Why was Mary chosen to be mother of Jesus
Mary, the mother of Jesus, is one of the most prominent figures in Christianity.
We celebrate her role as a mother, disciple, and intercessor in countless prayers, hymns, and devotions.
Despite her importance, there is little explanation for why did God choose Mary to be the mother of Jesus.
Why did God choose her among all the women of her time? How did God’s plan for salvation involve Mary’s life?
These are some of the questions that have puzzled theologians and believers for centuries.
This article seeks to explore the two main reasons why Mary was selected by God to be the mother of Jesus.
Before diving into the reasons, get to know about God’s plan concerning His selection of Mary.
God’s Plan
God’s plan is the divine plan for humanity’s salvation. This plan appears in the Old Testament prophecies, which foretold the coming of a Messiah who would save humanity from sin and death.
In this divine plan, God chose Mary to be the mother of Jesus.
In relation to this, the first reason why Mary was chosen as the mother of Jesus heavily relies on the Biblical context at the time.
Biblical Context on Why Was Mary Chosen to be Mother of Jesus
The Bible provides essential context. This is for understanding the cultural, religious, and historical factors which were influences in the selection of Mary as the mother of Jesus.
Jewish Society in Mary’s Time
During Mary’s time, Jewish society is largely patriarchal. Men hold most positions of authority and power.
Meanwhile, women are to be submissive to their husbands.
The Jewish society views them as second-class citizens. Moreover, they are subject to various forms of discrimination and marginalization.
However, the prophecies surrounding the birth of Jesus challenge these societal norms.
Instead of conforming, they highlight the significant role of women in God’s plan of salvation.
Prophecies About Jesus’ Birth
The Old Testament contains several prophecies about the coming of a Messiah. These prophecies contain specific details about the Messiah’s birth.
It includes his lineage, place of birth, and circumstances of his conception.
An example is the prophecy in Genesis 12:3. Here, God states that Abraham will be the father of the Jewish nation.
God, then, fulfills this in Matthew 1:1.
The passage states that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of David, and the Son of Abraham.
Thus, this connects him directly to the promise made to Abraham so many centuries ago.
By detailing the genealogy of Christ from Abraham to Joseph, Matthew shows how the prophecy was fulfilled through the lineage of Jesus.
One of the most well-known prophecies, however, is in Isaiah 7:14.
“Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son and shall call his name Immanuel.”
The prophecy speaks to the miraculous nature of Jesus’ birth.
It also highlights the role of Mary as the chosen vessel through which God would bring his Son into the world.
Significance of Virgin Birth
The virgin birth is a crucial element of Christian doctrine. This is because of its profound implications for the nature and mission of Jesus.
Firstly, the virgin birth testifies to the divinity of Jesus.
It shows that Jesus is not simply a human being but is also the Son of God.
By being born of a virgin, Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and had no earthly father.
Thus, this demonstrates his divine nature.
Secondly, the virgin birth shows that Jesus is born without the stain of original sin.
According to Christian doctrine, all human beings are with a sinful nature. This is due to the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.
However, Jesus is born sinless. This is because he was conceived by the Holy Spirit and not through natural human means.
Finally, the virgin birth is essential to the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies related to the coming of a Messiah.
The prophecies in the Old Testament foretold the coming of a Savior who would be born of a virgin and would redeem humanity from sin.
The virgin birth fulfilled these prophecies. As a result, this shows that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah who would save humanity from sin and death.
Character Determines Why Mary Was Chosen as Mother of Jesus
Mary’s character is another reason why she is the mother of Jesus.
The Biblical accounts portray Mary as a woman who possessed unique qualities. This includes obedience, faithfulness, humility, and purity.
The said traits made her an ideal vessel for God’s plan of salvation.
Obedience and Faithfulness
Mary’s obedience and faithfulness to God are evident throughout her life.
When the angel Gabriel revealed her fate, Mary responded with humility and trust.
“Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).
The response demonstrates her willingness to submit to God’s will. This is even in the face of uncertainty and potential social stigma.
Humility and Purity
The Biblical accounts of Mary’s life also highlight her humility and purity.
The Word describes Mary as a “virgin” (Matthew 1:23, Luke 1:27). It also portrays her as a woman of modest means and low social status.
Her humility shines, especially in her visit to her cousin Elizabeth. There, she proclaims the Magnificat, a hymn of praise to God, which exalts the humble and lowly.
Mother, Disciple
Mary’s role as the mother of Jesus is central to her character and significance in the Christian faith.
The Bible portrays her as a loving and devoted mother who nurtured Jesus and raised him to adulthood.
It also depicts her as a faithful disciple. This means that she was there at every stage of Jesus’ ministry, his crucifixion, and resurrection.
Through her willingness to submit to God’s will, Mary demonstrates the kind of faith that is essential to the Christian life.
Mary, Mother of Jesus
Overall, the selection of Mary as the mother of Jesus is a crucial part of God’s plan for the salvation of humanity.
The biblical context of the Jewish society, prophecies, and the significance of the virgin birth all come together in the selection of Mary.
In Jewish society, women are not typically given prominent roles or positions of authority.
Yet, God chose Mary to bear His Son. This shows that God’s ways are not limited by human societal norms. Nor are His ways limited by human expectations.
The prophecies and the significance of the virgin birth are also important in understanding why was Mary chosen to be the mother of Jesus.
As prophesied in the Old Testament, the Messiah would be born of a virgin. This miraculous conception of Jesus through the Holy Spirit is central to the Christian faith.
It was because it affirms His divine nature and establishes Him as the Son of God.
Mary’s selection as the mother of Jesus was thus critical in fulfilling this prophecy, and it demonstrates God’s sovereignty and power in orchestrating the events that led to Jesus’ birth.
Moreover, Mary’s unique qualities of faith, humility, and obedience made her the perfect vessel for carrying the Son of God into the world.
Through her willingness to submit to God’s will, Mary demonstrated the kind of faith that is essential to the Christian life.
