Mary of Nazareth: A Mother's Life

Shortly after 13-year old Mary of Nazareth became engaged to Joseph, the fate of the world changed. Inexplicably pregnant, the frightened teenager faced the possibility of being stoned to death. She endured ridicule that continued even after the birth of her Son. But Mary vigilantly stood by Jesus throughout the years of scorn and prejudice, even as He was dying on the cross at Calgary. Mary of Nazareth: A Mother’s Life would be useful for classes on World History, Middle Eastern History, Religion and Culture. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

• apocryphal
• betrothed
• conceive
• dilemma
• distraught
• emulation
• illegitimate
• illiterate
• incredulous
• intriguing
• magnitude
• pious
• profound
• prophecy
• rebuke
• thwart
• transcendent
• transfixed
• turbulent
• tyranny

1. The story of Mary’s birth and childhood does not appear in the Bible, as we know it. How then do we know of Mary and her birth and childhood?

2. What is the story of the Immaculate Conception? How was Mary’s birth different from the births of other children?

3. Mary lived in a period of political turmoil. Discuss the political realities of Mary’s lifetime and their influences on her life and her Son’s life.

4. Mary may not have had a formal education and may have not known how to read or right, but she did receive an education appropriate for a young girl of her status. What did Mary’s education consist of?

5. What did Mary risk by consenting to become the mother of Jesus Christ?

6. Although pregnant with a child that was not his, Joseph consented to marry Mary. Why did Joseph do this?

7. Why did Herod issue an edict to murder all male children under the age of two years in and around Bethlehem?

8. The Bible states that Mary compelled her Son to perform his first public miracle. Why and how did she do this?

9. Mary was present at the crucifixion of her beloved Son. Why was her presence at his death an act of courage on her part?

10. Mary, despite her incredible strength, courage and determination, has been portrayed as a symbol of passivity and submission. Why?

11. Discuss the strength of Mary.

1. On a map of the world illustrate the Roman Empire at the time of Mary’s life.

2. Write an essay that discusses how Mary as been a symbol and model for Western Civilization.

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