Introduction

The Virgin Mary, also known as Mary of Nazareth, holds a unique and exalted position within Christian theology as the mother of Jesus Christ. Her life and role are pivotal in the narrative of the Incarnation, and she is often seen as a model of faith and obedience to God. The favor of God upon Mary is a central theme in the biblical account of her life, highlighting her as a chosen vessel for the divine plan of salvation.

Biblical Account

The primary biblical account of the Virgin Mary is found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. In Luke 1:26-38, the angel Gabriel is sent by God to a young virgin named Mary, who is betrothed to Joseph, a descendant of David. Gabriel greets her with the words, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you" (Luke 1:28). This greeting underscores the special favor and grace bestowed upon Mary by God.

Mary's response to the angelic announcement is one of humility and submission. Despite her initial fear and confusion, she accepts God's will with the words, "I am the Lord’s servant... May it happen to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38). This response exemplifies her faith and willingness to participate in God's redemptive plan.

The Magnificat

Mary's song of praise, known as the Magnificat, further illustrates her recognition of God's favor and her role in His divine purpose. In Luke 1:46-55, Mary exclaims, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has looked with favor on the humble state of His servant" (Luke 1:46-48). The Magnificat reflects Mary's deep understanding of God's mercy and the fulfillment of His promises to Israel.

Theological Significance

Mary's favor with God is not merely a personal blessing but is deeply connected to the broader narrative of salvation history. Her role as the mother of Jesus, the Messiah, signifies the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the inauguration of the New Covenant. The favor shown to Mary is a testament to God's sovereign choice and His ability to work through humble and unlikely individuals to accomplish His purposes.

Mary as a Model of Faith

Throughout Christian history, Mary has been venerated as a model of faith and obedience. Her acceptance of God's will, despite the potential social and personal repercussions, serves as an example for believers. Her life demonstrates the virtues of humility, trust, and devotion, qualities that are esteemed in the Christian life.

Conclusion

The Virgin Mary, as the recipient of God's favor, occupies a central place in the Christian narrative. Her life and example continue to inspire and instruct believers in their own walk of faith. Through her, the favor of God is made manifest, and the promise of salvation is brought to fruition in the person of Jesus Christ.Luke 1:28,30
And the angel came in to her, and said, Hail, you that are highly favored, the Lord is with you: blessed are you among women.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The First Homily. On the Annunciation to the Holy virgin Mary.
... Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found favour with God. ... Thou hast learned, O virgin,
things which were kept concealed till now from the angels. ...
/.../the first homily on the.htm

The Second Homily. On the Annunciation to the Holy virgin Mary.
... of spiritual favour and the spiritual adoption. All who worthily observe the festival
of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, the mother of God, acquire as ...
/.../the second homily on the.htm

Justification
... justified as the strongest; Mary Magdalene is as much justified as the Virgin Mary. ...
of grace, they may leave their first love, they may lose God's favour for a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/3 justification.htm

Annunciation of the Birth of Jesus.
... was of the house of David]; and the virgin's name was ... meant a present sorrow or joy,
for God's salutations all ... John iv.18], for thou hast found favour with God ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/vi annunciation of the birth.htm

In the Beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God...
... a man named Joseph, of the [29] house of David; and the virgin's name was ... angel said
unto [32] her, Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found favour with God. ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section i in the beginning.htm

The Book of John Concerning the Falling Asleep of Mary.
... to His mother: Let thy heart rejoice and be glad; for every favour [2630] and ... was
brought forth by thee is the true God, O mother of God, ever-virgin Mary. ...
/.../unknown/revelation of john/the book of john concerning.htm

How St Clare Ate with St Francis and his Companions at St Mary of ...
... is meet that thou grant her this favour and this ... eat together in the name of God."
When the ... Angels, and having devoutly saluted the Virgin Mary, before whose ...
/.../ugolino/the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter xv how st clare.htm

Christ's Humiliation in his Incarnation
... him; so Jesus Christ ingratiates us into the love and favour of God. ... O holy humility,
you made the Son of God descend into the womb of the Virgin Mary]. ...
/.../watson/a body of divinity/6 christs humiliation in his.htm

Introductory Note to the Martyrdom of Ignatius
... Reply of the Blessed Virgin to this Letter ... which this legend gives of the word, one
carried by God. ... of Ignatius, is certainly a strong argument in favour of the ...
/.../introductory note to the martyrdom.htm

The Letter of Cyril to John of Antioch.
... which being interpreted is God with us." Truly also the holy Gabriel said to the
Blessed Virgin: "Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found favour with God. ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/the letter of cyril to.htm

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