| If you want to know more about Jesus, click here |
| Did Mary give birth to other children after Jesus was born? The Bible is very specific in saying that Mary, the mother of Jesus, did have other children after Jesus was born. The Bible says that Jesus was her FIRSTBORN and Joseph did not know her intimately UNTIL she gave birth to Jesus. The Bible does not say that she remained a virgin, nor does the Bible say that Jesus was her only child. This teaching that suggests that Mary remained a virgin is antibiblical. Mary did not remain a virgin. This is for certain. For a woman to remain a virgin while being married to her husband would be considered a sin by God's standards. God created marriage. The two become one flesh and the bed is undefiled in marriage. Mary and Joseph were married in every sense of the word. Joseph took Mary to be his wife, not a roommate. Had she remained a virgin her entire married life, this would have been very dysfunctional. It would have displeased her husband and the Lord. The Bible says that Jesus was her FIRSTBORN and Joseph knew her not (intimately) TILL she gave birth to Jesus. The Bible specifically says that Jesus had brothers and even mentions their names. Jesus had sisters too. Scriptural references are below: Mathew 1:25: And [Joseph] knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called His name JESUS. Mathew 12:46-47: While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him. Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. Mathew 13:55-56 Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things? Mark 3:31-32: There came then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without, sent unto him, calling him. And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee. Mark 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. Luke 2:7: And she brought forth her FIRSTBORN son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 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. John:7:3: His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest. Was Mary without Sin as the Roman Catholics teach? The Bible teaches that ALL have sinned: Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: The Angel of the LORD says this to Mary: Luke 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. Notice that the Biblical text does not say, "Hail Mary full of grace..." This is a misinterpretation of the Greek text. The Greek word for "highly favoured" means "to grace, that is, indue with special honor: - make accepted, be highly favoured." God gave this special honor to Mary to bear the Messiah. To Grace...not "full of grace." The Bible says that our righteousness is as filthy rags. It was God induing Mary with this special honor of giving birth to the Messiah. She was not full of grace but rather highly favored. The Bible says that Jesus was full of grace and truth, not Mary. Luke 1:29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. This alone proves that Mary was not expecting such a salutation. Certainly one born without sin would have KNOWN that she would be the chosen one. Instead, Mary was disturbed and was pondering about the greeting. Luke 1:30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. Nowhere does the text say that Mary was sinless. She found favor with God. The Greek word for "favor" means "graciousness or acceptable." Luke 1:31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. Luke 1:32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: Notice here that Jesus shall receive the Throne. No throne is promised to Mary. For God alone gets all the praise, adoration, and worship forever. Isaiah 42:8 says "I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images." Also in Isaiah 48:11b says, "I will not give my glory unto another." kingdom there shall be no end. Throughout the whole Bible, this is the theme. Messiah Jesus would be born of the seed of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, also from the Kingly Line of David, born of a virgin, would be crucified, would rise from the dead, would someday reign forever as King of Kings. God will not share His glory with another. It is forbidden in the Bible to give glory unto created beings or graven images. The First and Second Commandment in Exodus 20 says: Exodus 20:2 I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Exodus 20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Exodus 20:4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Exodus 20:5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; Throughout the whole Bible, we read that God ALONE deserves all glory and honor and praise. We are to worship God. Nowhere in the Bible does it even suggest to worship Mary or anyone else. There is recorded in the Bible the fateful doom of those who would desire the praise and adoration of men. This is an abomination before God and those that tried to receive the glory for themselves were severely punished. The Apostle Peter says: 1Peter 4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. The Bible records Mary's words to the Angel and to her cousin, Elizabeth. Here is what Mary had to say: Luke 1:38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. The Greek word for "handmaid" means slave or servant. Mary acknowledged that she was a "handmaiden." She did not say that she was the "mother of God." Mary was a vessel chosen by God. She was wanted to do God's will and God chose her to bring the Messiah into the world. Luk 1:46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, Luk 1:47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. Here, Mary magnifies the Lord, for He is the only One worthy of any glory. She rejoiced in God, her Savior. Mary needed a Savior just like everyone else. She was a humble Jewish servant of the Lord. She knew from Scripture that ONLY GOD can receive honor and glory! Luk 1:48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. Luk 1:49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. Mary is praising the Lord for all that He has done for her. Holy is the Lord's name! Luke 1:50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. Luke 1:51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. Luke 1:52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. Luke 1:53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. Luke 1:54 He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; Luke 1:55 As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever. Luke 1:56 And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house. Nowhere does Mary pronounce that she is without sin. She glorifies the Lord. She acknowledges that God is her Savior. She is joyous that all generations shall call her blessed. Notice that she does not state, "All generations shall worship me." She calls the Lord holy, not herself. She acknowledges the Lord's mercy to Israel and to Abraham and his seed forever. According to the Mosaic Law in Leviticus 12, every mother that gave birth, either a male or female, had to offer sacrifices to God: one as a burnt offering, and one as a sin offering. Luke 2:22-24 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. Let's See What Happens When Mary and Joseph found Jesus teaching in the Temple: Luk 2:48 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. Luk 2:49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? Luk 2:50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. This alone proves that Mary did not fully understand the mission that Jesus was to fulfill. Not much is mentioned about Mary in Scripture and I believe the Holy Ghost did this for a very good reason. We are to worship The Lord and to read about Jesus, not anyone else. Jesus is worthy of the highest praise... not Mary or Joseph or anyone else! The Bible says that Mary pondered many things inside her heart clearly indicating that she did not understand. Mary knew to listen to Jesus and we see that from the following text: John 2:1 And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: Notice it does not say "Mother of God" John 2:2 And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. John 2:3 And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. John 2:4 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. Jesus did not address Mary as "mother" but as "woman." Mary was the mother of Jesus, not the Mother of God. Jesus, as God, the Word in John 1:1, had no beginning. He has always been the Second Person of the Godhead/ Trinity. Jesus is the Creator. He is God. He never had a beginning. Jesus, as flesh/man, had a beginning. The Bible says in John, chapter 1, "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us." This is why Mary is addressed in the Bible as the "mother of Jesus" and not the mother of God. This is why Jesus called her "woman" and not "mother." He, being fully God and fully man could not call her "mother." For Jesus had no beginning as God and He is God in flesh. His flesh had a beginning, and Mary gave birth to Him. Jesus, as God, His Deity, had no beginning. John 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. JESUS IS CALLED THE MIGHTY GOD: Isaiah 9:6-7 "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this." Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. The name Immanuel means, "God with us." God became man. The Word (the Preincarnate Christ) became flesh and dwelt among us. John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:2 The same was in the beginning with God. John 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. John 1:4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. GOD ALONE HEARS PRAYERS: We are to pray to the Father in Jesus' name. Nowhere in the Bible does it even remotely suggest that we should ever pray to another. God alone can only hear and answer prayer. He is NOT too busy to hear your prayers, as some who pray to Mary would have you to believe. The LORD wants us to pray to Him alone. The Bible forbids the prayers to anyone except the LORD. Psalm 5:2 Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray. Psalm 140:6 I said unto the LORD, Thou art my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD. Isaiah 59:1 Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: John 14:13-14 [Jesus said] "And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it." John 15:16 [Jesus said] Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. John 16:23-24 [Jesus said] And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. Matt 6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. WHAT SHOULD WE DO? John 2:5 His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. Here we have a wonderful passage of Scripture. "Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it." That is what we as Christians should be doing. God speaks to us through His Word. We can read the Scriptures and understand God's plan for our lives. We can read the words of Jesus and find comfort and guidance for every circumstance. Jesus alone has the power to forgive sins. What Jesus says, we should do. SINCE MARY WAS JESUS' MOTHER, IS MARY OUR MOTHER TOO? John 19:26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! John 19:27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. I have heard Catholics argue that this means that Mary is our mother too. Jesus, as the eldest son or firstborn, was making provisions for Mary. The eldest son was to care for the mother and assume headship over the house once the father passed away. Because Jesus' brethren were not believers yet, he entrusted the care of Mary into the hands of John, the beloved apostle. The apostle John was with Jesus from the beginning of Jesus' earthly ministry. He could properly see to it that Mary was cared for not only physically but also spiritually. Remember that the Lord is always concerned about our spiritual well being. For Mary to go back to her unbelieving children would have been spiritually detrimental. The only other place Mary is mentioned in the New Testament is in the Book of Acts, where she is included with the 120 in the Upper Room on the Day of Pentecost. So is Mary supposed to be our mother too? No. But the Bible does name a mother for us in Scripture. The Apostle Paul wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost: Gal 4:26 But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. IS MARY OUR INTERCESSOR? No, the Bible says that Jesus is our Intercessor. Romans 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. Hebrews 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. The Bible also states the Holy Spirit is interceding for us: Romans 8:26 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. Romans 8:27 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. IS MARY CO-MEDIATOR? No. The Bible says that Jesus is our Mediator. Jesus is the ONLY Mediator. 1Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Hebrews 8:6 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. Hebrews 9:15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. Heb 12:24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. IS MARY CO-REDEEMER? No. The Bible clearly states that there is no Savior but the Lord. Nowhere in Scripture does it remotely suggest that Mary is co-redemptrix or that she hears prayers or that she is without sin. The Bible mentions very little of her. God deserves all praise! There is no redeemer but the Lord. God will not share His glory with another. Isaiah 44:24 Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself; Isaiah 43:11 I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour. John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Hosea 13:4 Yet I am the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but me: for there is no saviour beside me. Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Phil 3:20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Act 5:31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. Luke 1:47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. Mary, herself, acknowledged God as her Savior. Should not we do the same? We are to worship the Lord and Him only. In the book of Revelation 19:10, we have John, the Apostle, wanting to worship an angel and here is what is said: "And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." What Does the Bible Say About the Queen of Heaven? Only one chapter speaks of the queen of heaven. It is a passage of judgement upon those who worship her: Jer 44:4 Howbeit I sent unto you all my servants the prophets, rising early and sending them, saying, Oh, do not this abominable thing that I hate. Jer 44:7 Therefore now thus saith the LORD, the God of hosts, the God of Israel; Wherefore commit ye this great evil against your souls, to cut off from you man and woman, child and suckling, out of Judah, to leave you none to remain; Jer 44:15 Then all the men which knew that their wives had burned incense unto other gods, and all the women that stood by, a great multitude, even all the people that dwelt in the land of Egypt, in Pathros, answered Jeremiah, saying, Jer 44:16 As for the word that thou hast spoken unto us in the name of the LORD, we will not hearken unto thee. Jer 44:17 But we will certainly do whatsoever thing goeth forth out of our own mouth, to burn incense unto the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto her, as we have done, we, and our fathers, our kings, and our princes, in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem: for then had we plenty of victuals, and were well, and saw no evil. Jer 44:18 But since we left off to burn incense to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto her, we have wanted all things, and have been consumed by the sword and by the famine. Jer 44:19 And when we burned incense to the queen of heaven, and poured out drink offerings unto her, did we make her cakes to worship her, and pour out drink offerings unto her, without our men? JESUS SAID: John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Mat 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. John 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. John 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. John 12:46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. John 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: John 11:26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? Closing thoughts: God ALONE can only hear and answer prayers. God ALONE is to be worshipped and adored. The Bible forbids the worship of idols, people, and created beings. The Lord Jesus alone paid the price for our sin. Jesus is worthy of the highest praise! In the Book of Revelation, the only adoration recorded is that to God for He alone can only receive adoration and blessing: Revelation 5:13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. Copyright © 2001-2004 Cobblestone Road Ministries All Rights Reserved |
