Who is Mary? This question has been debated for centuries. Some view her as a faithful servant of God, while others elevate her to a status that includes worship and intercession. But what does the Bible say about Mary, and how should we understand her role in Christianity?
In this blog, we will explore who Mary was according to Scripture, her lineage and significance, and the difference between honoring Mary and worshiping her.
Who Was Mary According to Scripture?
Mary was a humble, faithful Jewish woman chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus Christ. Her obedience to God’s plan set her apart, but the Bible does not portray her as divine.
📖 Luke 1:28-30 – “The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.’ Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.’”
Mary’s faith and obedience serve as an example for all believers.
📖 Luke 1:38 – “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.”
Mary’s Lineage: A Fulfillment of Prophecy
Mary’s ancestry is significant because it confirms Jesus as the Messianic King.
📖 Jeremiah 23:5 – “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land.”
The Two Genealogies of Jesus
- Matthew 1:1-16 traces Jesus’ lineage through Joseph, His earthly father, securing His legal claim to David’s throne.
- Luke 3:23-38 is widely believed to trace Mary’s lineage, confirming Jesus’ biological connection to David.
Both genealogies affirm Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises:
✅ God’s promise to Abraham – Jesus would come from Abraham’s line to bless all nations (Genesis 12:3, Galatians 3:16).
✅ God’s covenant with David – The Messiah would rule forever (2 Samuel 7:12-13, Isaiah 9:7).
Mary was chosen not because she was sinless, but because of God’s divine plan to use her as part of His redemptive work.
Honoring Mary vs. Worshiping Mary
While Mary is honored as the mother of Jesus, the Bible makes it clear that worship belongs to God alone.
📖 Exodus 20:3-5 – “You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them.”
Why Do Some Pray to Mary?
Some Christian traditions, particularly Catholicism, teach that Mary can intercede on behalf of believers. However, Scripture clearly states that Jesus alone is our mediator.
📖 1 Timothy 2:5 – “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.”
The Bible never instructs believers to pray to Mary or any other human. Instead, we are called to pray directly to God through Jesus Christ.
📖 John 14:13-14 – “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”
Mary’s Humility & Her Own Need for a Savior
Even Mary herself acknowledged her need for a Savior.
📖 Luke 1:46-47 – “And Mary said: ‘My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.’”
This verse confirms that Mary was not sinless, nor was she divine—she, like everyone else, needed salvation through Christ.
What Can We Learn from Mary?
Although we do not worship Mary, she serves as a beautiful example of faith.
She displayed: Obedience: Mary trusted God’s plan without hesitation, even when it was unexpected and challenging. When the angel Gabriel told her that she would conceive the Son of God, she responded with faith and submission, saying, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:38).
Faith: Mary believed in the angel’s message even though it was beyond human understanding. She embraced the role given to her by God, showing deep trust in His promises. Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, affirmed Mary’s faith when she said, “Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” (Luke 1:45).
Humility: Mary never sought to elevate herself but instead recognized her need for a Savior. In her song of praise, often called the Magnificat, she declares, “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” (Luke 1:46-47). Her humility sets an example for all believers, pointing to God’s greatness rather than her own..
Mary was a godly woman, not a goddess. We can honor her without elevating her to a place she was never meant to hold.
Final Thoughts
Who is Mary? She was a faithful servant of God, the mother of Jesus, and a chosen vessel for God’s redemption plan. But she was not divine, and our prayers and worship should be directed to God alone.
📖 1 Timothy 2:5 – “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.”
Watch or Listen
The Radiant Mission Podcast | Episode 136
Host: Rebecca Twomey @theradiantmission
Thank you for listening to The Radiant Mission podcast! We are on a mission to encourage and inspire you on your walk with Christ and as you journey through life.
In Episode 136 we discuss Who is Mary? Explore her biblical role, lineage, and significance while understanding why we honor but do not worship her. Discover the truth about Mary and her place in Christianity.
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