Mary, Jesus’ mother

Mary, the mother of Jesus, gives us a remarkable example of humbly embracing God’s will, rather than seeking fame and influence. Her life story extends far beyond the Christmas stories of Jesus’ conception and birth. She follows Jesus throughout his ministry, even to the cross and then to the day of Pentecost. Her testimony of faithful endurance still speaks to us today

Mary’s Obedience

When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and called her blessed (Luke 1:26-38), she was likely a young teenager living in Nazareth, an out-of-the-way town in Galilee. She had no wealth, no social standing, or a powerful family. Yet God chose her to be the earthly mother of His Son.

When Gabriel told her she was chosen, Mary’s first words were not of doubt, but of curious wonder, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” (Luke 1:34). She did not resist God’s plan. She simply wanted to understand it. And Gabriel’s answer that the Holy Spirit would come upon her was enough for her to respond with a beautiful declaration of faith. (Luke 1:38)

But Mary’s “yes” to God came with very real costs. In her culture, an unwed pregnancy brought severe shame, rejection, and even danger. Joseph had every right to end their engagement, and even to publicly shame her, or worse, have her stoned. Yet her faith was rewarded when Joseph, warned by the angel, believed her, protected her, and married her.

Mary’s Faithfulness

We know little about Mary’s life before Jesus began his ministry. We assume that Joseph died, and that Jesus’ younger siblings were all adults by then. Mary reentered the story just as Jesus began his public ministry at a wedding in Cana. There, she convinced Jesus to perform his first miracle by turning water into wine and saving the feast. (John 2:1-11)

Throughout Jesus’ three-year public ministry, Mary occasionally appeared in a supportive role. But she never tried to take control or exert influence on Jesus or his followers. In the end, she faithfully followed Jesus and wept at the foot of the cross as her precious son, heralded by angels and promised by God, died a horrible death before her.

At the crucifixion, Jesus entrusted the care of his mother to the Apostle John, and she likely went to live in his home. The Gospels do not record when or how Mary spoke with Jesus after his resurrection. But it seems likely that she did. Even so, she remained at the heart of the early church and was seen praying with the disciples just before Pentecost. (Acts 1:14)

Mary’s Lessons for Us

While Mary has been venerated by many throughout history, it is her calm, quiet faith that draws us to her. Rather than worshiping her, what can we learn from her quiet faith about living a Christ-centered life in a chaotic world?

Trusting Faith – Mary shows us how God calls humble, ordinary people to serve Him in ways we could never do in our own strength. We don’t need status to be used by God. God wants our availability. Her willingness to say “yes” before she knew any of the details is a model for our own walk of faith. How is God calling you today?

Active Faith – Mary’s faith was not passive. It was quietly active. She carried the Son of God in her womb while navigating a life filled with whispers, accusations, and dangers. She reminds us that true faith is not the absence of fear. It is the quiet decision to trust God and His Word in the face of fear and uncertainty. What fear are you facing today?

Sacrificial Faith – Mary was willing to sacrifice everything in obedience to God’s call. Imagine telling Joseph or her parents about the mysterious pregnancy without knowing what would happen. Imagine living with all the expectations of Jesus and then seeing him die on that cross. Yet, in the end, we see her faith rewarded as she became part of the movement that changed the world.

Is God calling you into an act of faith that has no readily apparent outcome? Can you trust Him with that outcome today?