1. The Texts
* Matthew 1:18-25; 2:11-23; 12:46-50 (=Mark 3:31-35); 13:53-58 (=Mark 6:1-6a; Luke 4:16-30)
* Mark 3:21,31-35
* Luke 1:26-56; 2:1-52
* John 2:1-11; 19:25
* Acts 1:14
Indirect References
* Isaiah 7:14
* Romans 1:3
* Galatians 4:4
* Philippians 2:6,7
2. A Summary
3. Personal History
Name
The name occurs 51x in the New Testament. Mary is related to the name Miriam (sister of Aaron) in Exodus 15:20 and Mara, the name Naomi gave to herself (Ruth 1:20). The basic sense when the related terms are used is "bitter(ness)."
Parents
Though the forebears of Joseph are mentioned in the genealogies of Matthew and Luke, the family of Mary is not said to be mentioned; it is, however, commonly assumed that Luke traces the family of Mary, while Matthew recounts the royal line of David. See Extra-biblical Literature below.
Relationship to Joseph
1. How is the relationship between Joseph and Mary described by the word "betrothed"? To what public disgrace would Mary be exposed if she were pregnant (look ahead to 1:24,25)?
2. As you have read the passages that mention Mary, what or who is her point of reference? What does this mean for our interpretation and understanding of the texts that mention Mary? How does your answer support a reason might Matthew have omitted the details about Jesus' birth in Matthew 1? What is the focus of Matthew 1:18-25?
Family
1. What is the difference in how Mary is noted in Matthew 1 and Luke 1? Why?
2. What is Matthew's purpose of recording the flight of the family in Egypt and its return?
3. According to Scripture, who is the first child of Mary? Did Mary have other children? Read Matthew 13:55,56 and Mark 6:3. Does the note of virginity in Matthew 1:25 affirm or deny sexual relations with him after the birth of Jesus?
4. From the offering which she and Joseph sacrificed (Luke 2), what do we know about the family?
4. Traits and Characteristics
The Annunciation
1. In what way does Mary receive the annunciation? What would trouble Mary about the greeting of Gabriel?
2. Does the phrase "highly favored" (Luke 1:28, NIV) necessarily denote that Mary has something inherent within her that has caused this greeting? If not, what does the greeting emphasize? See Ephesians 1:6.
3. Compare "you have found favor with God" (Luke 1:30, NIV) with Genesis 6:8; Judges 6:17; 1 Samuel 1:18; and 2 Samuel 15:25. What can you now conclude about this angelic introduction?
4. Read Genesis 16:11f. and Isaiah 7:14. What similarities do you note between those passages and Luke 1:31f? What do the resemblances intend to say?
5. How does Mary's question in Luke 1:34 differ from Zechariah's response in Luke 1:18? How might Gabriel's confirmation of his word (Luke 1:36) support your response? Note the connection to Genesis 18:14.
6. How would you characterize Mary's role in the annunciation narratives? How does she describe herself? Into what kind of relationship does this put her with the Lord (for example, compare Romans 1:1)?
5. The Prophecies of Jesus that have Reference to Mary
* The Prophecies of Jesus that have Reference to Mary
Genesis 3:15
Isaiah 7:14-16; 9:6,7
Micah 5:2,3
* New Testament Texts
Romans 1:3
Galatians 4:4
Philippians 2:6,7
6. Questions and Difficulties
7. God's Purpose
1. What purpose might God have had in calling this woman Mary into this vocation?
2. With whom, then, can she be compared? How so?
8. A Summary
9. Memorization
"I am the Lords servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Luke 1:38
"But His mother treasured all these things in her heart." Luke 2:51b
Extra-biblical Literature
Gospel of the Birth of Mary. Composed sometime during the 8th-9th centuries. Written as a corrective to the then popular tales which elevated Mary the Mother of God as the "queen of virgins," this narrative eliminated from the story the tradition of Joseph's first marriage which had been condemned as heretical, as well as omitted other particulars of the legend that were considered risqué.
The Proevangelium of James. This writing presents Mary's parentage (Joachim and Anna), birth, childhood, virginity, marriage to Joseph, and the birth of Jesus. Joseph is described as a widower with children; by this her perpetual virginity is protected.
Infancy Gospel of Thomas. This book describes Jesus' boyhood activities; His mother plays a major role in an expanded version of Luke 2:41-52.
Gospel of the Nazaraeans. This situates Mary during Jesus' ministry; she requests to be cleansed from sin by John's baptism.
