Gospel Art Picture Kit
Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 2:13; Joseph Smith Translation, John 2:4; John 19:26–27; 1 Nephi 11:18–20; Mosiah 3:8; Alma 7:10
And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him. Luke 2:40
;)
Mary was foreordained to be the mother of our Savior long before she came to earth. Many prophets before the meridian of time foretold that the Only Begotten Son of the Father would be born to the virgin Mary, a precious and chosen vessel of the Lord (see Isaiah 7:14; 1 Nephi 11:18–20; Mosiah 3:8; Alma 7:10).
In the biblical accounts of Jesus’ interaction with His mother, He demonstrates His obedience to her and the love that He feels for her. The account of Jesus’ first miracle recorded in the scriptures, when He turned the water into wine at the marriage in Cana, shows the relationship Mary and Jesus had. When Mary saw that there was no more wine, she turned to her son for help. And when Mary asked for help, Jesus responded, “Woman, what wilt thou have me to do for thee? that will I do” (Joseph Smith Translation, John 2:4).
Jesus displayed this same devotion to His mother in the last few moments of His life. When He saw Mary and His Apostle John standing by the cross, He said: “Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother!” (John 19:26–27). Even in the midst of great pain and suffering, He thought of His mother and her needs.
No other mortal woman will ever have the experiences Mary had of bearing Heavenly Father’s physical Son and raising the Messiah. But Mary did not have to face these tasks alone. Her husband, Joseph, raised Jesus as his son, teaching and guiding Him and preserving His life so he could perform His great mission (see Matthew 2:13).
Summary
Mary, a righteous and pure woman, was chosen to be the mother of Jesus Christ while she still lived with Heavenly Father. Jesus loved His mother and cared for her His entire life. Mary helped Jesus prepare to do the important work that Heavenly Father had called Him to do during His life. Mary’s husband, Joseph, was a good man who loved Jesus and helped teach and raise Him.
Artist, Del Parson
© 1997 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA
^ Back to top