Today's interview installment comes from the lovely Victoria, whose favourite woman of the Bible is Mary (the mother of Jesus). Read on to gain her deep insights into the many things that this matriarch of the faith can teach us, as modern women of God.
WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE WOMAN OF THE BIBLE AND WHY? WHAT WOULD YOU SAY THAT MODERN WOMEN CAN LEARN FROM HER?
My favourite woman of the Bible is Mary, the mother of Jesus. Mary is the most humble woman of God in the Bible, in my opinion. She must have been incomparably devout and pious because scripture reveals to us (in the account of the visitation of the Angel Gabriel in Luke 1:28-30) that Mary was “highly favoured” by the Lord and she had “found favour with God”.
Related: Lessons from Mary on Sharing Our Gifts with the World
When Mary (who was young of age and still a virgin) was told that she was to conceive the Son of God, she must have been terrified; yet she responded with incredible boldness- “I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Mary’s astonishing humility and faith renders her a beautiful role model for us modern women, who can learn from her example to offer our lives to God and allow Him to use us for His Kingdom by uttering (in a similar fashion) the courageous words of Mary- “let it be to me according to your word!”
Related: An Interview with Keishawna on Mary (Jesus' Mother)
Mary is also my favourite woman of the Bible because she is a wonderful model of true Christian discipleship. In responding “yes” to giving birth to our Messiah, Mary was Jesus’ first disciple. Throughout His years as a child Mary was present, nurturing His maturing observance of Jewish Law and faith, and fostering His perpetual sanctity.
Even during His adult life, Mary influenced Jesus and He continued to honour and obey His mother. For example, at the wedding feast of Cana Mary noticed and remarked to Jesus that the wine was finished. In response to His mother’s request, Jesus performed His first public miracle- transforming barrels of water into fine wine (John 2).
In the manner of a true disciple, Mary was ever present faithfully championing Jesus all the way through His passion, death and resurrection (John 19:25-30; Acts 1:12-14). She was also present with the apostles in the upper room on Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended fifty days after Christ’s resurrection (Acts 2). From the very beginning; through it all, and to the end- while some abandoned, betrayed and denied Him- Mary remained faithful and devoted to Christ.
Finally, Mary is my favourite woman of the Bible because she was a loving and entirely devoted mother to her son whose identity and mission, at the time, was so little understood. Mary performed her duty as a mother with exemplary attention and tender love. Thus, she teaches us modern women how to love in an extraordinary capacity. Furthermore, the strength and courage she displayed when having to endure the distressing ordeal of watching her beloved son being tormented to Calvary and dying on the Cross, makes Mary a wonderful role model for mothers today and a relatable one for mothers undergoing tremendous suffering- particularly those who, like Mary, have unfortunately had their child die.
Related: An Interview with Isata on Mary (the Mother of Jesus)
Mary was an ordinary woman called to perform an extraordinary service but she rose to the occasion with such willingness, humility, courage and compassion, and this ultimately is what modern women can learn from Mary. Mary leads us to Christ, our Saviour, and the constant lesson she teaches us is summarised in her last words in Scripture- “whatever Jesus tells you to do – do it” (John 2:5).
PLEASE FINISH THE SENTENCE: I AM A CHRISTIAN WOMAN WHO IS…
I am a Christian woman who is proud and enthusiastic about her Christian Catholic faith and who is on a journey, endeavouring to live a virtuous life that bears fruit for God’s Kingdom.
PLEASE FINISH THE SENTENCE: I AM A CHRISTIAN WOMAN WHO IS NOT…
I am a Christian woman who is not defined by our modern culture and society but whose identity is found in Christ, who died because of his immense love for me. I am a Christian woman who is not perfect but, through the complete grace of God, desires- like the apostle Paul- to “fight the good fight to the end”.
ANY FINAL WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT?
Living our Christian faith can often times be challenging, especially as we in the West are living in a time where our society is increasingly secular and seeks to dispel God (and His laws). We are fed lies by our modern culture and the media about what is “good” and beautiful - lies about our identity, our worth, the purpose of life… But we must always remember who we are in Christ – we are daughters of a King! Recall the words of Jesus in John 16:33: “Find peace in me. In the world you will have hardship, but be courageous; I have conquered the World”. God has a great plan for our lives and we can do all things with Him who strengthens us!