Many faithful Christians are curious about Mary’s age when she gave birth to Jesus. This is an important factor that helps in setting up a complete timeline. Jesus’ birth is as significant as his teachings and sacrifice for humanity. Mary had a key role to play as she was the young mother who conceived Jesus. Giving birth to a divine entity immortalized her name for centuries to come.
When it comes to her age at the time of Jesus’ birth, there are many different accounts. All of these sources will be acknowledged ahead. If you also have the same question, “How Old Was Mary When She Had Jesus?”, stay tuned. This is a detailed guide blog covering her age when Jesus was born and much more.
Who is Mary?
In simple words, Mary is the mother of Lord Jesus Christ. As Jesus’ incarnation was underway, Mary was the chosen mother meant to conceive her. To be more specific, she is regarded as a first century Jewish woman. She hailed from Nazareth in the Roman Empire. Aside from being the mother of Jesus, Mary is also the wife of Joseph.
Her importance in the religion of Christianity cannot be understated. In many holy scriptures, she is referred to as Virgin Mary, Mother or God, or queen. According to sources, Mary’s parents were named Joachim and Anne. The Almighty God himself chose her to conceive Jesus. After his birth, Mary raised Jesus in Bethlehem alongside her husband Joseph.
How old was Mary when she had Jesus? – The Birth Timeline
Many scriptures, calendars, and paintings showcase that Mary was a young woman at the time. Specifically, these claims that Mary was in her 20s when she gave birth to Jesus. However, many people are against this fact. There are several Christian scholars and historians who believe she couldn’t have been older than 20 years. There are many hints in the Bible and other holy scriptures which are analysed by these scholars. When she was just 3 years old, Mary was very much devoted to God. At the age of 12, she was engaged to marry Joseph.
When Mary turned 14, Gabriel gave her the news that she will conceive the Lord Jesus Christ. According to these experts, Mary was most probably 15 or 16 years old when she gave birth to Jesus. Also she was a young virgin when she had Jesus in her womb. In Matthew 1:18, it is stated that “This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about, His Mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, Mary was found to be pregnant with Jesus through the Holy Spirit.” Overall, she contributed to Jesus’ purpose of saving humanity and enlightening them.
Devoted Faith of Mary – The Mother of God
Undeniably, Mary was one of the most faithful Catholics at the time. However, she was not a divine entity herself, instead, a human being. The almighty God merely chose her as a vessel to conceive Jesus and help in his upbringing. She was very young at the time and also a virgin. Still, Mary cemented her faith by having the Lord Jesus Christ in her womb. She wanted to serve God in all ways possible.
Mary was still a virgin when she conceived Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit. This didn’t mean that Mary was unfaithful to her husband Joseph, it was a divine intervention. In spite of all the doubts and criticisms she would have faced, Mary still accepted the responsibility of giving birth to Jesus Christ. In simple words, she did not question the will of Almighty God and fulfilled his plans. When Gabriel came to give her the news of Jesus’ birth and that she is the chosen one, Mary didn’t hesitate at all.
Jesus’ Birth – The Doubts of Joseph
Mary had never been unfaithful towards her husband Joseph. She was truly a virgin at the time of conceiving Lord Jesus Christ. When Joseph got to know about Mary’s pregnancy, he felt broken and betrayed. He felt a lot of pain and believed that Mary had not been faithful. This assumption is quite justified as Joseph had no idea of divine intervention. During this time, if Joseph had informed the Jewish leaders about Mary being unfaithful, the consequences would have been too harsh. They could have killed Mary or stoned her alive.
Joseph had even planned to divorce her in private to keep his respect. This was until an Angel of the Lord visited Joseph in his dream. Indeed, this Angel assured him that Mary hasn’t been unfaithful. According to Matthew 1:20-21, the Angel told him “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus because he will save his people from their sins”. Joseph’s faith and kindness was revived after this encounter with an Angel. He also contributed a lot to the upbringing of Jesus Christ after birth.
Conclusion
It is hoped that your question about Mary’s age at the time of Jesus’ birth has been answered. Again, most experts believe that she was 15 or 16 years old at that time. The entire story of Mary and Joseph is quite important in biblical contexts. This couple had an integral role to play in the birth and upbringing of Jesus Christ. Mary’s faith and will to serve God convinced her to accept this responsibility.
FAQs
When did Gabriel give Mary the news about Jesus’ birth?
Mary was around 14 years old when she was visited by Gabriel. He gave her the news about Jesus’ birth and how she has been chosen as his mother.
How old was Mary when she got engaged to Joseph?
Indeed, Mary’s age was between 12 and 14 years old when she was engaged.
Why did the Angel visit Joseph in his dreams?
The Angel visited Joseph to assure him that Mary has never been faithful. She told him that this pregnancy happened through the holy spirit and a messiah is being born.
Also read about: How Old Was Jesus When He Died? – A Complete Timeline
