Many of us might wonder, why God chose Mary over others? What was it that made her stand out? It’s a mystery that has puzzled many over the centuries. While it’s true that only God knows the real reason for His choices, the Bible gives us some glimpses or clues to answer this century-long question.
Let’s take a look at Mary’s life and examine the ten compelling reasons why she was chosen for such an extraordinary role and what we can learn from her example today.
The Right Lineage
Mary’s ancestry played an important part in fulfilling ancient prophecy. Being a descendant of King David made her lineage vital to the coming of the Messiah. This is highlighted in Isaiah 11:1-10, which describes a Messiah coming from David’s line. It used the symbolism “shoot from the stump of Jesse,” Jesse being David’s father.
Since Mary was connected to David, it meant her son, Jesus, fulfilled this prophecy from the Old Testament. In choosing Mary, God kept His promise, bringing everything together in a powerful way.
She Was from Nazareth
Nazareth wasn’t the busy city you’d think it would be for the mother of the Savior. Instead, it was a small, often ignored town that was unimportant to many people. Still, God picked Nazareth to be Mary’s home. Maybe it was to show that big things can come from little places. God’s choice of Mary showed His inclination to work with humble and ordinary people, making Nazareth a key part of the Messiah’s story.
This background made Mary’s story more relatable. She didn’t come from a well-known family or a big city. She was just a regular woman from a small town. By picking Mary from Nazareth, God showed that His plans don’t depend on human status or fame, but on hearts ready to say “yes.”
Her Engagement with Joseph
Another factor that added significance to Mary’s story is her engagement to Joseph. This connection played a crucial role in fulfilling the prophecy stated in Micah 5:2: ‘But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.’
This prophecy foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, a town in Judah. Because Joseph was of the Davidic lineage and Bethlehem was his ancestral home, the couple’s journey there ensured that Jesus’ birth would fulfill this ancient prophecy.
Furthermore, Joseph and Mary’s union provided stability and social cover for Mary’s miraculous pregnancy. At that time, an unwed mother would face ostracism and harsh judgment from society. But Mary’s betrothal to Joseph shielded her from public shame. This partnership wasn’t just practical; it was divinely orchestrated, further affirming that Mary’s choice by God was part of a larger, well-thought-out plan.
Mary Was a Virgin
Mary’s virginity was far from an incidental detail. Isaiah 7:14 tells us that a virgin would conceive and bear a son. The truth that Mary had never been with a man emphasizes the miraculous nature of Jesus’ birth.
Mary’s virginity also symbolized her purity, which set her apart in fulfilling the purpose of God’s plan. It wasn’t a mere biological fact; it was a sign of her sacred calling. Despite the potential risks and societal backlash, she was ready to accept this extraordinary pregnancy. This speaks of her deep faith and trust in God’s plan.
She Was of Good Character
The Bible doesn’t provide a lot of details about Mary’s early life. What we do know, however, reveals much about her character. When the angel Gabriel visited her, he greeted her by saying, “You have found favor with God” (Luke 1:30). This favor was not random. Mary must have lived a life of faithfulness, righteousness, and devotion that caught God’s eye.
Throughout her story, we can see Mary’s pleasant character, particularly in her obedience and her care for others. For instance, she traveled to visit her cousin Elizabeth, who was also expecting, despite being pregnant herself with the Savior of the world. This act reflects her genuine concern for others.
Mary’s goodness is reflected in her actions, and in the humble and consistent way she devoted herself to serving God and those around her.
Her Humility
Upon learning of her special mission from the angel Gabriel, Mary didn’t boast or question why she was chosen. Instead, she humbly responded, “I am the Lord’s servant” (Luke 1:38). She humbly submitted to God’s will. She didn’t seek honor or recognition. Instead, she simply accepted her role with grace and humility.
Her Introspective Nature
Multiple times in the Gospels, it’s mentioned that Mary “treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19). This introspective quality enabled her to reflect deeply on the events surrounding Jesus’ birth and early life, cherishing these experiences within her.
Mary was spiritually mature, an aspect that is often overlooked by many. She didn’t just experience the miracles, but she also internalized their significance and used them to shape her understanding of God’s plan. Her ability to pause, reflect, and trust in God’s unfolding purpose is a quality that likely contributed to God choosing her for such an important mission.
She Was the Immaculate Conception
Catholic teaching holds that Mary was born without original sin, a belief referred to as the Immaculate Conception. This extraordinary aspect of her life sets her apart. It makes her a worthy vessel for the pure and sinless Son of God. From the very beginning of her existence, God equipped Mary for her divine role by shielding her from the stain of sin.
She Chose to Remain Free from Sin
Even with the grace of the Immaculate Conception, Mary still faced temptations and struggles. However, she consistently chose to live a life free from sin. Her choices reflect her deep commitment to God and her desire to live according to His will. This conscious decision to remain pure underscores why she was the perfect candidate to bear the Son of God.
She Identifies as a Servant of the Lord
One of the most significant reasons God chose Mary was her complete commitment to being a servant of the Lord. When Gabriel revealed God’s plan, Mary answered right away without worry just saying, “I am the Lord’s servant” (Luke 1:38). This short, simple response reveals a great deal about her heart and attitude. Her identity came from her love for God, and she embraced that role.
Mary’s statement about being a servant wasn’t just a quick choice; it defined her whole life. Everything she did, from raising Jesus to being there when He was crucified, showed how committed she was to serving God. Her life gives us a lasting picture of what it means to be God’s servant.
What We Can Learn from Mary’s Story
Mary’s story shows incredible faith, humility, and obedience. Each reason God chose her reveals her special qualities and God’s beautiful plan for salvation. Her life reminds us that God often calls regular people to do amazing things, showing that our backgrounds or social status don’t limit how we can serve His purpose. When we think about Mary’s journey, it should encourage us to embrace our own parts in God’s divine plan. Let’s strive to live with the same faith and dedication that Mary exemplified.
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Vidivir is a dedicated high school teacher and a loving mother of three. With over a decade of experience as a blogger and article writer, she has honed her craft in storytelling. As a devoted church lector and servant of God, she combines her passion for writing with her faith, aiming to inspire others through her words.