Question: "What does the Bible say
about the virgin Mary?"
Answer: Mary the mother of
Jesus was a woman who was described by God as “highly
favored” (Luke 1:28). The phrase “highly favored” comes from
a single Greek word, which essentially means “much grace.”
Mary received God’s grace. Grace is “unmerited favor,”
meaning that it something we receive despite the fact that
we do not deserve it. Mary needed grace from God, just as
the rest of us do. Mary herself understood this fact, as she
declared in Luke 1:47, “…and my spirit rejoices in God my
Savior…” Mary recognized that she needed to be saved, that
she needed God as her Savior. The Bible never says that Mary
was anyone but an ordinary human female whom God chose to
use in a extraordinary way. Yes, Mary was a righteous woman
and favored (graced) by God (Luke 1:27-28). At the same
time, Mary was also a sinful human being just like everyone
else – who needed Jesus Christ as her Savior, just like
everyone else (Ecclesiastes 7:20; Romans 3:23; 6:23 1 John
1:8).
Mary did not have an “immaculate
conception” – there is no Biblical reason to believe
Mary’s birth was anything but a normal human birth. Mary was
a virgin when she gave birth to Jesus (Luke 1:34-38), but
the idea of the
perpetual virginity of Mary is unbiblical.
Matthew 1:25, speaking of Joseph, declares, “But he had no
union with her UNTIL she gave birth to a son. And he gave
Him the name Jesus.” The word “until” clearly indicates that
Joseph and Mary did have sexual union after Jesus was born.
Joseph and Mary had several children together after Jesus
was born. Jesus had four half-brothers: James, Joseph,
Simon, and Judas (Matthew 13:55). Jesus also had
half-sisters but they are not named or numbered (Matthew
13:55-56). God blessed and graced Mary by giving her several
children, which in that culture, was the clearest indication
of God’s blessing on a woman.
Once when Jesus was speaking, a woman in the crowd
proclaimed, “Blessed is the womb that bore You and the
breasts at which You nursed” (Luke 11:27). There was never a
better opportunity for Jesus to declare that Mary was indeed
worthy of praise and adoration. What was Jesus’ response?
“On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God
and observe it” (Luke 11:28). To Jesus, obedience to God’s
Word was MORE IMPORTANT than being the woman who gave birth
to Him. Nowhere in Scripture does Jesus, or anyone else,
direct any praise, glory, or adoration towards Mary.
Elizabeth, Mary’s relative, praised Mary in Luke 1:42-44,
but her praise is based on the fact that Mary would give
birth to Jesus. It was not based on any inherent glory in
Mary.
Mary was there at the cross when Jesus died (John 19:25).
Mary was with the apostles on the day of Pentecost (Acts
1:14). However, Mary is never mentioned again after Acts
chapter 1. The Apostles nowhere give Mary a prominent role.
Mary’s death is not recorded in the Bible. Nothing is said
about Mary ascending to Heaven, or having any form of
exalted role in Heaven. Mary is to be respected as the
earthly mother of Jesus, but she is not worthy of our
worship or adoration. The Bible nowhere indicates that Mary
can hear our prayers, or that she can mediate for us with
God. Jesus is our only advocate and mediator in Heaven (1
Timothy 2:5). If offered worship, adoration, or prayers,
Mary would say the same as the angels: “Worship God!”
(Revelation 19:10; 22:9). Mary herself sets the example for
us, directing her worship, adoration, and praise to God
alone, “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in
God my Savior, for He has been mindful of the humble state
of His servant. From now on all generations will call me
blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me —
holy is His name” (Luke 1:46-49).