Start each day by reading the passages listed above. Then use the summary and reflection provided here to guide discussion around the daily reading.
Mary was the mother of Jesus and the wife of Joseph. She had more children with Joseph after Jesus, making Him the eldest of several sisters and brothers. Mary is present at key moments in Jesus’s life and ministry, including His first miracle and His crucifixion. She also remained faithful to Jesus’s mission after His death, resurrection, and ascension.
Reflect on Mary’s relationship with God. What stands out to you about their interactions?
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47 thoughts on "Mary, Blessed Among Women"
What a beautiful picture of devotion to God. And His Son. Also a devotion of a mother to her Son all through His life and ministry. Even after He has ascended to Heaven.
Russell M. Nelson reminds us that “God has always asked His covenant children to do difficult things.”Mary was no exception, and neither are we. Our challenge is to have the faith to submit our will to His, to accept His calls with faith that His Spirit will magnify us in His service. Bonnie H. Cordon, Young Women General President, also reminds us that “we can do hard things,” and then adds, “but we can also do them joyfully.”
Luke’s account of the story of the Annunciation to Mary (see Luke 1:26–56) gives us a window through which to better appreciate this remarkable young woman. Through her interactions with Gabriel and Elisabeth, we see a young woman trying to grasp and understand her unique call from God. The magnitude of that call must have weighed heavily upon someone so young, and yet she readily submitted her will to that of the Father. Her story reminds us that God is aware of all of His children and that He calls ordinary men and women to participate in extraordinary ways to help build His kingdom. She became Jesus’s first disciple, and thus she is a model for all who choose to follow Him.
How do you see Mother Mary as an example in your life?
She devoted her whole life to serving Him, and you can do the same thing. You too are a favored child of God. You can follow Mary’s example by humbly following the Savior and keeping His commandments, even when it’s not easy. You can courageously move forward in faith, even when facing fear and uncertainty.
♥️
Mary was a mother. She was present. Absolutely involved. She must have known wha Jesus could do- she had full faith, and complete confidence in Jesus when she told the servants- do whatever he says. Now, That’s a mom! She was present at his death as well, and what mother would ever leave her child in a time like that. A mother stands by, during the miracle and during the pain. A mother does not leave her child, but stands as a constant reminder, you are not alone.
Mary and Joseph are THE example of Faith. Blind, adoring welcoming faith in God.
Amen Nads!!
ERB you said it perfectly! “With God, nothing is impossible “ is one of my favorite verses of all time!!
Thank you KELLY (NEO) so much! I am praying along your list for our sisters, and of course with SEARCHING’s list too :) ❤️
Mary is such a great example of purity and of a living sacrifice. She sacrificed her own plans to give ways to God’s plans. She let go of her own virgin reputation to bear the Son of God (she could have been stoned to death for being pregnant), and with the piercing pain of witnessing her child’s gruesome death, which was prophesied by Simeon (Luke 2:35). The very sword that would pierce Mary’s very soul. Who could bear such thing? How many of us may run away at this part? It’s not an easy task, love and then grief. But she is truly a virgin, she is truly pure, truly heroic, fully surrendered to God and chosen by God. This is such a tender spot for my fragile mama’s heart. May we be encouraged to seek purity (How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. Psalm 119:9), and to be living sacrifice for the Lord’s plans, even at the risk of our own convenience, comfort and reputation.
@MICHELLE P: thank you so much for your encouragement! It means so much to me. You are so thoughtful and kind. Yes with God all things are possible indeed. What a chance the verse got repeated today. God wants to emphasize that to us today, don’t you think? :) My family and relatives are from ancestor worshipping background. I moved away to Canada (originally from Vietnam). This is where God’s Hand took me to set me apart and rid me of the “pagan” worship traditions. I continue to pray for my family and relatives from afar, though my Christian faith is frowned upon, oftentimes pressured/persecuted/ ridiculed. It is so lonely. I am really encouraged by TERESA DONLEY’s testimony (a prayer answered after her grandma’s death and her faith got rewarded beyond her time). I really needed to hear that, so thank you TERESA for sharing.
Thank you @SEARCHING and other sweet she’s that are praying for my aunt’s family to be delivered from cancer (which has led to many premature deaths in the past) and for their salvation. I would appreciate your continual prayers.
I am so thankful that you are lifting up our hands in battles just like what Aaron and Hur did for Moses. Thank you so much for fighting with us through your prayers!!! “As you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many” (2 Corinthians 1:11).
Be blessed dear sisters.
I love how Mary had a check but verify moment with the angel. LOL! I would too! Ultimately you can tell that Mary has a good relationship with the Lord in all forms. With the angel in how she believed, with God in how she praised him, and with our Lord and Savior Jesus in how she believed in him from the beginning and stayed with him through his crucifixion. How hard that must have been on her to watch.
Mary’s faith was so strong, she knew that people was going to think that she was with another man but she did not care. She had faith in God’s plans for her and she had trust in Joseph and she believed in Jesus divine heritage.
@ TERESA DONLEY, Thank you for that…. very convicting!
@ LIBBY K, I LOVE that — thank you!!
@ DONNA WOLCOTT, Will continue to pray!
@ NATALIE, I totally agree with you that whether or not Jesus had YOUNGER siblings is not a “top shelf” or “salvational doctrine” however…
@ KENDALL YOUNG’s point is very well taken; there is no reason to push a disputed point so hard!!
KENDALL is also correct that ‘brothers/sisters’ was often the term used for ‘cousins’ (one example being in today’s reading that Mary’s sister Mary was beside her at the cross).
Also, there’s no evidence that Joseph DID know her after the birth of Jesus (only that he didn’t while she was pregnant).
Yesterday, part of what I wrote (which I hope captures both perspectives) was:
“I actually don’t agree that “Gospels also tell us that he was the father of several other children THROUGH MARY”. There are historical documents that point to him having been an older man, a widower with children (possibly the brothers / sisters of Christ if they’re not His cousins) — his betrothal to Mary (i.e. being entrusted to him) was to care for and protect her (a child who had lived in the temple, consecrated to God but now was at the age of menstruation). Jesus being Mary’s only Child, then entrusted her to John the Beloved on the cross (with no one else to leave her to, Joseph presumably being deceased).
Whichever beliefs are true of the Holy Family, (and if Mary is truly the “Ever-virgin” or had kids after Jesus) I don’t think it affects my faith one way or the other…I know my Saviour in whom I put my trust and I know that the two people who raised Him are indescribably excellent examples of a life lived for God — amazingly at a time when God had been “silent” for so long…they both completely amaze me!!”
I am moved by realizing that Jesus was the answer to the covenant with Abraham and with David. The fulfillment of the prophecy by the prophet Isaiah took place a very long time after these people who believed God would provide a savior had lived and died. Yet their faith was rewarded after their lives. Having faith that our prayers will be answered and will be answered in Gods timing is important to remember. We may not see the fulfillment of our prayers, but through faith, we know God will work long after we are gone from this earth. My grandmother prayed diligently throughout her life for the salvation of her youngest son. All the rest of her 12 children were Christians. Many years after the death of my grandma, my uncle accepted Jesus as his Savior and became one of the most faithful Christians I have known. Grandma’s faith was rewarded long after her death. This has served as an inspiration to all the rest of her descendants to not lose faith if we don’t see the answer to our prayers. Just as the timing of the birth of Jesus, Gods timing is perfect in our lives too.
Adding on to what Libby said. Water to the Israelites represented chaos and wine was a symbol of joy! So with Jesus we go from chaos to joy. I love it!
I disagree with the Catholic belief that Mary remained a virgin throughout her life. Matthew 1:25 states that Joseph did not consummate the marriage until after the birth of Jesus. And in several instances throughout the story of Jesus’ ministry, we see that his brothers are present. I think Mary going on to have more children (brothers and sisters) after Jesus shows us that Mary was human, even though her faith was so strong that she was chosen to be the virgin who was prophesied to give birth to the Son of God. Being human, Mary needed a savior as much as the rest of humanity.
@Kendall Young- SRT is a Protestant ministry and so would not hold this piece of Catholic doctrine. Nor should you expect them to since, again, they are not Catholic. Regardless of if Mary was or wasn’t ever virgin, as Catholics believe, that isn’t a salvation doctrine; eternal life is not granted based on the belief in that doctrine. It is not a top shelf theological issue, and so it should be ok if we don’t all hold to that belief.
As a protestant that’s in the process of converting to catholicism, I am greatly troubled that She Reads Truth is taking a very firm stance that Mary is not ever virgin. The original text is not in English. It’s in Aramaic and Hebrew, and the term brothers is used because there was not a term for cousin. So stating that Mary had other children with Joseph is misguided.
Mary’s faith and maturity at such a young age is amazing. Her song of praise, the Magnificat, shows her love and trust in God. I know in the Chosen there are liberties taken in scenes (not scripture) but the portrayals of Mary and Jesus are so tender. I imagine that it could have been. Thank you all for your prayers, things did not go as well as hoped yesterday. Today there’s a glimmer of hope. Bless you all. Prayers all your needs also.
@Libby K. Thank you for pointing out the symbolism of the water jars. Beautiful.
Mary had heard the story about the Messiah to come and lived as close to God as she was leaving able and God found her to be à righteous vessel to hold & grow Jesus. Her faith & trust was really astounding.
So many beautiful moments in today’s reading. I love the Magnificat that Mary proclaimed in Elizabeth’s presence. Long been a favorite of mine especially when it was put to music. I also enjoyed the reminder that Mary stayed 3 months with Elizabeth which means she likely was present when John the Baptist was born. Mary’s curt instructions to the servants at the wedding feast always makes me smile and Jesus’s provision on the cross for Mary’s care warms my heart. Mary believed. Mary trusted. Mary treasured up in her heart every moment that proclaimed her son to be the fulfillment of God’s promises to his people.
Acts 1:14
**to me this just shows how IMPORTANT prayer and unison are!! May we all continuously be united under God, praying without ceasing!! For HE is all that matters!!! Glory to You Father!!! Amen.
Luke 1:26-38 and Luke 1:45
**the willingness, obedience, trust, faith and fulfillment in these verses really stand out and minister to me!! I especially LOVE “for nothing is impossible with God” and “blessed is she who believed” SO AWESOME is our God!!! May we have the same heart, willingness, and praise like Mary!! Yes. Let us magnify You Lord with our entire soul/being!! Amen.
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Mary’s faith never wavered in Jesus. She remained committed and loyal.
Thank you Libby K! Praying for the requests and all of you!
I love getting a more historical context to these recordings. When we think of weddings, we think of one day, but these weddings lasted an entire week. So the fact that the ran out of wine becomes a little less shocking. And then, to add what this article said: Culturally, this is an embarrassing social faux pas that could be the source of put-down jokes for years to come. What you also need to know, though, is that in ancient Israel, wine was a symbol of their country (Isa. 5.7), and so also their religion and their covenant with God…. Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing…” Oh, these pots are part of the Jewish ceremonial system. Why does the storyteller bother with that detail if the story is just about Jesus’ power to do a miracle? It’s more likely that these pots may symbolize Judaism, religion, ceremonialism. And they’re empty. OK, so the wine is gone, and the pots are empty. The symbolism is striking and building…. By turning this water to wine, Jesus is announcing, through a symbolic act, that he is the new wine—the new way of relating to God. He has come to fulfill and supersede the ceremonial laws. The former wine has run out; the pots are empty. New wine is needed, and Jesus is it. I hope this speaks to your heart as much as it did mine!
What a unique experience for Mary, first to carry the son of God inside her and then to be filled with the Holy Spirit again in the upper room. I wonder if there were any similarities?
@Kristine Loughman- I love the drama of your reiteration of this story from Mary’s perspective. So good!! Love your imagination, how precious! :) Def worth reading her comment ladies! Lol. Makes me think of The Chosen, which a lot of you ladies love, too. So good!
@Mercy- saw your comment from yesterday – praying the Lord would reveal Himself to your aunt and her husband, as he goes through this trial. May there be someone who takes a stand and says “no more!” to allowing generational patterns of disorder in their family. It is not an easy role to play, but it has the greatest impact one can make. There is nothing better than saying yes to Jesus and no to the continuation of Satan’s work in a family line. May Jesus be exalted over that household! (I get fired up about this stuff…) Thankful for you Mercy and your heart for intercession, too!!! I like how they shared the verse about God being able to do the impossible today, as you mentioned yesterday, just a different book! Same story ;)
Thank you @Theresa for your continued prayers. The Lord has not given me further direction or word yet, but has told me to be patient some more and just keep my heart and mind set on Him and His Word. :) I thought it was gunna happen super fast, but the Lord said “soon”- which is His timing, not mine.
Appreciate you ladies. May the God of peace grant you grace and wisdom as you endure the trials and tribulations of this life, knowing we are pressing forward to receive an eternal, spotless crown of glory that does not perish or fade. <3 Jesus be with us and keep us aware and in love!
Imagine that Mary had known what she – and Jesus – would face. If, at Jesus’ birth, she had known of the trials, tribulations, and death. God’s mercy is so great in that we do not know the future, despite what we may want. Her faith, her humility, and her unwavering support of Jesus’ ministry are examples for us all.
Mary had incredible faith and obedience, even at such young age (which I know I wouldn’t have had). I think this speaks of her upbringing and how she was raised. Her visitation greeting to Elizabeth is so beautiful and speaks of someone who is familiar with prayer and workshopping God. I also love that, in visiting Elizabeth, she showed complete trust and belief in God. She did not hesitate to go visit her, knowing she would be welcomed by her cousin. A beautiful confirmation of God’s plan for Mary.
Mary – Humble, trusting, chosen, faithful believer, grieving mother
God – loving, merciful, gracious, fulfiller of prophecies
Mary’s strength of faith and level of trust in God is shown throughout her life. Reminds me of the song written by Mark Lowry, Mary Did You Know? I have no doubt about that.
MERCY – praying for your aunt’s husband and family, for wisdom in treatment decisions
MARI V – praying for rest and safe travels
RHONDA J – praying for Brayden and family
KELLY (NEO) – thank you for remembering and reminding me. Yes, unfortunately what we had guessed was confirmed by another neighbor about a month ago. Sadly, the wife (mid to late 40’s) passed away from cancer. We continue to pray as we pass their house multiple times a day/week.
Amen
Just like any earthly mother, Mary was there to celebrate and support Jesus at important times. I can’t imagine what it was like for her to stand at the foot of that cross watching him suffer. Such a very different calling than those we’ve previously read about in Jesus’s genealogy.
What an exceptional example of faith and obedience! Mary you’re going to have a baby, Joseph may divorce you because you haven’t had sex, the world will judge you and oh yea the baby is the savior of the world- no pressure!! Her response “may or happen to me as you have said” wow!!! Lord give me the faith and obedience of Mary!!!
Kristine Loughman, I love your embellishment of the wedding scene! When I think of the ridicule Mary faced throughout Jesus’ years of ministry, & even during her pregnancy, my heart goes out to her. And the suffering as she stood by helplessly watching him suffer death on the cross. I can only think that the verse “I believe. Help my unbelief” must have applied to Mary too.
Mary was devoted to God. She knew her son would be and she was with him on his three years of ministry at key times.
She was obedient from the start “let it be as you say”. And to the end. She was in the upper room and received the Holy Spirit! She was faithful to God and to her Son. Mary saw Jesus’ first miracle. It seems she always believed. What amazing faith and obedience. I pray I would be known for the same!
Seeing how Mary was present in these key moments of Jesus’ ministry and with the disciples even after his resurrection shows how strong her faith in God and her son Jesus was. I had never put together before how Mary was following Jesus as well, just like many of the other women.
MICHELLE PATIRE – praying for direction on your move
DONNA WOLCOTT – praying for your family
The thing that stands out most to me about Mary is her humility. She was chosen to be the mother of Jesus, yet she had such a humble attitude about it. What in all of history could ever “top” being the mother of Jesus!! Yet she went about her business as a wife and a mom serving and obeying God. She never “used Jesus” to get what she wanted in life. She respected, honored, glorified and obeyed her son – who was her Savior. I can’t imagine the pain and horror of a mother watching her son die an agonizing death on the cross, but she stood by him to the very end and continued her walk with God after Jesus died, rose again and ascended into heaven. She was a faithful, humble servant.
Her faith was constant even in fear, completer joy and overwhelming grief.
I love the scene at the wedding. They run out of wine and Mary marches up to Jesus with a side eye and a pointed gesture towards the empty glasses. He tries to put her off but the mom in her is having none of it. She knows who Jesus is and what he can do. She’s known it for 30 years, watching him grow up. She’s been waiting for this moment, maybe a little exasperated that he hasn’t revealed himself before now. And maybe she’s just really thirsty! So she tells the servants to do whatever Jesus tells them, throwing a spotlight on him. I can imagine Jesus’s slight eye roll at his mother’s unwavering faith, his deep breath as he steps into his first public miracle. But I bet Mary just walked away back to the party. She didn’t need to stick around to see it done. She’s known all along who Jesus is. She accepts her next cup of miracle wine, finds Jesus’s eyes across the courtyard and gives him a smile. She never had a doubt.
For years, I thought Mary’s response in John 2 was flippant, but now I see it reflects her posture toward God. “Do whatever he tell you.” What a beautiful thread to see in her life and in her relationship with God!
I have to believe that Mary was brought up knowing God. There was no hesitation when she was approached by the angel of the Lord. She was immediately obedient and faithful.
Mary was indeed blessed above all women, yet just as much in need of a savior as every woman since Eve. Her song shows she knew the Scriptures and the promises of God.
Since we are not told when Joseph died, we do not know how long she was a single mom raising Jesus’ siblings. Her reliance on God to provide for her had to have been challenged at times.
MERCY – praying for your aunt’s husband.
DONNA WOLCOTT – praying for you and your family
CANDACE SMITH – how is your brother-in-law doing? Is he still passing out?
ALEXANDRA – how is your dad?
SEARCHING – did you discover what was going on with your neighbors?