The New Testament names Jesus’ mother as Mary. She appears in the birth narratives of Matthew and Luke, where she is presented as a young woman from Nazareth who became the mother of Jesus.
Mary is also present at several later events in the Gospel accounts. John’s Gospel places her at the wedding at Cana, where Jesus performs his first recorded sign, and the Gospels describe her as being near the cross during the crucifixion. Acts also mentions Mary among Jesus’ followers after his ascension.
Mary should not be confused with other women named Mary in the New Testament, including Mary Magdalene and Mary of Bethany. Christian traditions developed different teachings about her, including the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox beliefs that honor her with titles such as Mother of God. The New Testament itself provides the primary early written sources for her role in Jesus’ life.