Why Mary, Mother of Jesus’ Story Still Matters for Mothers Today
Mary, Jesus’ Mother and Jesus as a boy sitting together and smiling. From the children’s book, Mary Mother of Jesus by Arabella Penrose.
Motherhood doesn’t always look like we imagined. Sometimes it’s full of joy, but other times, it feels quiet, thankless, and sometimes unseen. But Mary, Mother of Jesus, shows us that a mother’s faithfulness is never wasted.
She’s not just the young girl we picture at Christmas, she’s the woman who walked in obedience long after the angels had left and the shepherds moved on. She didn’t have it easy. Though she was the mother of the Messiah, she didn’t seek fame. But she did have a willing heart. And God trusted her to carry His Son.
This Mother’s Day, I want to remember Mary the way Scripture shows her—not as flawless, but as a faithful woman who teaches us what real obedience looks like when life gets hard.
Here’s what Mary’s life reminds me of today, especially as a mother.
Mary Said Yes before Knowing the Cost
Mary didn’t have all the details when the angel made his announcement. She didn’t get a map or a timeline. She got a word from God, and she said yes to it. “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:38)
That one act of surrender shaped her life and the course of history.
Motherhood often begins the same way—an unexpected test result, a late-night fever, a whispered prayer for wisdom when you have no idea what to do next. You say yes to loving a life you cannot control. You say yes without knowing what storms may come. You trust God even when the road ahead is hidden.
And that yes, offered in faith, matters to God.
Mary Treasured the Right Things
Mary’s life was filled with moments she did not fully understand, but even so, she didn’t panic when she didn’t have all the answers. Instead, she pondered and treasured.
“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19)
She held on to the promises of God. She remembered the angel’s words. She stored up the glimpses of His faithfulness even when she couldn’t see the complete picture.
Mary knew the Word of God. We see it in her song of praise after she visited Elizabeth. The Magnificat is almost entirely woven from Scripture, showing that even as a young woman, Mary’s heart and mind were full of God’s truth.
I want that kind of heart too, a heart that treasures what God has spoken and holds onto His faithfulness when nothing makes sense.
Mary Raised Her Family with Quiet Faithfulness
Mary didn’t raise Jesus in comfort or for applause. She raised Him in a small town, with a carpenter husband, and eventually with a house full of other children.
“Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas?” (Matthew 13:55)
There were no cameras, no crowds, no public celebrations of her faithfulness. If Mary lived today, it might look like picking up toys off the floor, scrolling past perfect family photos on social media, washing dishes late at night, and holding it all together while others barely noticed.
But God noticed.
And the Kingdom of God is still built today by mothers who are faithful in the hidden places.
Mary Stayed When It Hurt the Most
Mary Mother of Jesus at the cross of her son, Jesus Christ. From the book, Mary Mother of Jesus by Arabella Penrose.
Mary’s yes did not end at the birth of Jesus. She stayed faithful even when it cost her everything.
“Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother…” (John 19:25)
While many had fled, Mary stayed near. She stood close enough to see her Son suffer, close enough to hear His last words. She remained, even when her heart broke in ways she could never have imagined.
Real love doesn’t run when the story turns dark; it stays rooted in trust.
Mary’s example at the cross still speaks to us today. She teaches us that love holds on, not because it’s easy to trust God, but because He’s still faithful even when we don’t know how.
Mary Kept Following After the Resurrection
Mary’s story didn’t end at the tomb. She was there with the disciples, praying, waiting for the promised Holy Spirit.
“They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus…” (Acts 1:14)
Her role shifted, but her faithfulness did not. Even when her assignment changed, her obedience remained.
And for every mother who wonders if her role still matters once her children are grown, Mary’s life says this: Faithfulness is never wasted. God’s purpose for you doesn’t end when the kids leave home or when the rhythms of life shift. He carries your story all the way until the day you meet Him face-to-face.
Mary Is a Mother Worth Looking Up To
Mary was not perfect. She did not have all the answers. She didn’t live for applause.
But we see that she lived for God, and she stayed near to Him. She believed when it was hard, trusted when it hurt, and obeyed even when she didn’t understand.
We don’t worship Mary, but we can look to her example of faithfulness, courage, and humility. She points us to the kind of trust that can carry us through every season of motherhood, and every season of life.
So, if you’re a mother walking in steady faithfulness today, or a woman still learning how to say yes to God’s call, you are walking a road that Mary once walked too.
Everything you're doing behind closed doors matters. Even when it feels like you aren't making a difference. Even when it seems like no one sees or values you. God sees you. And He delights in you.
If you want to help a child see the beauty of Mary’s faith and courage, you might enjoy my children’s book: Mary, Mother of Jesus: A Rhyming Bible Story about Courage, Faith, and Obedience.
A young girl with a Mary Mother of Jesus book in the classroom
