Bible Figure
Mary
mother of Jesus Christ
Mary was the mother of Jesus Christ. A young Jewish woman living in Nazareth and betrothed to Joseph, she received Gabriel's announcement that she would conceive by the Holy Spirit and bear the promised Son. Mary responded in faith, gave birth to Jesus at Bethlehem, raised Him in Nazareth, followed key events of His ministry, stood near the cross, and was later present with the disciples after the ascension.
Biography
Mary enters the Gospel narrative in Luke 1 when the angel Gabriel is sent to Nazareth. Though a virgin betrothed to Joseph, she is told that she will conceive by the Holy Spirit and that her son Jesus will be called the Son of the Most High and receive David's throne. Mary accepts God's word and visits her relative Elizabeth, where her praise of God is preserved in the Magnificat. She travels with Joseph to Bethlehem, gives birth to Jesus, and lays Him in a manger. Shepherds visit, and later Matthew records the visit of the Magi and the family's flight to Egypt under Joseph's protection. Luke records Mary's participation in Jesus' circumcision and presentation at the Temple, where Simeon foretells that a sword will pierce her own soul. When Jesus is twelve, Mary and Joseph find Him in the Temple after searching for Him. During Jesus' adult ministry Mary appears at the wedding at Cana, where Jesus performs His first sign in John's Gospel, and she is mentioned with Jesus' brothers on other occasions. At the crucifixion she stands near the cross, where Jesus entrusts her to the beloved disciple. Acts 1:14 places Mary with the apostles and other believers in prayer after Jesus' ascension. Scripture does not narrate her later life or death.
Biblical Significance
Mary occupies a unique place in biblical history as the woman chosen by God to bear the incarnate Son. Her response to Gabriel models humble faith and submission to God's word. The virgin conception testifies that Jesus' coming is God's saving act, while Mary's presence from His birth through the cross links the incarnation with the Passion. Scripture honors her as blessed among women while consistently directing ultimate attention to the identity and work of her Son.