What are some of the things about Mary that demonstrated her humanity as well as her trust in God?

Just like many other women in the Bible, Mary was a humble servant of God and put her faith in him.  

Characteristics of Mary the Mother of Jesus

What were Mary’s characteristics? 

Mary was humble, courageous, trusting, reflective, and obedient.

Facts about Mary the Mother of Jesus

Enjoy these 10 facts about Mary the mother of Jesus to inspire you this Christmas season.

1. Mary was chosen by God

Mary didn’t ask to be the mother of the Messiah. She was chosen. The angel, Gabriel, appeared to her and told her that she was to be the mother of the Messiah. 

God can choose whomever he pleases!

2. Mary was a young woman.

At the time of the birth of Jesus, Mary was estimated to be around 14 years old. Pretty crazy, right?  People just did not live as long back then, and then tended to get married much, much younger. 

So essentially, Mary was a teenager when she gave birth to the savior of the world!  

If God can use a teenager to carry his own son, then I think we shouldn’t underestimate what God can do through today’s youth.

3. Mary was humble.

I think if God had chosen me to be the mother of Jesus, I would not have had the same humble spirit that Mary demonstrated. And perhaps maybe this is one reason why God chose her.

4. Mary was human.

While Mary was a great woman of the Bible, at the end of the day, she was merely a human.  Mary herself was not the savior of the world.  It’s important that you do not pray to Mary. Jesus never teaches us this practice, nor will you see it anywhere in the Bible. 

Yes, Mary was a noble and virtuous woman, but there is no reason to pray to her.

There is a significant difference in the Bible vs. the **Catholic Bible.

5. Mary obeyed God.

Mary’s response to Gabriel was powerful!  She didn’t say, “No lord, I won’t do this.” She doesn’t worry about what will “happen” to her reputation.

Instead, Mary obeyed God — no matter the cost.

What is something God is calling you to do? Can you obey him no matter what the repercussions might be?

6. Mary had courage.

I remember when I was pregnant for the first time. I was scared. I was scared, and yet I live in an age and place where I have access to safe and affordable healthcare.  I even gave birth by having an epidural– so my pain was minimal.

But here Mary is, pregnant in ancient Israel.  She had to travel far to give birth to Jesus – and ended up doing so in a barn (stable).  

Mary followed the plan God had on her life courageously!

7. Mary was poor.

In the Bible, God often uses people that one wouldn’t expect.  Mary was no exception.  She was young and poor, but God still chose her to carry his son.  He can use the “least of these” in the mightiest ways!

I have been surprised how God has used me as a writer.  I studied music education while I was in school, I never once dreamed that I would be the author of a successful Christian ministries blog. 

Don’t be surprised in how God decided to use and anoint you!

8. Mary was related to Elizabeth.

“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

³⁵ The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called^[a] the Son of God. ³⁶ Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. ³⁷ For no word from God will ever fail.”

³⁸ “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

Luke 1: 34-38

 Mary wondered how was she going to give birth, since she was a virgin. The angel replied to her, that her relative Elizabeth was going to have a miraculous birth as well, since she was in her old age.

Jesus and John were able to grow up together, and their mothers were able to be there for each other.

I have many friends who are like relatives to me, who have been there for me during hard times.

9. Mary gives God the Father all the glory.

“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.”

Luke 1: 47-48

Mary praises God for choosing her to carry his son.  She did not boast within herself, but instead looked to the Father.

10. Mary was reflective.

“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

Luke 2:19

Mary must have been a deep thinker, because the Bible tells us that she pondered things inside her heart.  This verse comes after Jesus went to the temple as a 12 year old boy and was there for three days.  Mary and Joseph were worried about him, because they did not know where he was.  

“When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”

“Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”But they did not understand what he was saying to them.

Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. 

Luke 2: 48-52

What qualified Mary to be the mother of Jesus?

All of the characteristics and facts about Mary above qualified her to be the mother of Jesus.  If you’re wondering, “but wait, there was nothing that special about her!” – then you’re right.

God uses whomever he chooses.  He often uses those we would “least expect.”

Which of the 10 facts about Mary the mother of Jesus inspired you the most?

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