The Bible has a good amount to say about Mary, the mother of Jesus. Though she is not mentioned frequently, she plays an important role in several key events in the life of Christ and the early church. Here is an overview of the biblical evidence regarding Mary:
Mary’s background
The Gospels tell us that Mary was a young virgin girl living in Nazareth and betrothed to a man named Joseph (Luke 1:26-27). Though they were not yet married, a betrothal in that culture carried many of the same expectations of faithfulness and commitment as a full marriage.
Mary is identified as a relative of Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist (Luke 1:36). Some traditions hold that Mary and Elizabeth were cousins, but the Bible does not specify their exact relationship. Mary seems to have some familiarity with Elizabeth’s family, as she stays with them for the final months of Elizabeth’s pregnancy after receiving the news of her own miraculous conception (Luke 1:39-56).
The annunciation
The story of the annunciation describes the angel Gabriel appearing to Mary and declaring that she will give birth to the Son of God (Luke 1:26-38). This account highlights several key things about Mary:
- She was “highly favored” by God to bear the Savior (v. 28).
- She was troubled and afraid at the angel’s greeting (v. 29).
- She questioned how she could get pregnant while still a virgin (v. 34).
- She accepted God’s calling after Gabriel explained, replying “I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (v. 38).
This passage emphasizes Mary’s godly character and willingness to embrace an incredibly demanding calling. Though taken aback at first, she accepts God’s plan for her with courage and humility.
The visitation
After receiving the news from Gabriel, Mary goes to visit her relative Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-56). Elizabeth is six months pregnant with John at the time. When Mary greets her, John leaps in Elizabeth’s womb and she is filled with the Holy Spirit and pronounces a blessing on Mary and the baby she carries. Mary responds with a song of praise to God, commonly called the Magnificat.
This account reveals Mary’s faith and joy in what God is doing through her. Her visit encourages Elizabeth, and their meeting prompts rich praise and worship. Though Mary faces a difficult road ahead, she is strengthened through Christian community.
The birth of Jesus
The Gospels of Matthew and Luke both describe the actual birth of Jesus. Luke includes more details, depicting Mary and Joseph’s trip to Bethlehem while she was heavily pregnant (Luke 2:1-7). Jesus is born in a stable and laid in a manger, as there was no guest room available. This reflects the humble and lowly circumstances of Christ’s birth into the world.
Matthew’s account doesn’t mention Mary’s name specifically, but references “his mother Mary” (Matthew 1:18) earlier when describing her pregnancy. He includes the visit of the Magi some time later at “the house” where they were staying, not at the stable (Matthew 2:11). Together, the accounts paint a picture of a difficult journey and modest conditions for the arrival of the Savior.
Early life of Jesus
The Gospels narrate several stories that feature Mary in the early years of Jesus’ life:
- Mary and Joseph present the infant Jesus at the temple in Jerusalem to consecrate him to the Lord (Luke 2:22-38). They encounter Simeon and Anna, who praise God for the promise this child represents.
- Magi from the east visit Jesus after observing his star. Mary and the child later flee to Egypt to escape King Herod’s persecution (Matthew 2:13-18).
- After returning from Egypt, the family settles in Nazareth where Jesus grows and becomes strong (Luke 2:39-40).
- When Jesus is twelve, he and his parents travel to Jerusalem for Passover. On the return home, Jesus stays behind teaching at the temple before being found by his concerned parents (Luke 2:41-52). Mary treasures these experiences in her heart.
These accounts reinforce Mary’s devotion in raising the young Messiah. She faces moments of great joy and troubling peril. She nurtures Jesus through his development and continues to marvel at the mysteries surrounding her son.
Wedding at Cana
Mary is present at a wedding feast in Cana with Jesus and his disciples (John 2:1-12). When the wine supply runs short, she tells Jesus and prompts him to perform his first public miracle, turning water into wine. This shows her thoughtful concern for others and promptness to involve Jesus in meeting everyday needs.
Jesus’ public ministry
As Jesus begins preaching and performing miracles across Judea, Mary is mentioned on a couple key occasions:
- While Jesus is teaching inside a house, Mary and his brothers are unable to reach him due to the crowds. Jesus uses this moment to emphasize spiritual connections over earthly ties (Mark 3:31-35; Luke 8:19-21).
- When Jesus declares that all who do God’s will are his true spiritual family, someone calls out “Blessed is the womb that bore you and the breasts at which you nursed!” Jesus replies by emphasizing that blessing comes through obedience to God’s word rather than biological ties (Luke 11:27-28).
These interactions illustrate that Mary’s earthly relationship to Jesus does not automatically indicate spiritual blessing. Her unique role as His mother did not earn her special privileges or greater access. Like all followers of Christ, she had to rely on faith and obedience rather than physical descent.
At the cross
Mary is depicted as being present during Jesus’ crucifixion in John’s gospel:
Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home. (John 19:25-27)
This scene displays Mary’s great grief in losing her son. Jesus arranges for the Apostle John to care for her, not any of his half-brothers. This may imply that Mary’s other children were not believers at this point.
After Jesus’ ascension
Mary gathers with the apostles and other followers to devote themselves to prayer after Jesus ascends to heaven (Acts 1:12-14). This is the last mention of Mary in the Bible. She joins the earliest church community gathered in Jerusalem, likely adding her own stories and insights about Jesus as the fledgling church developed.
The Book of Acts focuses on the growth of the church through the apostles’ preaching and the coming of the Spirit rather than Mary’s role specifically. But her presence with this group shows that she remained firmly dedicated to Christ after his death and resurrection.
Mary’s perpetual virginity
The Catholic doctrine of Mary’s perpetual virginity asserts that Mary remained a virgin her entire life even after giving birth to Jesus. Some evidence used to support this includes:
- The absence of any mention of Mary and Joseph having children together after Jesus.
- Referring to Jesus’ brothers as Joseph’s children from a previous marriage.
- The early church’s emphasis on Mary’s virginity.
However, Protestants and most Bible scholars consider the perpetual virginity belief to be unfounded. Key biblical evidence against it includes:
- Matthew 1:25 states Joseph had no relations with Mary “until she had given birth to a son.” This implies relations occurred after Jesus’ birth.
- Jesus is repeatedly referred to as Mary’s “firstborn son” (Luke 2:7), implying other children followed.
- Matthew 13:55-56 references Jesus’ brothers – James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas – and mentions his sisters.
- Galatians 1:19 refers to James as the Lord’s brother.
The most natural way to interpret these passages is that Mary and Joseph had children together normally after the virgin birth of Jesus.
Mary’s immaculate conception
The Catholic doctrine of Mary’s immaculate conception teaches that Mary herself was conceived free from original sin inherited from Adam. However, scripture says nothing to indicate Mary was granted any unique grace or sinlessness from birth. What made Mary special was her chosen role in bearing the Son of God, not an immaculate conception. Any grace she received from God came after her birth, not before.
Mary as an intercessor or co-redemptrix
The Catholic church has also progressively elevated Mary’s importance, at times promoting her as a mediator, intercessor, and co-redemptrix alongside Christ. However, in scripture Mary never claims special privileges or spiritual powers for herself. Her recorded words instead magnify God for looking upon her lowliness (Luke 1:46-55). Neither Mary nor any other saint serves as a mediator between God and man. The Bible clearly states, “there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5).
Scripture commands us to pray to God alone. The vibrant prayer life of the early church always focused on the Father, Son, and Spirit. Nowhere are believers instructed to pray to Mary or other saints. Any reliance on Mary detracts from the sufficiency of Christ’s atonement.
Mary as a model of faith
Without question, Mary stands as an exemplary model of obedience and submission to God. Her humble willingness to become “the Lord’s servant” despite social pressures and personal struggles speaks volumes (Luke 1:38). Many truths we can learn from Mary’s godly example include:
- Faith accepts God’s plans though they seem impossible (Luke 1:34-37).
- Worship responds from a soul astonished by God’s grace (Luke 1:46-55).
- Sacrifice flows from a spirit devoted to God’s glory (Mark 3:31-35).
- Love affirms Christ’s lordship over earthly ties (John 2:5).
- Perseverance remains steadfast through suffering (John 19:25).
In each season of her life, Mary surrendered fully to God’s purpose and embraced his call on her life. Though a virtuous woman, she points us to Christ – not to herself – as the true hope of Israel and redeemer of the world.
Mary matters because of Jesus
Mary’s story in scripture closely connects with the coming of Christ. Her role carries special value because of what God accomplished through her as Jesus’ mother. Mary does not overshadow her Son, but aids our understanding of the incarnation and God’s plan of redemption.
Above all, Mary’s heartfelt praise bears repeated study:
“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior….For he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.” (Luke 1:46, 49)
The Bible calls us to stand in awe of the One who did great things for Mary – and who desires to do great things through each of us as well.