Character Study Of Mary – The Virgin Mother Of Jesus Series

CHARACTER STUDY OF MARY – THE VIRGIN MOTHER OF JESUS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Luke 1:26-38

"And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus." (Luke 1:30-31)

Supporting Texts: Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 2:6-19, John 2:1-5, John 19:25-27, Acts 1:14

INTRODUCTION:

Mary, the mother of Jesus, is one of the most remarkable women in the Bible. She was a young Jewish virgin chosen by God to bear His Son, Jesus Christ. Her life reflects humility, faith, obedience, and devotion to God’s purpose.

Despite the challenges of being the mother of the Messiah, Mary remained steadfast in faith. She witnessed Jesus’ birth, ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection. Her character teaches us invaluable lessons on surrendering to God’s will, trusting in His promises, and remaining faithful in all circumstances.

1. MARY WAS FAVOURED AND CHOSEN BY GOD

a) She was highly favoured (Luke 1:28)

The angel Gabriel greeted Mary as "highly favoured," signifying God's special grace upon her life.

b) She was chosen to bear the Messiah (Luke 1:31-33)

Mary was entrusted with the great privilege of bringing the Saviour into the world.

c) She responded with humility and faith (Luke 1:38)

Despite not fully understanding, she submitted to God’s plan, saying, "Be it unto me according to thy word."

d) Her faith was affirmed by Elizabeth (Luke 1:42-45)

Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, confirmed Mary’s blessed status and faith in God’s word.

e) Biblical Example: Sarah was also chosen by God to bear Isaac in her old age, fulfilling His promise (Genesis 18:10-14).

2. MARY WAS A WOMAN OF GREAT FAITH AND OBEDIENCE

a) She believed in the impossible (Luke 1:34-37)

Though she was a virgin, she trusted God’s word that she would conceive by the Holy Spirit.

b) She obeyed God despite societal risks (Matthew 1:18-19)

As an unmarried woman, Mary risked disgrace, yet she obeyed God's calling.

c) She treasured God’s promises in her heart (Luke 2:19, 51)

Mary pondered the events of Jesus’ life, reflecting on God’s unfolding plan.

d) She instructed others to obey Jesus (John 2:5)

At the wedding in Cana, she told the servants, "Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it."

e) Biblical Example: Abraham displayed great faith by obeying God, even when asked to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22:1-12).

3. MARY ENDURED TRIALS AND SUFFERING WITH PATIENCE

a) She faced misunderstanding and rejection (Matthew 1:19-20)

Joseph initially planned to put her away secretly, but God reassured him in a dream.

b) She endured hardship at Jesus' birth (Luke 2:6-7)

Mary gave birth in a manger, showing her endurance through difficult circumstances.

c) She fled to Egypt for Jesus’ safety (Matthew 2:13-15)

Mary and Joseph had to escape King Herod’s plot to kill Jesus.

d) She bore the pain of Jesus’ suffering and death (John 19:25)

She stood at the cross, witnessing the agony of her Son's crucifixion.

e) Biblical Example: Job endured suffering but remained faithful to God (Job 1:20-22).

4. MARY WAS DEVOTED TO JESUS THROUGHOUT HIS LIFE

a) She cared for Him as a mother (Luke 2:41-51)

Mary and Joseph diligently raised Jesus according to Jewish customs and faith.

b) She sought to protect Him (Luke 2:48-50)

She anxiously searched for Him when He stayed behind in the temple as a boy.

c) She supported His ministry (John 2:1-5)

Mary encouraged Jesus to perform His first miracle at the wedding in Cana.

d) She remained with His disciples after His resurrection (Acts 1:14)

Mary was present among the early believers, praying and waiting for the Holy Spirit.

e) Biblical Example: Ruth demonstrated devotion to Naomi, choosing to stay with her despite challenges (Ruth 1:16-17).

5. MARY EXEMPLIFIED HUMILITY AND SUBMISSION TO GOD

a) She did not seek personal glory (Luke 1:46-48)

In her song of praise (Magnificat), Mary glorified God, acknowledging her lowly status.

b) She recognised God's sovereignty (Luke 1:49-50)

Mary exalted God's mighty works and His mercy toward those who fear Him.

c) She submitted fully to God’s plan (Luke 1:38)

Even with uncertainties, she embraced God's will wholeheartedly.

d) She relied on God's grace (Luke 1:51-55)

Mary understood that everything she experienced was because of God’s grace, not her merit.

e) Biblical Example: Hannah also humbly submitted to God's plan when she dedicated Samuel to the Lord (1 Samuel 1:27-28).

CONCLUSION:

Mary’s life teaches us the importance of faith, humility, obedience, endurance, and devotion to God. She was chosen to play a crucial role in God’s redemptive plan, yet she remained humble and faithful. Despite the trials she faced, she never wavered in her commitment to God’s purpose.

As believers, we must emulate Mary's faith and submission to God's will. Her story reminds us that God chooses ordinary people for extraordinary purposes. May we, like Mary, say, "Be it unto me according to thy word."