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She is a woman admired for her bravery and loved for her devotion to God. She walked a difficult path, knowing how costly her submission would be. The virgin birth of her son Jesus defied scientific logic. Mary is recognized most as the mother to God's only Son. But how much do we know about the details of her life?

God chose Mary for what could be arguably the most important job in history - bringing our Savior Jesus Christ into the world. She was the perfect unlikely choice, which made her story even more remarkable.

We know the angel Gabriel visited Mary to bring her the news of God's plan. She would give birth, even though she wasn't married yet ( Luke 1:35 NLT). At that time, Joseph had already asked Mary to be his wife. But the two would soon embark on a life-changing journey.

There is so much we can learn from Mary's walk of obedience. And there's more to her story than you may have noticed before. Here are three things you probably didn't know about Mary in the Bible.

1. Mary was the only person to be present with Jesus at his birth and his earthly death.
SEE ALSO: 5 Things You Didn't Know about Hannah in the Bible
Thinking about the Christmas Story takes me back to my childhood memories of Sunday school. I listened to the teacher tell about the stable, swaddling clothes, and the manger filled with hay. We added each piece to a plastic nativity scene as the story unfolded: Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, animals, and shepherds - in that order.

Joseph stayed by Mary's side through that uncertain time. They both witnessed Jesus' first breath on this earth. Soon shepherds came to join them and see what the angels told them about. ( Luke 2:15-16) But did you know Mary was also present as Jesus took his last breath on earth?

"Standing near the cross were Jesus' mother, and his mother's sister, Mary (the wife of Clopas), and Mary Magdalene" ( John 19:25).
SEE ALSO: 10 Examples of Feminine Courage from Women in the Bible
Mary comforted Jesus as He entered this world, and also as He left it to return to the Father. She devoted herself to being there for her son - through birth, death, and beyond.

2. Mary knew Old Testament prophecy about the coming Messiah.

This young girl showed unequalled bravery when she accepted the angel's message by saying, "... may it be to me as you have said" ( Luke 1:38). But did she understand what she was agreeing to?
SEE ALSO: These Christian Women Changed the World. Do You Know Them?
In Mary's famous song of praise, we find evidence that Mary knew the Old Testament teachings. As a Jew, she had been learning about biblical prophecy her entire life. Her song also bears a striking resemblance to Hannah's famous prayer ( 1 Samuel 2:1-10). Now, she would become part of the fulfillment of God's ultimate plan.

"He has helped his servant Israel and remembered to be merciful. For he made this promise to our ancestors, to Abraham and his children forever" ( Luke 1:54-55).

Mary understood the magnitude of her decision to say yes when God chose her. Her knowledge of God's promise to send a Savior for His people showed through her worship.

3. Mary had four other sons after Jesus.

Jesus faced constant opposition during His ministry on earth. During one such time, a group of sceptics mentioned Jesus' family members.

"Then they scoffed, 'He's just a carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And his sisters live right here among us.' They were deeply offended and refused to believe him" ( Mark 6:3).

From this passage we discover Jesus had four brothers and more than one sister, though his sisters are not named. We do not know how many sisters he had, but these unbelievers used this information against Him. They wanted to convince themselves and others that Jesus must have been just another man from Nazareth. But their cynicism couldn't distract Jesus from His purpose.

Mary shines as a symbol of God's desire to use the obscure and the ordinary. What encouragement from this simple peasant girl who now stands as one of the most loved women of all time! In her book, All the Women of the Bible, Edith Deen wrote of Mary, "Though she never traveled any farther than from Palestine to Egypt, and then by donkey, her story still travels to the farthest corners of the earth."

Let's learn from Mary's example today. Let's remember to live humbly and step out with boldness. Like Mary, we can all be part of God's remarkable story.

Kristine Brown is a writer, dramatist, and former English teacher. She desires to support women in their spiritual lives with practical teaching for real-life struggles. Kristine devotes her time to freelance writing and her non-profit ministry, More Than Yourself, Inc. You can read more from Kristine at www.morethanyourself.com.

Publication date: June 3, 2016

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3 things you didn’t know about mary (mother of jesus) in the bible

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3 Things You Didn't Know about Mary (Mother of Jesus) in the Bible

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She is a woman admired for her bravery and loved for her devotion to God. She walked a difficult path, knowing how costly her submission would be. The virgin birth of her son Jesus defied scientific logic. Mary is recognized most as the mother to God's only Son.

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deary

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Terry Deary is well known as the author of the Horrible Histories series. His new book series, Dangerous Days is popular history aimed at adult readers. The latest in the series, Dangerous Days in Elizabethan England, is out now, published by Weidenfeld & Nicolson. What is an historian?
I think you'd have to ask an historian that. I'm just a 'umble writer.
What made you decide to pursue a career in history?
I was the published author of 50 novels when I was invited to write an entertaining history book. What made me do it? The publisher offered to pay me and my family wanted to eat.
What is the one history book you simply couldn't do without?
Reading Barbara Tuchman's "Distant Mirror: The Calamitous Fourteenth Century" was a revelation to me. I had no idea history could be so engrossing.
Do you have a favourite website for historical research (or procrastination)? Why?
No, I am a snapper up of unconsidered trifles. If I want a hundred facts then I need to visit a hundred sites because each only has between none and two of what I need. It's like panning for gold - most of the raw material is thrown away in the search for nuggets.
What is your favourite historical place?
Sandal Castle, site of the Battle of Wakefield. Once I went there I understood why the Grand Old Duke of York marched his men up the hill then down again to his death.
You have a time machine for 24 hours, where do you go?
To the Globe Theatre to see Shakespeare and his company perform one of his plays. Any one will do. If I could also blag a backstage visit I'd be pretty happy.
You have a new research project and a deadline. What is your normal working pattern?
Write the epilogue. I need to see journey's end before I set off so the whole book has a cohesive narrative.
Your period of expertise no longer exists. Which historical period would you research instead?
So many of my readers beg me to write about India which, they assure me, is fascinating. I never will - it's too daunting - but I would give it a shot if it was the only avenue open to me.
Why is history important today?
It's back to the 'journey' metaphor again. If we don't know where we've been then how can we know where to go in our tomorrows? History is a map-book of human experience.
Finally, what is your best historical fact?
In WW1 Private Tandy aimed his rifle at a young, surrendering German soldier, when he'd been ordered to take no prisoners. He indicated for the unarmed German to clear off. (Wouldn't we all?) In that instant of time he spared the life of young Adolf Hitler. That act of mercy cost the lives of 50 million ... maybe?

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Terry Deary is well known as the author of the Horrible Histories series. His new book series, Dangerous Days is popular history aimed at adult readers. The latest in the series, Dangerous Days in Elizabethan England, is out now, published by Weidenfeld & Nicolson. What is an historian? I think...

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