Dictionary of Bible Themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes » 5000 Humanity » 5070 Individuals in OT and NT » 5099 Mary, mother of Jesus Christ
Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, provides Christians with an example of obedience to God and trust in Christ. She shared in the sufferings of her son, and took her place alongside the other disciples.
Mary's background
She was from Nazareth
Luke 1:26; Luke 2:39,51
She was related to Elizabeth, a descendant of Aaron
Luke 1:5,36
Possibly descended from David
Luke 1:32
She was betrothed to Joseph
Luke 1:27
She was a virgin
Luke 1:34
The Greek word translated “virgin” means “young”, “unmarried” and implies virginity. Betrothal might take place as early as 12 years old and lasted usually for a year, being as binding as a marriage contract, though without sexual relations.
See also
Isaiah 7:14;
Matthew 1:23
The events in Mary's life leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ
The annunciation
Luke 1:30-31
Mary's response of submission and obedience
Luke 1:38
The Magnificat expresses Mary's wonder and joy
See also
Luke 1:46-55
Elizabeth's response to Mary
Luke 1:42-45
Mary, the mother
The birth of Jesus Christ
Luke 2:4-16
Her memories
Luke 2:51
Jesus Christ's circumcision and presentation
Luke 2:21-24
Joseph and Mary were poor and they could not afford to offer a lamb (see Lev 12:8).
The flight to Egypt
Matthew 2:14
Her other children
Matthew 13:55-56 pp
Mark 6:3
Her anxieties
Luke 2:48
Her doubts about Jesus Christ
Mark 3:20-21,31
She could not dominate Jesus Christ
Mark 3:34-35 pp
Matthew 12:48-50 pp
Luke 8:19-21;
John 2:4
Mary, the disciple
Mary acknowledges Jesus Christ's authority
John 2:5
At the wedding at Cana.
Mary at the cross
John 19:25
Many Christians see this as the poignant fulfilment of Simeon's prophecy in Lk 2:35.
Mary in Jesus Christ's family
John 19:26-27
Mary praying with other disciples
Acts 1:14
See also
2515 Christ, birth of
2520 Christ, childhood
2525 Christ, cross of
2535 Christ, family of
2595 incarnation
5740 virgin
7334 circumcision
