Women Followed Jesus: Mary, His Mother

Mary, the Mother of Jesus was his first follower and probably his greatest supporter.

Mary rebuked her son and we hear his first recorded words

We do not know if she constantly followed him for the three years of his ministry, but she was there for some important moments.

Mary was the one to encourage him to turn the water into wine before his earthly ministry began. {John 2:1-11}

The only additional mention of Mary during Jesus ministry is when she is waiting with her other sons to speak with him. We do not know what they long to speak about, but Jesus chastises that everyone is important like his mother and brothers.

“While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him.”   {Matthew 12:46; Mark 31-35}

We know that Mary is around and among Jesus followers, but we don’t know from scripture if she is there constantly or from time to time. The next time we find Mary is at the foot of the cross.

Mary, the Mother of Jesus and Mary Magdalene were two of the women at the crucifixion

Mary is present at the crucifixion of Jesus and as her son is hanging on the cross he ask his disciple, John, to care for his mother. {John 19:25-26}

She is not mentioned in the resurrection story, but is the only person listed by name among the eleven disciples in the upper room following the ascension. This leads us to believe she was present at the ascension and became a leader in the early church. {Acts 1:26}

Scripture does not tell us anything else about Mary’s life after this point, although we can assume she went to live in John’s house.

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