BIBLE CHARACTERS

Lesson #9

 

Mary:

The Mother of Jesus

Matthew 1:18-25; 2:11, 12-15, 19-21; 12:46-50; Luke 1:26-38, 39-45, 46-56; Luke 2:1-7, 15-19, 21-24, 25-35, 41-49; John 2:1-12; 19:25-27; Acts 1:14

Victor M. Eskew

 

Discussion Questions

 

1.    Israel had many young virgins throughout the tribes of the children of Israel in the first century.  Why did the Lord select Mary to the exclusion of all the others?

 

2.    What are some things that we can learn from the Biblical texts about Joseph’s and Mary’s relationship?

 

3.    Mary could have been lifted up with much pride by her selection as the mother of Jesus:  a virgin birth, visited by an angel, “thou art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee:  blessed art thou among women,” “Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,” “the mother of my Lord.”  How did Mary guard against the pride and arrogance that could have filled her heart?

 

4.    Jesus was Mary’s firstborn.  He was a very special child, having been conceived while a virgin.  Do you think she saw other things in Jesus that caused her to be reassured that He was the Messiah?

 

5.    Mary also had other children.  Do you think the presence of Jesus in the home caused difficulties?

 

6.    What are some of the lessons we learn about Mary at the wedding feast in Cana of Galilee? (John 2:1-12).

 

7.    Is there any significance to Mary’s presence at the crucifixion?

 

8.    Mary has been lifted up to an exalted status, especially in the Catholic church.  How should we a view this woman who was chosen to give birth to the Son of God?

 

9.    The last time we see Mary in Scripture is when she is in the upper room with the disciples prior to the day of Pentecost (Acts 1:14).  Why don’t we read of her and know more about her after this point in time?