How Old Was Mary When She Had Jesus?

The Virgin Mary, who served as the mother of Jesus on Earth, is known for her spiritual maturity. She inspires many people through her example of faith and trust in God.

In art, Mother Mary is often portrayed as a fully grown woman. But how old was Mary when she had Jesus, really?

Background on Mary’s Life and Calling

Mary grew up during the first century in a Jewish family that loved God. Her parents, Joachim and Anne, took Mary to a temple to dedicate her to God when she was 3 years old. They raised her in Galilee, which was then part of the ancient Roman Empire and is now part of the nation of Israel.

Once she reached adolescence, Mary became engaged to be married, as was common in her culture at that time. She was already planning to wed Joseph, a devoutly faithful man when God surprised her by sending the angel Gabriel to make an incredible announcement to her. Gabriel’s visit to Mary has come to be known as the Annunciation, which simply means “the announcement.”

Luke 1:28-38 describes what happened: “The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored! Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.’ ‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.’

How Old Was Mary When She Had Jesus?

Historians agree that Mary was most likely between 12 and 14 years old when Jesus was born. As an adolescent, Mary said “yes” to a call from God with a purpose beyond what she ever could have imagined.

Mary didn’t let her youth stop her from boldly moving forward into the plans God had for her life. By learning Mary’s story, you can discover how to respond well when God calls you to take action in your own life.

Mary’s Response to God’s Calling

In Mary’s culture, her age wasn’t a problem, but her unwed pregnancy definitely was. Unwed mothers were often shamed, and sometimes even killed violently by stoning. Mary showed great courage by accepting God’s calling. God protected her by sending an angel to visit Joseph in a dream to tell him what really happened.

Joseph was so troubled by Mary’s pregnancy that he intended to end their engagement in a way that was faithful to the law but did not expose Mary to public disgrace. 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” ( Matthew 1:20-21 ).

After that dream, Joseph was confident in supporting Mary and also moving forward with God’s calling on his own life.

Joseph’s Response to Mary’s Pregnancy

Joseph was so troubled by Mary’s pregnancy that he intended to end their engagement in a way that was faithful to the law but did not expose Mary to public disgrace.

After the angel’s visit in a dream, Joseph was confident in supporting Mary and also moving forward with God’s calling on his own life.

Mary’s Song of Praise

Mary celebrated God’s calling by singing this beautiful song, which is recorded in Luke 1:46-55:

And Mary said: ‘My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.’

Conclusion

Mary was only 12 to 14 years old when she had Jesus. She said “yes” to God’s call and celebrated his favor with a song. Mary’s example teaches us that God calls people of strong faith to accomplish wondrous purposes.

When Mary received God’s call to serve as Jesus’ human mother, she didn’t see how that would work out, but she was confident in her hope that God would achieve something wonderful through that plan. Mary’s strong faith helped her play an important role in God’s work to save humanity.

The more we choose to respond in love when God calls us, the less fear we’ll experience. “There is no fear in love,” 1 John 4:18 promises. “But perfect love drives out fear.” When we drive fear out of our lives, wonder rushes in, since we’re free to discover more of God’s work. You can learn from Mary’s example of faith to put your own faith into action and to celebrate that when you do, God will reward you.

When we ask the question, “How old was Mary when she had Jesus,” the answer is that Mary was quite young in age, but mature in faith. Mary put her faith in action by pushing past her fear and moving forward with what God called her to do.

She focused on God’s promise to her, rather than on her circumstances. As a result, God worked in wondrous ways through Mary’s life. God will do something wonderful in your life, as well, if you say “yes” to God’s calling for you!

Event	Age
Mary dedicated to God	3 years old
Mary engaged to Joseph	Adolescent
Mary gives birth to Jesus	12-14 years old