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New
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Year 9

Mary, mother of Jesus

I can explain the importance of Mary, the mother of Jesus, across different denominations, and give different perspectives on her ability to be seen as a role model in feminism.

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New
New
Year 9

Mary, mother of Jesus

I can explain the importance of Mary, the mother of Jesus, across different denominations, and give different perspectives on her ability to be seen as a role model in feminism.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Most Christians believe that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was a virgin at the time of his birth, as told in two Gospels.
  2. Across different Christian denominations, Mary is held in high regard for her role in the life of Jesus.
  3. There are different perspectives on whether Mary is a role model for modern-day feminism.
  4. Translations of the original language of a text can influence what meaning is taken from it.

Keywords

  • Almah - a Hebrew word meaning 'young woman' or 'virgin' depending on translations

  • Feminism - the idea that women should be equal to men

  • Immaculate Conception - the belief that Mary was born without the stain of original sin by the grace of God

  • Theotokos - the mother of God

  • Messiah - 'anointed one'; chosen by God to bring a new age of peace

Common misconception

That the Immaculate Conception is when Mary conceived Jesus miraculously through the Holy Spirit.

The Immaculate Conception is the Roman Catholic belief that Mary was born without sin. When the Angel Gabriel greets her for the first time she is called ‘Mary, full of Grace’, which would mean she was without sin even before Jesus is born.


To help you plan your year 9 religious education lesson on: Mary, mother of Jesus, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Mary (Maryam) is also a significant figure in Islam, with Surah 19 named after her - Surah Maryam. Students can explore her significance within Islam through this Surah and other sources of authority in Islam.
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Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sexual content
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Adult supervision required

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Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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6 Questions

Q1.
The Book of Esther is a biblical story set in .
Correct Answer: Persia, persia
Q2.
The Jewish diaspora refers to the communities of Jews living outside of the land of ancient __________ following exile.
Correct answer: Israel
Jordan
Persia
Egypt
Q3.
Esther, a Jew, was taken to be a for King Xerxes and was then promoted to his wife.
Correct Answer: concubine, Concubine
Q4.
In the story of Esther, was plotting against the Jews.
Correct Answer: Haman, haman
Q5.
The term 'patriarchy' is formed from words meaning '__________' and 'to rule'.
Correct answer: father
mother
God
ruler
Q6.
Feminist theologians interpret the concubines named in the Bible as victims because we never hear them .
Correct Answer: speak, Speak

6 Questions

Q1.
' ' is a Hebrew word meaning 'young woman' or 'virgin'.
Correct Answer: almah, Almah
Q2.
Matthew links his story of the birth of Jesus to the prophecy of about the birth of the Messiah.
Correct Answer: Isaiah, isaiah
Q3.
The annunciation is ...
Correct answer: when Mary agreed to bear a child whilst still a virgin.
the belief that Mary was born without the stain of Original Sin.
another name for the ‘anointed one’; chosen by God to bring a new age of peace.
Q4.
The Rosary is ...
Correct answer: a set of prayer beads.
a book in the Old Testament.
when Mary agreed to give birth to a child whilst still a virgin.
the belief that Mary can pray to God on behalf of other Christians.
Q5.
Sacred paintings, which can help Christians to connect more deeply with their religion when they pray, are called .
Correct Answer: icons, Icons, an icon
Q6.
is the idea that women should be equal to men.
Correct Answer: feminism, Feminism

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