Mary, the mother of Jesus, is revered by many for her faith and obedience to God’s will. The Bible highlights her role in the story of salvation, and believers can look to her as an example of humility and trust in God. Let’s explore what scripture says about honoring Mary and her role in God’s plan.
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What Does The Bible Say About Honoring Mary
Luke 1:48
“For he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed.”
This verse highlights Mary’s own recognition of the special favor and honor bestowed upon her as the mother of Jesus. It emphasizes the humble state of Mary and the blessing that she received from God. As such, it invites believers to honor and acknowledge the significant role that Mary played in God’s plan of salvation.
Luke 1:28
“The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.'”
These words from the angel Gabriel to Mary demonstrate her unique favor with God and emphasize her close relationship with Him. The honor bestowed upon her by being chosen as the mother of Jesus reflects her exemplary faith and devotion, making her a worthy recipient of honor and esteem among Christians.
John 2:3-5
“When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, ‘They have no more wine.’ ‘Woman, why do you involve me?’ Jesus replied. ‘My hour has not yet come.’ His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.'”
In this passage, Mary’s role as an intercessor is evident. Despite Jesus initially suggesting that His time had not yet come, Mary confidently turns to the servants and instructs them to do whatever He tells them. Her unwavering trust in her Son’s ability to perform miracles showcases her strong belief and reverence for Him, serving as an example for believers to honor her as the mother of Jesus.
John 19:26-27
“When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, ‘Woman, here is your son,’ and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.”
As Jesus hung on the cross, He entrusted the care of His mother to the disciple John. This act demonstrates Jesus’ love and honor for Mary, ensuring her well-being and provision even in His crucifixion. It underscores the significance of Mary’s role as the mother of Jesus and invites believers to honor her as a beloved member of the Christian community.
Luke 2:35
“And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
This verse is Simeon’s prophecy to Mary at the temple, foretelling the suffering she would endure as the mother of Jesus. It speaks to the immense pain and anguish Mary would experience throughout Jesus’ life, leading up to His crucifixion. Recognizing the depth of Mary’s sacrifice and her unwavering faithfulness should inspire believers to honor her for her role in God’s redemptive plan.
Matthew 1:16
“Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah.”
This verse confirms the lineage of Mary as an essential part of Jesus’ earthly family. Honoring Mary can be seen as an act of recognizing her role as the mother of the Messiah and acknowledging her significance within the genealogy of Jesus Christ.
Luke 2:19
“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”
Mary’s response after the birth of Jesus reflects her deep contemplation and reverence for the miraculous events surrounding His arrival. Her deliberate consideration of these divine occurrences serves as an example for believers to appreciate and honor Mary’s unique role as the mother of Jesus.
Luke 11:27-28
“As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, ‘Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you.’ He replied, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.'”
Although Jesus redirects the focus from His mother to those who hear and obey the word of God, He does not discount the honor due to Mary. By recognizing the blessedness of her role, Jesus implicitly affirms the importance of honoring Mary as the mother of the Savior.
Matthew 12:46-50
“While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. Someone told him, ‘Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.’ He replied to him, ‘Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?’ Pointing to his disciples, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.'”
In this passage, Jesus expands the concept of family beyond biological ties, emphasizing the importance of spiritual kinship. While He does not diminish the honor due to His mother, Jesus emphasizes the importance of doing the will of God, indicating that true honor is found in aligning oneself with the Father’s plan.
Revelation 12:1
“A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head.”
This verse depicts a woman in heaven who symbolizes the nation of Israel or the Church. Some also interpret her as representing the Blessed Virgin Mary. While different interpretations exist, acknowledging Mary’s significant role in salvation history and honoring her as a key figure in the Christian faith is essential.
1 Kings 2:19
“When Bathsheba went to King Solomon to speak to him for Adonijah, the king stood up to meet her, bowed down to her, and sat down on his throne. He had a throne brought for the king’s mother, and she sat down at his right hand.”
In this Old Testament account, King Solomon’s response to his mother Bathsheba reflects the honor and respect he shows her by offering her a prominent seat by his side. This example can serve as a model for honoring and respecting Mary as the mother of Jesus.
1 Timothy 2:5
“For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.”
This verse speaks about Jesus being the mediator between God and humanity. While it does not directly address the topic of honoring Mary, it reminds us that our ultimate focus should be on Christ alone. However, honoring Mary as the mother of Jesus does not diminish His role as the sole mediator; instead, it highlights the unique and honored position she holds in salvation history.
Luke 11:27-28
“As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, ‘Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you.’ He replied, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.'”
Although Jesus redirects the focus from His mother to those who hear and obey the word of God, He does not discount the honor due to Mary. By recognizing the blessedness of her role, Jesus implicitly affirms the importance of honoring Mary as the mother of the Savior.
Matthew 12:46-50
“While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. Someone told him, ‘Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.’ He replied to him, ‘Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?’ Pointing to his disciples, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.'”
In this passage, Jesus expands the concept of family beyond biological ties, emphasizing the importance of spiritual kinship. While He does not diminish the honor due to His mother, Jesus emphasizes the importance of doing the will of God, indicating that true honor is found in aligning oneself with the Father’s plan.
Revelation 12:1
“A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head.”
This verse depicts a woman in heaven who symbolizes the nation of Israel or the Church. Some also interpret her as representing the Blessed Virgin Mary. While different interpretations exist, acknowledging Mary’s significant role in salvation history and honoring her as a key figure in the Christian faith is essential.
1 Kings 2:19
“When Bathsheba went to King Solomon to speak to him for Adonijah, the king stood up to meet her, bowed down to her, and sat down on his throne. He had a throne brought for the king’s mother, and she sat down at his right hand.”
In this Old Testament account, King Solomon’s response to his mother Bathsheba reflects the honor and respect he shows her by offering her a prominent seat by his side. This example can serve as a model for honoring and respecting Mary as the mother of Jesus.
1 Timothy 2:5
“For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.”
This verse speaks about Jesus being the mediator between God and humanity. While it does not directly address the topic of honoring Mary, it reminds us that our ultimate focus should be on Christ alone. However, honoring Mary as the mother of Jesus does not diminish His role as the sole mediator; instead, it highlights the unique and honored position she holds in salvation history.
Matthew 1:18-25
“This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’ All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ (which means ‘God with us’). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.”
This passage recounts the supernatural conception of Jesus by the Holy Spirit and highlights Mary’s obedient response to God’s call. It demonstrates her faithfulness to God’s plan despite the social challenges that may have come with her pregnancy. Honoring Mary is acknowledging her role in the miraculous birth of Jesus, which fulfills the prophecy and brings salvation to God’s people.
Matthew 2:11
“On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”
This verse portrays the Magi’s reverence and worship of Jesus, acknowledging Him as the King. Mary’s presence during this act of worship further emphasizes her unique role as the mother of the Messiah. Honoring Mary involves recognizing her as an integral part of the divine plan, leading to the worship and adoration of her son, Jesus.
Luke 2:51
“Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.”
This verse depicts Jesus obeying His parents, Joseph and Mary, and highlights Mary’s contemplation of these moments stored in her heart. Honoring Mary involves appreciating her as a witness to Jesus’ upbringing, obedience, and divinely appointed mission, further emphasizing her role as a faithful servant of God.
Luke 2:34-35
“Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother, ‘This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.'”
Simeon’s prophecy in this verse foretells the impact Jesus would have as the Messiah and the sorrow Mary would experience as a result of her son’s sacrifice. Honoring Mary involves acknowledging her courage, strength, and endurance throughout Jesus’ life, as she willingly accepted her role in God’s redemptive plan despite the personal challenges it brought.
Acts 1:14
“They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.”
This verse highlights Mary’s presence among the early believers gathered in prayer after Jesus’ ascension. Honoring Mary encompasses recognizing her as an active member of the early Christian community, joining in common devotion and faith, and acknowledging her as an example of steadfastness and devotion to Jesus.
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 response to the angel Gabriel demonstrates her complete submission to God’s will, even in the face of uncertainty and societal expectations. Honoring Mary involves acknowledging her as an example of humble obedience and willingness to be used by God for His purposes.
Luke 1:42
“In a loud voice she exclaimed: ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!'”
This verse reflects Elizabeth’s declaration upon encountering Mary, recognizing and affirming her favored position as the mother of the Savior. Honoring Mary involves appreciating her unique blessedness and role in God’s redemptive plan.
Luke 8:19-21
“Now Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him, but they were not able to get near him because of the crowd. Someone told him, ‘Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.’ He replied, ‘My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.'”
Although Jesus appears to downplay the significance of His biological family, including His mother, He emphasizes the importance of hearing and applying God’s word. However, this passage does not diminish the honor and respect due to Mary but reinforces the importance of placing obedience to God above biological ties.