MARY OF NAZARETH, MOTHER OF JESUS

Scripture references:  Matthew 1; 2; 12:46–50; 13:55; Mark 3:31–35; Luke 1; 2; 8:19, 20; John 2:1–11; 7:5; 19:25–27; Acts 1:14. See also pages 163–64.   Bible Search Tool

Date:  5 b.c.

Name:  Mary [in the Hebrew “Miriam”, meaning “rebellion”]

Main contribution:  Mary gave birth to Jesus, the Savior.

When Mary was a teenager betrothed to a man named Joseph, the angel Gabriel announced to her that she had been chosen by God to give birth to the promised Messiah. Mary responded with simple faith, accepting the privileged role despite the fact that her pregnancy would seem to Joseph to mark unfaithfulness and might mark her as a harlot in her community. God guarded Mary’s reputation and sent the angel to speak to Joseph.   It is interesting to note that although her name means “rebellion”, she was faithfully obedient to the Lord. Continue Reading Here