Mary
Mother of Jesus
The virgin mother of Jesus — handmaid of the Lord, whose womb received the eternal Word made flesh.
Mary of Nazareth, betrothed to Joseph, received the angel Gabriel's announcement that she would bear the Son of the Highest by the Holy Ghost (Luke 1:26-38). Her humble answer — 'Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word' (1:38 KJV) — opened the door for the incarnation.
Her Story
Mary visited Elizabeth and sang the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55), then bore Jesus in Bethlehem (Luke 2). She pondered all the events in her heart, fled to Egypt, returned to Nazareth, and watched her son grow 'in wisdom and stature.' At Cana she prompted His first miracle (John 2). At the cross she stood while a sword pierced her own soul (Luke 2:35; John 19:25-27). In Acts 1:14 she was with the disciples in the upper room, waiting for the Spirit.
What Scripture Teaches
- 1Virgin of Nazareth, betrothed to Joseph (Luke 1:27)
- 2Conceived Jesus by the Holy Ghost (Luke 1:35)
- 3Sang the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55)
- 4Bore Jesus in Bethlehem (Luke 2:7)
- 5Stood by the cross (John 19:25-27)
- 6In the upper room at Pentecost (Acts 1:14)
Key KJV Scriptures
"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 Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her."
"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."
Why It Matters
Mary is the model believer — a young woman who heard God's word, believed it, and surrendered her body and future to its accomplishment. Through her the eternal Son took our flesh.
Application for Today
Say with Mary, 'Be it unto me according to thy word.' Faith does not always understand; it consents. God still chooses the humble to carry His glory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Mary remain a virgin after Jesus' birth?
The KJV plainly names Jesus' brothers and sisters (Matthew 13:55-56), and Matthew 1:25 says Joseph 'knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son' — implying normal marital union afterward. Mary's unique honour is the virgin conception, not perpetual virginity.
Should Christians pray to Mary?
Scripture nowhere teaches prayer to Mary or any saint. The KJV directs every prayer to God the Father through the one Mediator, Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 2:5). Mary herself worshipped 'God my Saviour' (Luke 1:47).
What was the Magnificat?
Mary's song in Luke 1:46-55, named for its first Latin word ('magnificat'). It exalts God for scattering the proud, lifting the lowly, and remembering His covenant with Abraham — echoing Hannah's prayer in 1 Samuel 2.
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