Mary
In the New Testament, the name Mary is just about as common as the names
John and Amy are today. There are three notable Marys in the Bible, all
of whom were dedicated to Jesus Christ and recognized that he was God.
These three women also modeled lives of faith. the first Mary we encounter
is Jesus' mother. A virgin, she was chosen by God to have a child-Jesus-through
the Holy Spirit. When an angel told her of her pregnancy, she replied,
"I am the Lord's servant...may it be to me as you have said"
(Luke 2:38). Later, Mary became one of Jesus' followers and was part of
the group who received the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost.
Mary Magdalene became a follower of Jesus after he exorcised
seven demons from her. She had the privilege and joy to be one of the
first people to know Jesus had risen from the dead and was blessed to
be the first person to see the resurrected Jesus (see John 20:11-18).
Another Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, was eager
to learn Jesus' teaching. She longed to be still before him and learn
from him. Jesus said that she had chosen the "one thing" that
was needed (Luke 10:42).
Mary, Jesus' mother, is a virgin when she gives
birth to Jesus. She later becomes one of his followers.
Matthew 1:16-20
Mark 15:47
Luke 1:27--2:19
Acts 1:14
Jesus casts out seven demons from Mary Magdalene, who becomes
one of Jesus' followers. She is one of the first people to know that Jesus
has risen from the dead.
Matthew 27:56-61
Mark 15:40; 16:1
Luke 8:2
A third Mary is a follower of Jesus. She, her sister Martha, and
her brother Lazarus open their homes to Jesus.
Luke 10:38-42
John 11:1-45; 12:1-8
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