Mary

This Mary Bible story for kids follows the woman who responded humbly to God’s clearly delivered message. God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, to a virgin named Mary who was pledged to be married to Joseph.

Gabriel told Mary that she was highly favoured and that the Lord was with her. Mary was greatly troubled by his greeting and wondered what it meant.

Gabriel announced that Mary would give birth to Jesus, who would be called the Son of the Most High. Mary asked how this would happen because she was a virgin.

After Gabriel explained that the Holy Spirit would come upon her, Mary responded: “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.”

Mary’s question was not treated as disobedience. She listened, asked honestly and responded humbly to the specific message God delivered through Gabriel.

Who Was Mary?

Mary lived in Nazareth and was pledged to be married to Joseph, a descendant of David. Scripture identifies her as a virgin but does not tell us her age, wealth or social standing.

After Gabriel’s announcement, Mary visited her relative Elizabeth. When Mary arrived, Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and called Mary blessed. Mary then praised God for His mercy, power and faithfulness.

Mary’s response combined humility, faith and obedience. She did not claim importance for herself; her song focused upon what God had done and would do.

Before Mary and Joseph came together, Joseph learned that she was pregnant. Because he did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he planned to divorce her quietly.

An angel then appeared to Joseph in a dream and explained that Mary’s child was conceived through the Holy Spirit. Joseph obeyed and took Mary home as his wife.

Mary travelled with Joseph to Bethlehem, where she gave birth to Jesus. She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger because no guest room was available.

Later, after the visit of the Magi, an angel warned Joseph that Herod intended to kill the child. Joseph took Mary and Jesus to Egypt. After Herod’s death, the family eventually settled in Nazareth.

Scripture records these events but does not say that Mary understood every future hardship when she first responded to Gabriel.

What This Mary Bible Story Teaches Kids

Mary responded to a specific message delivered by the angel Gabriel. She did not accept an unexplained human demand or follow a private feeling. She listened, asked an honest question and responded after Gabriel explained what God was doing.

Mary’s obedience was humble, but it was not blind compliance. Her story does not teach children to say yes to every person, request, feeling or claimed message from God.

Mary’s song directs attention away from herself and towards God’s holiness, mercy, power and faithfulness. She recognised that God lifts the humble and fulfils His promises.

Mary continued appearing at important moments in Jesus’ life. She treasured and pondered events she did not yet understand, brought the shortage of wine to Jesus’ attention at Cana, stood near the cross and later joined Jesus’ followers in prayer after His ascension.

Her example teaches children to respond humbly to what God has made clear through Scripture, ask honest questions, seek trustworthy guidance and refuse requests that are harmful, secretive or unsafe.

Mary’s completed Hero Mission explores obedience: listening to what God has made clear, asking honest questions and choosing a safe and truthful “yes.”

Put the story into action – explore Mary’s Obedience or browse more Bible hero missions for kids inspired by this hero. To read the full passage, explore Luke 1:26-56 on Bible Gateway.