Mary: Mother of Jesus

NEW TESTAMENT

Matthew 1–2; Luke 1–2; John 2:2–5; 19:25–27; Acts 1:14.(Prophesied of in scripture: Isa. 7:14; 1 Ne. 11:13–20; Mosiah 3:8; Alma 7:10)

ALMA 7:10

The Lord has called me before I was born.

Mary's earthly mission was foretold by many prophets and recorded in scripture long before she was born (see Isa. 7:14; 1 Ne. 11:13–20; Mosiah 3:8; Alma 7:10 ). Much like Mary, before the creation of the earth, we were foreordained to carry out certain responsibilities and duties. As we prove ourselves worthy and ready, we will be given opportunities to fulfill these assignments.

Russell M. Nelson taught, "Our Heavenly Father has reserved many of His most noble spirits—perhaps, I might say, His finest team—for this final phase. Those noble spirits—those finest players, those heroes—are you!" He continued,"...these surely are the latter days, and the Lord is hastening His work to gather Israel...And if you choose to, if you want to, you can be a big part of it" (Russell M. Nelson and Sister Wendy W. Nelson, Hope of Isreal  Worldwide Youth Devotional, June 2018). ​What wonderful mission were you sent to fulfill here on earth?

To learn more visit Gospel Topic: Foreordination. See also Mary and Joseph by Robert J. Matthews.

LUKE 1:26-38

As we accept and magnify God’s will, He can do great things through us.

Mary humbly responded to the angel that she would do what God asked of her. She did not know how things would work out, or any details of what was to come, but with trust in God she accepted His will for her. Because she said yes, she became the mother of Jesus Christ—the Savior of the world.

There may be times we feel that the work He asks us to do is impossible, but let us remember Dieter F. Uchtdorf when he said, "I promise that the Lord will cause unimaginable things to come from your righteous labors" (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, God Will Do Something Unimaginable General Conference, November 2020). Have you ever received a calling for which you did not feel prepared? What blessings have you seen from embracing your calling?

See also the General Conference talk given by L. Whitney Clayton, Whatsoever He Saith Unto You, Do It.

Learn more about Mary by reading Magnifying the Lord: Mary's Example For Us by Sheryl Condie Kempton and Mary the Mother of Jesus by Gaye Strathearn.

LUKE 1:39-56

We are not alone in our trials and challenges.

Elisabeth’s miraculous pregnancy was a sign to Mary that she was not alone. Bonnie L. Oscarson said, "I can only imagine how very important the three months they spent together were to both of them as they were able to talk together, empathize with each other, and support one another in their unique callings" (Bonnie L. Oscarson, Sisterhood: Oh, How We Need Each Other General Conference, April 2014). How comforting can it be when there is at least one other person who has some sense of what we are going through?

Taking it one step further, it's difficult to believe that Mary and Elisabeth's paths were not divinely directed to cross. As Ronald A. Rasband explained, "There are no coincidences, we are placed in each other's lives for a reason" (Ronald A. Rasband, By Divine Design General Conference, October 2017). Have you ever felt a friendship of yours has been led by divine design?

For more, listen to The Doctrine of Friendship with Melinda Brown on the Magnify podcast, produced by LDSLiving.

JOHN 19:25-27

I can teach my children by example.

Mary was Jesus's first disciple, but she was also his first example.

Let's remember her response to the angel, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word" (Luke 1:38). Many years later, having grown up witnessing the remarkable and unwavering courage, sacrifice, and obedience of a mortal mother, Jesus Christ echoed her words in Gethsemane saying, "not my will, but thine, be done" (Luke 22:42).   

Heavenly Father has given latter-day parents the sacred responsibility to prepare his children for the challenges of the last days. Although Mary's vital role as the mother of Christ is explicitly unique, what can we learn from her story of discipleship? What are some things you can do to turn your home into a sanctuary for your children? Consider ways you can strengthen your family by being a good example.

See also Be Thou an Example by Jeffrey R. Holland. You can also watch "Strengthening Our Kids for the Last Days" with Tad R. Callister and Dina Alexander.

CONVERSATION STARTERS

• How can you prepare to be willing to do whatever God asks of you?

• What experiences have you had when the Lord has helped you as you served?

• How have you seen God's hand in your friendships?

• What sacrifices does a parent make for thier children and what blessings come from such sacrifices?

OTHER STUDY RESOURCES

Margot Hovley, Mary, Mother of the Savior Ensign, December 2019.

Susan Easton Black, Mary, His Mother Ensign, January 1991.

Mary Pratt Parrish, Mary Ensign, December 1971.

Jeffrey R. Holland, Behold, Thy Mother General Conference, October 2015.

Gordon B. Hinckley, The Women in Our Lives General Conference, October 2004.

Howard W. Hunter, To the Women of the Church General Conference, October 1992.

Russell M. Nelson, Woman—Of Infinite Worth General Conference, October 1989.

Ezra Taft Benson, The Honored Place of Woman General Conference, October 1981.

Mary F. Foulger Motherhood and the Family General Conference, October 1980.

Naomi M. Shumway Teaching Our Little Women General Conference, October 1979.

Neal A. Maxwell, The Women of God General Conference, April 1978.

Thomas S. Monson, My Personal Hall of Fame General Conference, October 1974.

PERSONAL STUDY IDEAS

Study what it means to align your will with God's.

• Clyde J. Williams, According to Our Will Ensign, September 2016.

• David A. Bednar, Accepting the Lord's Will and Timing Ensign, August 2016.

• "I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me" (John 6:38).

Desire to discover what you have been called to do here on earth.

• Susana Lyou Mantle, Finding My Purpose Ensign, June 2009.

• Study your patriarchal blessing.

Seek to understand what it means to "rise to your call".

• Henry B. Eyring, Rise to Your Call General Conference, October 2002.

ACTIVITIES

Return the favor.

Think of a friend who has been there for you. Ask Heavenly Father in prayer to guide you to recognize an opportunity to serve that someone or a way to honor them for all the good they have done (Mosiah 2:17).

Invite friends over for a Sip-n-Share.

Host a soda bar for your friends. Make it fun with a variety of syrups and other delicious mix-ins. After you've all made your drink concoctions, gather around a table or sit in a circle. One by one, take turns sharing what spiritual learning moments you have had that week. Maybe you have a new insight you gained from rereading a scripture or a gospel principle you applied to your life. Take the time to simply enjoy, learn, and support one another.