The Women in the

Genealogy of Jesus

– Part 3

Mother Mary

17 January 2022

Finally, we come to the fifth and last woman mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus in the Gospel according to St Matthew: Mother Mary. As we read this genealogy, we immediately notice a striking difference in the way Mary is introduced compared to the other women mentioned before her.

<Matt 1:3> Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar

<Matt 1:5> Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab

<Matt 1:5> Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth

<Matt 1:6> David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah

<Matt 1:16> Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born

Similarly, in the Gospel according to St Luke, we read:

<Luke 3:23> He was the son (as was thought) of Joseph…

These passages clearly indicate that Joseph was not the father of Jesus, but rather the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born. While Joseph was believed to be Jesus’ father and faithfully assumed the responsibilities of fatherhood, he was not the biological father of Jesus.

Mary

There is so much that can be said about Mother Mary that no amount of writing could ever feel sufficient. Still, Scripture allows us to reflect on some of her defining characteristics.

Mary was the one who said “Yes” to God.

Obedience and Trust in God

<Luke 1:34> “How can this be, since I am a virgin?”

This question reveals Mary’s natural anxiety. By today’s standards, she would still have been a child. Although the Bible does not mention her age, Jewish girls of that time were typically betrothed between the ages of 14 and 16. Since <Luke 1:27> states that Mary was engaged to Joseph at the time of the angel Gabriel’s visitation, she was likely within this age range.

Mary would have understood the serious consequences of being found pregnant before marriage. She knew the Scriptures well and would have been familiar with the fate Tamar nearly suffered (<Gen 38:24>). Yet Mary also knew that nothing is impossible for God. She placed her complete trust in Him.

<Luke 1:38> “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.”

Later, Joseph considers dismissing Mary quietly (<Matt 1:19>). While this would have spared her public disgrace, it would have left her to raise Jesus alone in a society where women had very limited opportunities. Despite this, Scripture records no complaint from Mary.

Her trust in God was so complete that she did not plead for deliverance. God Himself intervened, sending an angel to Joseph in a dream and instructing him to take Mary as his wife (<Matt 1:20>).

Humility

What would be the attitude of someone chosen to become the Mother of God? Someone personally visited by an angel and addressed as “Favored One” (<Luke 1:28>)?

For Mary, these honors were secondary. What stood out to her was the angel’s message about her relative Elizabeth:

<Luke 1:36> “Your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren.”

Mary immediately recognized that Elizabeth would need help. Without hesitation, she traveled to be with her (<Luke 1:39>). This is humility in action.

God calls each of us to humility. Pride distances us from God, but humility allows us to become instruments of His grace. God Himself demonstrated perfect humility by taking on human nature and being born in a manger.

Faith

In <John 2>, we encounter Mary at the wedding at Cana. When the wine runs out, Mary informs Jesus. His response is unexpected:

<John 2:4> “Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.”

Mary then turns to the servants and says:

<John 2:5> “Do whatever he tells you.”

This single sentence reveals Mary’s deep faith in her Son as Lord of the universe. It is this faith that precedes Jesus’ first miracle.

Understanding John Chapter 2

Why Does Jesus Call Mary “Woman”?

Jesus addresses Mary as “Woman” at Cana (<John 2:4>) and again from the cross (<John 19:26>). This title recalls the creation account of Eve in Genesis (<Gen 2:22–23>).

By doing so, Jesus presents Mary as the New Eve, the Mother of all humanity. At the cross, when Jesus says, “Woman, behold your son,” He entrusts Mary to St John and symbolically to all believers.

Why Does Jesus Say, “My Hour Has Not Yet Come”?

Throughout the Gospels, the word “hour” refers to the hour of Jesus’ Passion (see <John 12:23–27>, <Matt 26:45>, <Mark 14:35–41>). At Cana, Jesus points forward to the ultimate transformation that will take place during His Passion, when wine becomes His blood in the Eucharist.

“Do Whatever He Tells You”

This passage is significant because it records the final words spoken by Mary in Scripture. After this moment, Mary is mentioned again, but no further words of hers are recorded.

Her final instruction—“Do whatever he tells you”—is addressed not only to the servants at Cana, but to all of us. It is a lasting call to obedience to Christ.

What We Learn from Mother Mary

Mother Mary is rightly regarded as the greatest disciple of Jesus. She remained faithful through suffering and stood at the foot of the cross when many others fled. This is the fullness of faith.

True faith does not dwell on fear or consequences. It rests entirely in following Christ, as Jesus teaches:

<Luke 9:62> “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Although Mary is not mentioned extensively in Scripture, her influence is profound. Cultural limitations of the time restricted references to women, but Christian tradition reveals her as a pillar of strength for the apostles and a powerful force in the spread of the faith.

According to Roman Catholic and Eastern Christian teaching, Mary was assumed body and soul into heaven. These teachings originate from the earliest expressions of Christianity and the oral tradition handed down by the apostles.

References

Catholic Exchange – Why Jesus Called Mary “Woman” at Cana
Photo Credit: Photo by Christina Morillo from Pexels

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