Discussion Questions John 2:1-11 Part One: Who is Mary?

by Teresa^(1,657) Bronze Star

Read John 2:1-11

Two main questions arose in class; Mary’s roll, and the response Jesus gave to her when she told him about the wine. These questions led to a study of their own, yet I think they are worth including in this on-line study, as this topic is one that comes up often in many conversations, that is the topic of Mary. As with any subject on Christianity and the Bible, we must go the Bible for our answers – even when these answers go against what we have been taught through tradition and other sources other than the word of God.

I invite you to explore these questions and share your thoughts and insights.

Who was/is Mary?

Read the following passages of Scripture, then answer the questions below

Matthew 1:18-24; Luke 1:46-55; Luke: 21- 35; Luke 2:41-51; Luke 11:27-28; Mark 6:1-3; Matthew 12:46-50; John 7:5; John 19:25-27; Acts 1:14

1. What do we learn about Mary?

2. How does Mary reveal her humility and acknowledge her Savior?

3. When did Mary cease to be a virgin?

4. What are the names of Jesus’ half brothers?

5. How does Jesus confirm that He has physical brothers and sisters?

6. During Jesus’ ministry, did his brothers believe he was the Messiah?

7. At what point did Mary realize that Jesus was different from her other children?

8. Where do we find Mary and His Brothers after His resurrection?

Mary was indeed blessed among women. It could have only been one and because of her faith and humble spirit, she was chosen. However, Scripture makes it clear that she was in need of a Savior just as the rest of us. She remained a virgin up until she gave birth to Jesus, and she placed herself under His authority. It could be that her faithfulness to follow and serve her Son that eventually aided His half-brothers (and possibly half-sisters) to come to faith. In fact, James went on to write one of the shortest and most powerful epistles regarding how we should live as Christians. Mary’s role was to nurture Jesus as a child, and let Him go when it was time to fulfill His ministry. She quietly stepped aside knowing her job was done – I believe she came to fully understand those early prophetic words of Simeon and Anna. Mary was not exempt from the fall of Adam and Eve as some suggest. She was born with a sinful nature just as everyone was who came after Adam, as God said, many times throughout His word.

There is no one righteous, no not one – only the God/Man Christ Jesus. Sadly, through the tradition of man, she has been raised to the level of God, called a mediator between God and man, and called the Queen of Heaven despite the fact that God has said otherwise.

“For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 2:5-6

“I am the LORD, that is My name; and My glory I will not give to another, Nor My praise to carved images.” Isaiah 42:8

“ Now therefore, thus says the Lord, the God of hosts, the God of Israel…” Jeremiah 44:7

** Read all of chapter 44**

“He answered and said the them, ‘Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ 'For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men – the washing of pitchers and cups and many other such things as you do.; And He said to them, ‘All to well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition.” Mark 7:6-9 **Read all of chapter 7**

I realize for many this is contrary to what is believed, and I am sensitive to this. However, if we are calling ourselves followers of Christ, we must put God’s word above all else - especially the words of Jesus himself. Remember, the book of John teaches the absolute supremacy of Christ, and it is through Him alone we attain salvation.

There is much more to be said on this subject and again, I welcome your thoughts. We are here to discuss and learn what the Bible has to say about Christianity and salvation.

Part two to follow shortly – “My time has not yet come” John 2:4

© Teresa Ortiz – Book of John Bible Study 2010

*Special thanks to my students who challenge me each week. I too am learning from you.*

Summary study John 2:1-11

Discussion questions part two

Article submitted Sunday, November 14, 2010 & read 567 times.

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» left by Bart⁽²³⁾ (1 year 182 days ago.)

Hello Teresa, thank you for taking this on; and I say Amen to your comments. You are right in saying that as followers of Christ, His Word must rule supreme; not traditions or teachings of men. Something I heard recently from a Bible teacher is that it is highly likely that the Second Epistle of John was written to Mary specifically. Most scholars hold the view that the 'elect lady' is the church, but when you read it as if it were written to Mary as the elect lady, it does make a lot of sense. It may be worth a read and some discussion at your Bible study group. Just a thought. Every blessing, Bart.

» left by Teresa^(1,657) (1 year 182 days ago.)

Hi Bart. Thank you for your encouraging words. As you know this subject can raise some heated discussions if we are not careful to keep it "full of grace and truth". I had not heard that before. You have me very curious. I am going to read it right now in this light. I will get right back to you!

» left by Teresa^(1,657) (1 year 182 days ago.)

Hi Bart, I just read it, twice, and will continue to read it.

I can definitely see how this could fit. We know Mary had other children and from the rest of Scripture, we only know of a few who came to faith. Thus verse 4 "I rejoiced greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth as we have received commandment from the Father"

Johns words of warning are clear and strong - we are to abide in the doctrines of Christ as He is the head of the church.

I'm not sure that I would be dogmatic about the letter being to Mary and not another woman in the church, but I do believe it is written to a specific person and not the church as a whole because of the "personal touch" this also used when Paul was writing specifically to Timothy and Philemon, and also in third John, he also address a specific person.

As followers of Christ we are all "elect" as Peter points out in his epistles, adding this to the last line in the letter where John says, "The children of you elect sister greet you." is this her literal and physcial sister, or is it the church as a whole?

hhhmmmm --- thank you for bringing this up - so much to ponder! But the bottom line is, it is about Jesus and Him crucified - not any other.

I really appreciate you Bart. Every blessing right back to you :-)

» left by Bart⁽²³⁾ (1 year 181 days ago.)

Hi Teresa, Thank you for your comments. This is what makes studying the Bible fun for me. We will never be able to exhaust the Word of God, and just when we have things figured out someone will bring up a point that might not have been considered before. This is why home groups or small group Bible studies are so great; just to be able to bounce things off one another. Your studies through John are great; thanks so much for posting online. Blessings, Bart

» left by Teresa^(1,657) (1 year 181 days ago.)

I'm with you on this! It breaks my heart when I hear Christians say they've read the bible and they are bored with the same old stories. WOW! There is no end to what we can learn if we seek God with our whole heart. Lord help me that I would never get to the place where I think I have arrived in terms of Bible study.

I am learning so much more this time around. Like you said, each group study brings about new thoughts and deeper perspectives. I love teaching, but more so I love being a student and glean so much from believers who know more than me. It's a beautiful thing! I am looking forward to your next lesson :-)

» left by Anonymous (301 days 19 hours ago.)

what did you not understand about this passage?

what stood out to you?

what did the passage mean for you and your life today?

We appreciate your comments!

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