knowing.

When Mary and Joseph realized He was missing, they became worried. They traveled back to Jerusalem and searched for Jesus for three days. Finally, they found Him in the Temple, speaking and teaching the teachers of the law with great wisdom.

Mary, somewhat distressed but relieved, asked Jesus why He had done this to them. Jesus responded that He had to be about His Father's business. Mary and Joseph did not fully understand His answer, but Mary treasured these words in her heart.

This episode shows that Jesus was beginning to fulfill His divine mission. In Mary, we see her devotion and concern as a mother, always seeking to understand God's purpose for her Son.

The Wedding at Cana: Jesus' First Miracle

Mary and Jesus were invited to a wedding in Cana of Galilee. During the celebration, the wine ran out, which was a major issue for the hosts.

Mary, noticing the situation, went to Jesus and told Him that the wine had run out. Although Jesus replied that His time had not yet come, Mary instructed the servants to do whatever Jesus told them.

Then Jesus asked them to fill six stone jars with water. When the jars were filled, He turned the water into fine wine. This was Jesus' first public miracle, which revealed His divinity and power.

Mary played an important role in this event by interceding and trusting in Jesus, showing faith in His power. Her action not only helped save the reputation of the groom but also marked the beginning of the public manifestation of Jesus' miracles.

The Mother and Brothers of Jesus

In Matthew 12, we read that on one occasion, Mary and the brothers of Jesus went to look for Him. Jesus was teaching in a house that was full of people. When they told Jesus that His mother and brothers were outside looking for Him, Jesus replied, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?" Then, pointing to His disciples, He explained that those who do the will of God are His true family.

Mary's role is significant because, by seeking Jesus, she and her children showed their concern and desire to be close to Him. However, Jesus used this moment to emphasize that the true family relationship with God is based on obedience and faith. In this way, Mary, by seeking Jesus, becomes part of a broader lesson about the nature of God's kingdom.

The Crucifixion of Jesus

During the crucifixion of Jesus, Mary was at the foot of the cross, facing immeasurable pain as she watched her son suffer. Even in the midst of so much suffering, Mary remained steadfast, expressing her deep and unshakable love for Jesus.

She was a witness to the agonizing moment when Jesus took upon Himself the sins of the world. In His final moments, Jesus looked at Mary. With great compassion, He entrusted her care to His beloved disciple John, saying, "Woman, here is your son," and to John, "Here is your mother." This gesture demonstrated Jesus' love for His mother. Jesus made sure that she was cared for by someone trustworthy.

Mary, with a broken heart, accepted this new role, showing her faith and obedience to God's plan, even amid the pain. She is an example of courage and devotion in the face of Christ's sacrifice.

Mary after the Resurrection of Jesus

After Jesus' ascension into heaven, Mary, His mother, remained among the first followers of Christ. She was part of the community of believers who gathered in Jerusalem to pray and wait for the fulfillment of Jesus' promise - the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

This event was significant because it marked the beginning of the Church and the training of the disciples and apostles for their mission. Mary's presence among the disciples showed her continued obedience and participation in God's plan, spreading the Gospel throughout the world and affirming the new Christian community.

What We Learn from the Life of Mary

The life of Mary, the mother of Jesus, teaches us important and inspiring lessons. First, it shows the value of faith and obedience to God. Mary accepted the mission of being the mother of the Savior with humility and courage, even in the face of great challenges and uncertainties. Even without knowing what might happen, she accepted the mission.

Through Mary, we also learn about the importance of dedication and perseverance. She stayed by Jesus’ side throughout His life, from His birth to His crucifixion, showing unwavering love and support. Her constant presence is an example of commitment and dedication to God.

Moreover, Mary is a model of service and humility. Despite her special position as the mother of Jesus, she always acted with humility and served others. Her life inspires us to seek a closer relationship with God, to obey His plans, and to live with faith and courage, even when facing difficulties.

Learn more about other biblical characters connected to the life of Mary:

• The Story of Jesus: His Life, Teachings, Death And Background
• The Story of King Herod (the Great)
• Who is the Angel Gabriel: Learn His Story (and His Appearances in the Bible)

Interested in learning more about other characters in the bible, click here Biblical Characters: Their Story, Characteristics, and Importance