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Mary, the Mother of Jesus: Favored and Full of Grace
Mary, the Mother of Jesus: Favored and Full of Grace
Mary, the mother of Jesus, holds a unique and profoundly significant place in the narrative of salvation history. Her story, as revealed in the King James Version of the Bible, paints a picture of a humble virgin chosen by God for an unparalleled purpose. She was indeed "favored" and "full of grace," not by any inherent merit of her own, but by the sovereign and unmerited favor of God. Understanding Mary's role biblically allows us to appreciate God's divine plan and her faithful submission without elevating her beyond what Scripture teaches, thereby maintaining the supremacy of Jesus Christ.
Mary's Divine Favor: A Sovereign Choice
The angelic salutation to Mary in Luke 1:28 sets the stage for her extraordinary calling: "And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women." The KJV's rendering "highly favoured" is crucial. It signifies that God bestowed His special grace and favor upon her. This is not a grace earned, but a grace given, a divine election for a specific, miraculous task.
And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
Mary was chosen by God's sovereign will, much like Abraham was chosen to be the father of many nations, or Moses to lead Israel out of Egypt. Her blessedness "among women" speaks to her unique privilege of bearing the Messiah, the Son of God. It does not imply that she is above or distinct from all other women in terms of her human nature or need for salvation. Rather, it highlights the singular honor God bestowed upon her as the vessel through whom the promised Seed would come, fulfilling ancient prophecies like that in Genesis 3:15 and Isaiah 7:14. Her favor was a testament to God's grace, not her own inherent superiority.
Understanding "Full of Grace": God's Grace Upon Her
The phrase "full of grace," often associated with Mary, comes from a different translation tradition (e.g., Latin Vulgate's "gratia plena"). The KJV accurately translates the Greek word kecharitomene as "highly favoured." This term describes a state of having been graced or highly favored by God. It indicates that grace was bestowed upon Mary, rather than being an inherent quality or an attribute she possessed in herself to dispense to others.
The grace Mary received was God's unmerited favor, enabling her to fulfill her unique calling. It was a grace that equipped her for the momentous task of bearing and raising the Son of God. This understanding aligns with the broader biblical teaching that all believers receive grace from God. For instance, Ephesians 2:8 states, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God." This principle applies to Mary as well. She was a recipient of God's grace, not a source of it.
Crucially, Mary herself acknowledges her need for a Saviour. In her magnificent song of praise, the Magnificat, she declares in Luke 1:47, "And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour." If Mary needed a Saviour, it implies that she, like all humanity, was in need of salvation from sin. This truth is foundational to Christian doctrine, as Romans 3:23 clearly states, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." The KJV makes no exception for Mary, affirming her humanity and her participation in the universal need for redemption through Christ.
Mary's Humble Submission and Profound Faith
Mary's response to the angel's astounding announcement reveals her deep humility and unwavering faith. Despite the potential social stigma and personal challenges of conceiving a child out of wedlock, she submitted to God's will. Her words in Luke 1:38 are a powerful testament to her obedience: "And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her." This response demonstrates a profound trust in God's plan, even when it defied human logic and convention.
And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
Her faith is further magnified in the Magnificat, recorded in Luke 1:46-55. This hymn of praise is not about her own greatness, but about the greatness of God. She exalts His holiness, His mercy, His power, and His faithfulness to His covenant promises. She rejoices in God as her Saviour and acknowledges her "low estate," reinforcing her humble self-perception. This song is a beautiful theological treatise, demonstrating her deep understanding of God's character and His ongoing work in the world. It is a model of praise and submission for all believers.
Mary's Unique Role as the Mother of Jesus
Mary's most significant role was to be the mother of Jesus, the Christ. She was the chosen vessel through whom God the Son would take on human flesh, thereby fulfilling the mystery of the incarnation. This was a miraculous conception by the Holy Ghost, ensuring that Jesus, though fully human, was without sin. As Luke 1:35 states, "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God."
Mary provided the human lineage for Jesus, connecting Him to the house and lineage of David, as prophesied. She nurtured Him, raised Him, and witnessed His growth in "wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man" (Luke 2:52). Her motherhood was essential for the Son of God to dwell among men, to live a perfect life, and to offer Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin. However, her unique maternal role does not mean she was the source of His divinity, nor does it elevate her to a divine status herself. Jesus' divinity was inherent; He was God manifest in the flesh (1 Timothy 3:16).
Mary as an Example of Faithful Discipleship
Beyond her initial acceptance of God's will, Mary's life exemplifies faithful discipleship. The Bible records her pondering events in her heart (Luke 2:19, Luke 2:51), indicating a reflective and spiritual nature. She was present at the wedding in Cana (John 2:1-11), where she encouraged the servants to obey Jesus, demonstrating her trust in Him. She followed Jesus during His ministry, often with His other children (His half-brothers and sisters, as mentioned in Matthew 13:55-56).
Perhaps most poignantly, Mary stood by the cross of her Son, enduring immense grief but remaining steadfast (John 19:25-27). This act of unwavering presence at His greatest hour of suffering speaks volumes about her love and commitment. After the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, Mary is found among the disciples in the upper room, praying and awaiting the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:14). This final biblical mention of her confirms her status as a faithful believer among other believers, not as an object of worship or an intercessor, but as one who herself needed the power of the Holy Spirit and the redemption offered by her Son. Her life serves as a model of faith, humility, and perseverance for all who seek to follow Christ.
Mary's Humanity and Need for a Saviour
It is imperative to maintain a biblical perspective on Mary's humanity. As established earlier, her own words in Luke 1:47 ("God my Saviour") testify to her need for salvation. The Bible consistently teaches that "all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). There is no biblical basis for the doctrines of Mary's immaculate conception (that she was conceived without original sin) or her bodily assumption into heaven. These are traditions that developed much later and are not supported by the KJV or any canonical scripture.
Elevating Mary to a co-redemptrix or an intercessor contradicts the clear teaching of Scripture that there is "one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:5). Mary, though highly favored and blessed, remains a creature, a human being who, like all others, was saved by the grace of God through faith in her Son, Jesus Christ. To worship her or pray to her would be to detract from the unique and sole mediatorial role of Christ.
Conclusion: A Model of God's Grace
Mary, the mother of Jesus, stands as a profound example of God's grace and a model of humble faith. She was indeed "highly favoured" and "full of grace" because God sovereignly chose her for an extraordinary purpose. Her honor is derived from her unique role in the divine plan of salvation, not from any inherent divinity or sinlessness. She responded with exemplary submission and faith, allowing herself to be a handmaid of the Lord.
The KJV Bible presents Mary as a blessed woman, a faithful disciple, and a loving mother who fully depended on God her Saviour. Her life points us to Christ, her Son, who is the sole object of our worship, the only Mediator, and the only source of salvation. By understanding Mary's true biblical standing, we can honor her according to God's Word, while keeping our focus and adoration fixed solely on Jesus Christ, "the author and finisher of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2).
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