1) Was Mary the Eternal Virgin?
I had a discussion with several Catholics on an online forum, debating about the eternal virginity of Mary. Was Mary a virgin after giving birth to Jesus? Or did Mary have normal sexual relations with Joseph as normal married couple do after marriage?
Well it is clear that Jesus had siblings. When Jesus preached in his home town, he was rejected, and the people there said:
Mt:13:55 “Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas”
Mk:6:3 “Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.”
Apparently, this is a common argument pointed at the Catholic church, and they have readily used alternative theories, namely:
1) Joseph had an earlier marriage, and these are siblings from that earlier marriage
2) It is common for close friends to call each other brothers and sisters, when they are not really related
They even have it written down by prominent Catholic priests in history and made this cannon in the Catholic Church doctrine. Either way, their theory is that Mary remained a virgin and had no further children after Jesus
But the Scripture is not something for us to take lightly, and manipulate and distort to our tastes and biases. Fortunately, God in his infinite wisdom leaves us a clear answer
At the Cross
When Jesus was crucified on the cross, here are the people who were there
Mt:27:56 "Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children."
Mk:15:40 "There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome"
Jn:19:25-27 "Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home."
Although there was a throng of people there to witness the crucifixion, there were several people there that was important for the writers of the gospels to mention
Thus to summarise, those who were in attendance were:
1. Mary Magdalene (Matthew, Mark & John)
2. Mary the mother of James and Joses (Matthew and Mark)
3. Mother of Zebedee's sons (Matthew)
4. Salome (Mark) although it could also be read that Mary was the mother of James, Joses & Salome, excluding her from being in attendance. Salome is also mentioned in Mark 16:1, but again could be read as a separate person, or as a daughter of Mary. Some scholars think that she might also be the mother of Zebedee's sons, but this is inconclusive.
5. Mary mother of Jesus (John)
6. Mary wife of Clophas (John)
7. Un-named sister of Jesus' mother (John), but could also be read to be (6) Mary wife of Clophas
8. Un-named Beloved Disciple (John) who many believe to be John himself, as he frequently referred himself as the disciple Jesus loved.
Now, cross reference that with the earlier verses of when Jesus preached in his home town, and the people there's reference to Jesus
We clearly see that:
1. Mary, mother of Jesus was at the cross (John)
2. Mary mother of James and Joses was at the cross (James & Joses)
3. Jesus was known as the son of Mary, and brother of James and Joses.
It is quite clear based on the evidence in the Scripture, and taking no non scriptural evidence that a conclusion can confidently be made that Mary the mother of Jesus was also the mother of James and Joses, and quite a number of other children.
In fact, this is the most sound conclusion to base your doctrine on, since it can all be proven in the scriptures, rather than rely on personal convictions of priests and preachers who were not there and were written centuries later.
2) Was Mary Blessed Above Other Women?
Well based on my own personal opinion, Mary was indeed blessed to be able to carry the Messiah. However, to call her blessed above other women, and making it into a title of some veneration, it is best one look into the scriptures to see if this is scripturally sound.
In the scriptures, Mary is considered blessed among women, not above.
Lk 1:28 "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."
Lk 1:42 "And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb."
The bible says she was blessed among women, as she was selected by grace to carry Jesus, so that he would be in the line of David, as prophesied in the scripture.
Only one woman was ”blessed above women”, and only a particular tent, is found in the book of Judges
Judges 5:24 "Blessed above women shall Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite be, blessed shall she be above women in the tent."
Speaking of Mary being blessed, after casting out a demon, someone tried to bless the woman who gave birth to Jesus. But Jesus rejected this blessing towards Mary
Lk 11:27-28 And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it."
3) Mary "Mother of Jesus" ?
The Catholics have referred Mary as the “Mother of God”. This is simply wrong and is in nowhere mentioned in the Scriptures.
In fact, even the mention of the phrase “mother of Jesus” is never used in all first 3 gospels.
Mt 27:56 “Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children.”
Mk 15:40 ”There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;”
Mk 15:47 “And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid”
Mk 16:1 “And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.”
Lk 24:10 “It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles”
It is only in the book of John, that Mary is mentioned as the “mother of Jesus” or similar phrases.
Jn 2:1 “And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there”
Jn 2:3 “And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine…”
Jn 19:25 “Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister,Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.”
Acts 1:14 “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
Interestingly, in the book of Acts, Mary is later referred to as the mother of John!
Acts 12:12 “And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.”
Why mother of John?
Jn 19:26-27 “When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.”
4) How Did Jesus treat Mary?
Did Mary have a more powerful sway over Jesus, like most mothers do over their children? This is the general argument explicitly or implicitly stated when discussing about Mary.
Mt 12:47-50 “Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
Mk 3:32-35 “And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee. And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren? And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.
Lk 8:20-21 “And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee. And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.”
Jn 2:3-4 “And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. Jesus saith unto her,Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come”
Jn 19:26-27 “When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.”
It doesn’t look like Jesus ever referred to her as his Mother during his ministry, or adult life.
5) Did Mary have any special knowledge of God’s plans, or able to influence Jesus in them?
Clearly she did not. Not even when Jesus was 12 years old.
Lk 2:48-52 “And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.”
Mary was a wonderful woman, blessed by God. However, she was only human, and had no knowledge of Gods plans, nor any influence on it. Not even when Jesus was a child.
6) Who Intercedes For Us?
There are many Catholics who claim that they do not “worship” Mary. They claim that they are only asking Mary (or a “saint”) to intercede or pray on their behalf.
Although this is a nice clever argument, but the scripture is very clear. There is only ONE person who intercedes for us. Jesus.
Rom 8:26-27 “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”
Rom 8:34 “Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.”
Heb 7:25 “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
Thus you pray to Jesus, who is interceding for us, not Mary, not any saint, not angels not even a priest.
Yes, in the Old Testament, the people pray to God through a priest. However, in the New Testament on, we pray through our High Priest: Jesus!
Heb 3:1 “Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;”
Heb 2:17 “Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people”.
Heb 4:14-15 “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”
Heb:5:1 “ For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins”
Heb:5:5-6 “ So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
Heb 5:10 “ Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.”
Heb 6:20 “Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.”
Heb 7:22-28 “By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.”
Heb 8:1 “Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;
Heb 9:11 “But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building”
Heb 9:24-25 “For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us. Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;
Heb 10:16-21 “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God”
Rom 11:2 “God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying,”
So since Jesus is our ONLY intercessor, if you pray to or through Mary, or some long dead saint, who are you praying to/through? Prayers to the dead are strictly forbidden in the scriptures
Deut 18:11-12 “Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. or all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.”
Conclusion
Mary indeed was blessed to bear Jesus into the world. She rightly has her place in Christian history and in the bible
However, it is wrong to venerate her beyond what is clearly written in the scriptures. And it is even more erroneous when she takes the place of Jesus, be it as a being more powerful than God (mother of God) or as an intercessor (Jesus is the only intercessor).
ANYONE who takes the place of Jesus, be it Mary, some “saint”, or even the easter bunny or Santa Claus is clearly Anti-Christ.
This is not a criticism of merely the Catholics, but other denominations too. There are many who nearly worships their pastor/leader of the church, and overly places the word of their teacher/writer of their Christian teachings ABOVE what is clearly stated in the Bible.
I have heard many messages about materialism, money, vices etc being above Christ is sin. I do not disagree with these teachings.
However, more importantly in the church itself, there are more insidious teachings that places other things above Jesus. They are more dangerous, because they do not seem outwardly sinful and do not fit easily with other easy to pigeonhole sins such as habitual sins and materialism, fitting in very nicely with playing church
Teachings that are placed above Jesus such as:
1) emphasizing your works/service/missions above the work Jesus has done
2) overly placing emphasis on your pastor/preacher/priest’s teachings over the Word of God
3) overly placing emphasis on your cell groups/church service/training over a personal relationship with God
The surest way you will know that you are being led astray is when the emphasis of your church is not Jesus, or when something or someone replaces Jesus in any capacity
