Topical Encyclopedia
Introduction:The Virgin Mary, also known as Mary of Nazareth, holds a central role in Christian theology as the mother of Jesus Christ. Her life and character are depicted in the New Testament, where she is portrayed as a model of faith and obedience to God. Mary is venerated for her purity and her willingness to accept God's will, making her a significant figure in Christian history and doctrine.
Biblical Account:Mary's account begins in the Gospels, where she is introduced as a young woman betrothed to Joseph. The angel Gabriel visits her with a divine message, announcing that she will conceive a son by the Holy Spirit. This event is known as the Annunciation. In
Luke 1:28-31 , Gabriel greets her, saying, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." Mary responds with humility and faith, accepting her role in God's plan: "I am the Lord’s servant. May it happen to me according to your word" (
Luke 1:38).
The Virgin Birth:The doctrine of the Virgin Birth is a cornerstone of Christian belief, affirming that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. This miraculous event is prophesied in
Isaiah 7:14 and fulfilled in the New Testament.
Matthew 1:23 cites this prophecy: "Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel" (which means, "God with us").
Mary's Role in Jesus' Life:Mary is present at several key moments in Jesus' life. She gives birth to Him in Bethlehem, as recounted in
Luke 2:6-7 : "While they were there, the time came for her Child to be born. And she gave birth to her firstborn Son." She is also present at the wedding in Cana, where Jesus performs His first miracle (
John 2:1-11). Mary is depicted as a supportive and nurturing figure, deeply involved in her Son's earthly ministry.
Mary at the Crucifixion and Resurrection:Mary's presence at the crucifixion of Jesus is a testament to her enduring faith and love. In
John 19:25-27 , she stands by the cross, witnessing her Son's suffering. Jesus, in His final moments, entrusts her to the care of the beloved disciple, saying, "Woman, here is your son," and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." This act underscores the deep bond between Jesus and Mary.
Mary in Early Church Tradition:After the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, Mary is mentioned among the disciples in the upper room, praying and waiting for the Holy Spirit (
Acts 1:14). Her presence in the early Christian community highlights her continued influence and importance in the nascent Church.
Theological Significance:Mary's role as the Theotokos, or "God-bearer," is a profound theological concept, emphasizing her unique position in salvation history. Her willingness to accept God's plan exemplifies perfect discipleship and obedience. Mary's perpetual virginity, a belief held by many Christian traditions, underscores her purity and dedication to God.
Veneration and Legacy:Throughout Christian history, Mary has been venerated as a model of holiness and virtue. Her life inspires countless believers to pursue a deeper relationship with God. Artistic depictions, hymns, and prayers dedicated to Mary reflect her enduring impact on Christian spirituality and devotion.
Conclusion:The Virgin Mary remains a pivotal figure in Christianity, revered for her faith, humility, and role in the divine plan of salvation. Her life and legacy continue to inspire and guide believers in their spiritual journey.
Topical Bible Verses
Isaiah 7:14Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Topicalbible.orgLuke 1:35
And the angel answered and said to her, The Holy Ghost shall come on you, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow you: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of you shall be called the Son of God.
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Matthew 1:25
And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
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Matthew 1:18-25
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
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Matthew 1:20
But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph, you son of David, fear not to take to you Mary your wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
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Luke 1:38
And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it to me according to your word. And the angel departed from her.
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Acts 1:14
These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.
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John 19:27
Then said he to the disciple, Behold your mother! And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.
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Greek
1097. ginosko -- to come to know, recognize, perceive... 1097 ("experientially know") is used for example in Lk 1:34, "And
Mary [a
virgin]
said to the angel, 'How will this be since I do not (1097 = sexual intimacy
...Library
The Life of the BlessedVirgin Mary
The Life of the BlessedVirgin Mary. <. The Life of the BlessedVirgin Mary
Anne Catherine Emmerich. Table of Contents. Title Page. TABLE OF CONTENTS....
The Death of the Blessedvirgin Mary at Ephesus
The Life of the BlessedVirgin Mary. <.... XVIII. THE DEATH OF THE BLESSED
VIRGIN MARY AT EPHESUS. The following communications...
Thevirgin Mary's Song; Or, the Promised Messiah Born, Luke 1 46...
... Hymns. Book 1. Hymn 1:60. Thevirgin Mary's song; or, The promised Messiah
born, Luke 1. 46 &c. 1 Our souls shall magnify the Lord...
The Epistle of Ignatius to theVirgin Mary
The Epistle of Ignatius to theVirgin Mary. <.... Title Page. The Epistle of Ignatius
to theVirgin Mary. Her friend Ignatius to the Christ-bearingMary....
The Blessedvirgin Mary May have Lived Without Sin. None of the...
... A Treatise on nature and grace, against pelagius; Chapter 42 [XXXVI.]"
The BlessedVirgin Mary May Have Lived Without Sin. None...
Thevirgin Mary's Song. Luke 1:46Ff.
... HYMNS AND SPIRITUAL SONGS IN THREE BOOKS. HYMN 60 TheVirgin Mary's song.
Luke 1:46ff. LM TheVirgin Mary's song. Luke 1:46ff....
The Blessed and Glorious Ever-virgin Mary, Sprung from the Royal...
... Chapter 1. The blessed and glorious ever-virgin Mary, sprung from the
royal stock and family of David? The blessed and glorious...
A Comparison is Instituted Between the Disobedient and Sinning Eve...
... Against Heresies: Book V Chapter XIX."A comparison is instituted between the
disobedient and sinning Eve and theVirgin Mary, her patroness....
The Ineffable Mystery of the Birth of Christ the Mediator through...
... Chapter 34."The Ineffable Mystery of the Birth of Christ the Mediator Through
theVirgin Mary. Now of this Mediator it would occupy...
St. Ambrose Having Set Forth thevirgin Mary as a Pattern for Life...
... Book II. Chapter III. St. Ambrose having set forth theVirgin Mary as a
pattern for life? St. Ambrose having set forth theVirgin...
Resources
How accurate was the virginity test mentioned in Deuteronomy 22? | GotQuestions.orgWho is the Lady of Guadalupe? Were the apparitions of Mary at Guadalupe real? | GotQuestions.orgWhy wasn't Jesus named Immanuel? | GotQuestions.orgVirgin: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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