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According to Dr. Cohick, Mary’s identity in the Gospels centers around three primary roles: mother, prophet, and disciple. Which of these elements tend to get left out, why is that, and what difference does it make?
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15 Replies
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Mary’s role as the mother of Jesus is always paramount. Her role as a disciple is less noted and her contribution as a prophetess is far less recognized. She is most valued as Jesus’ mother, the chosen one of God to bring the blessed Saviour into the world. Mary was also a devoted mother and disciple of Christ that had a profound influence both then and now. As a prophet, Mary is often overlooked because she was a woman and was limited in that capacity at the time.
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</div>I never viewed her as a prophet because work she contributed alone outside of praying for her son has been undervalued in the worldly teachings of Christianity.
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Dr. Cohick highlights that Mary’s prophetic role often gets overlooked. This happens partly because many traditional interpretations focus on her role as Jesus’ mother, emphasizing her humility and obedience. However, seeing Mary as a prophet in the Gospels—particularly in the Magnificat—shows her boldly proclaiming God’s justice, advocating for the lowly, and challenging social norms. Recognizing Mary’s prophetic side can deepen our understanding of her faith and active role in God’s work, showing her not only as a mother but as a courageous voice for change.
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I think the role of a disciple tend to be left out. Mary is often portrayed as the mother of Jesus and nothing more, but she was always a disciple of God and Jesus throughout her whole life and this detail tends to be ignored or forgotten.
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I think either prophet or disciple could work for this, but I think disciple. Mary was Jesus’ mother, she spoke openly about the Lord and what he’s done, but Jesus was her son. How could she be a disciple? Mary followed Jesus like a disciple, maybe not always physically like the 12, but she followed. Plus, she was always learning from the best. I think Mary being called a disciple is usually left out because Jesus is her son, so no one really focuses on her being able to be a disciple. And I think it does make a difference, because since it is so “glossed over” she may not be truly seen as someone so spiritual to look up to like any of the 12 disciples in some sense; especially people new to the Bible or anything like that.