Scripture & the Kingdom of God (AQA GCSE Religious Studies B): Revision Note
Exam code: 8063
Mary as a model of discipleship
Mary has a special place in Christianity as the mother of Jesus
It was Mary’s acceptance of God’s will that made the incarnation possible
Mary is seen as the perfect disciple because she:
Responded to God’s call without question when she was told by the angel Gabriel that she was going to have a child
Gave her whole life to God
Is a model of kindness and compassion
Stood by Jesus even in his darkest hour at his death — she was one of the few who remained at his side when he was on the cross
The Magnificat
When Mary learned she was expecting a child, she visited her cousin Elizabeth
When Elizabeth saw Mary, she praised her as the mother of the Lord
Mary’s response to this greeting was a prayer of praise called the Magnificat, recorded in Luke’s gospel:
“Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
His mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
and lifted up the lowly;
he has filled the hungry with good things,
and sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever.’” (Luke 1:46–55)
The words of the Magnificat show:
Mary’s humility and her praise for God’s greatness
Mary’s belief that the great things God has done for her reflect his care for all people
Mary’s trust in the work of God for the poor and lowly
That God has fulfilled the promises he made to Abraham and the prophets
Mary’s faith that God would protect her and keep her safe as she was doing his will
The words of the Magnificat are controversial to some people because it says that the poor and lowly will be blessed more than the powerful and rich:
“He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly” (Magnificat)
This prayer expresses the belief that God is on the side of the weak and lowly. It is a prayer about social justice
Because the Magnificat speaks of God bringing down the powerful, it has been banned at certain times in certain countries
Some believe it encourages people to rebel against governments or those in authority in a country
These words encourage people to work for greater equality by raising up those who are less powerful; this is also a way to help spread the Kingdom of God on earth
Many people interpret the Magnificat as a prayer that teaches the great possibilities for those who believe and trust in God, rather than on their own power
The Visitation, Giotto, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Worked Example
Give two reasons why Christians regard Mary as the perfect disciple.
[2 marks]
Answer:
One reason is that Mary responded to God’s call without question when she was told by the angel Gabriel that she was going to have a child. [1 mark]
Another reason is that Mary gave her whole life to God by bringing up Jesus and staying loyal to him. [1 mark]
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Try to learn some of the key phrases of the Magnificat. They will help you explain the idea of Mary as a disciple. They are also useful for insights on Catholic social teaching, which you can find more about in the section on the Magisterium and the Kingdom of God
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