Luke 1:26-28 records Mary was a virgin who was betrothed to Joseph, and was most likely a teenager at the time of the engagement. Both Mary and Joseph were descendants of King David, and Mary was related to Elizabeth, the wife of the priest, Zacharias. A betrothal at that time was a legally binding commitment to marriage, confirmed by an oath.
An angel appeared to Mary and explained what would happen, telling her she was “highly favored” and assuring her, “the Lord is with you” (Luke 1:28). Although Mary knew that if she was found to be pregnant before marriage, she could be put to death, her answer was: “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word” verse 38), demonstrating unconditional faith in God.
Simeon, a righteous man, was inspired to tell Mary that Jesus had a great destiny to fulfill and that a sword would pierce her soul (Luke 2:25 and 35). Mary and Joseph “marveled” (Luke 2:33) at these words, but did not understand what they meant. We are told Mary “kept all these things in her heart” (Luke 2:51). Although she did not fully understand, she trusted God. It was only later she came to understand Jesus’ true identity and purpose.
John 19:25 begins to record the final events of Jesus’ life, when the metaphorical sword would pierce Mary’s heart, as Simeon had prophesied. All the mysterious sayings she had treasured in her memory over the years were becoming clearer. There can be little doubt that Mary was involved in the burial of her Son, and that she was among the women who came to the tomb early that morning long ago (Luke 24:9-10).
Some Christians pray to Mary as an intermediary between God and man. They are taught Mary, the mother of Jesus, is the mediator and advocate to intercede to God on their behalf. However the Bible teaches that anyone who comes to the Father must go through Jesus Christ, who is the only intercessor between God and man. Scripture is clear there is no intermediary between God and man other than Jesus Christ. The following scriptures confirm this:
“It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us,” (Romans 8:34).
“Therefore He (Jesus) is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them,” (Hebrews 7:25).
“For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us,” (Hebrews 9:24).
