Hello,

Thank you for your question.

There are about 75 verses or so, in the New Testament which mention Mary. In the majority of the verses (if not all) when Mary is mentioned, it is only in relation to Jesus.

As far as characteristics go, her having believed those things concerning Christ is noted (Lk 1:38, 45). Later on though, Mary and the rest of Jesus’ family are seen to be outside the house where Jesus is speaking to His disciples (Mtt 12:46-50). It is in this passage that Jesus gives the true definition of His mother and brethren (His family): "But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother." (Mtt 12:48-50, emphasis added). Even here with this definition, the relationship of family etc… is only seen as it relates to Him.

Now as to her believing, she believed the word of the messenger of the Lord concerning Christ (Lk 1:38, 45). Now regardless if she had believed or not, what the messenger said would still have come about. Take note how that Zacharias did not believe, though what the messenger of the Lord spoke to him was performed (Lk 1:11-13, 18-20). The difference with Mary is that she was considered blessed because she had believed (Lk 1:45). Even Jesus said, "Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed" (Jn 20:29, emphasis added). Now believing does not make Mary, nor others, something special. Mary only believed in the One who is Special. Even with the passage concerning Thomas believing, the emphasis is not on Thomas’ believing, but in WHOM he and others will believe - Christ.

Now as concerning pleasing God, there is only One who pleases Him. The Father is only pleased with His Son (Mtt 3:17, Mtt 12:17-18, Mtt 17:5, Mrk 1:11, Lk 3:22). Here is just one of the verses that declares this:

Lk 3:22

God the Father is only pleased with His Son and He is pleased in revealing His Son. Galatians shows us this: "But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace, To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:" (Gal 1:15-16, emphasis added). The emphasis is always His Son - Christ.

Now since it is only the Son that pleases the Father, it is of extreme uttermost importance for us (who are Born Again) to ask that Christ be revealed in us so that He would (in us) live unto the glory of God. This is why the Apostle Paul’s prayer was: "Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:" (Eph 1:15-17, emphasis added). As long as it is "us" / "me", it is an old fallen humanity that does not please God. But when it is "not I, but Christ", then the Father is well pleased with His Son.

There is nothing that we can do, or not do, that will make us acceptable and pleasing to God - only His Son is pleasing to Him. When we learn this, then our focus will turn from "us", to the Beloved Son, and we can begin to "grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:" (Eph 4:15). And Christ Himself who is preeminent, will become more and more so unto us in our hearts.

Lk 1:38 (emphasis added)

Lk 1:45 (emphasis added)

Mtt 12:46-50

Lk 1:11-13, 18-20 (emphasis added)

Lk 1:45 (emphasis added)

Mtt 3:17

Mtt 12:17-18

Mtt 17:5

Mrk 1:11

Lk 3:22

Eph 4:15