Women in Christ's Ministry
Mary, Mother of Jesus
The Virgin, Bearer of the Messiah
Description
Chosen to bear the Son of God, Mary's humble submission ('Behold the handmaid of the Lord') exemplifies godly surrender to divine will. Her Magnificat displays deep knowledge of Scripture and understanding of God's redemptive purposes.Mary's perpetual virginity, venerated in some traditions, finds no biblical support. Scripture mentions Christ's brothers and sisters (Matthew 13:55-56). While worthy of honor as the Messiah's mother, Mary herself acknowledged her need for a Savior (Luke 1:47).
Key Verses
And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
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,
For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.