Question:  I am a former Roman Catholic.  In witnessing to family members I run across barriers because they believe Mary has been empowered to grant all grace.  The argument is that on the cross Jesus told John “Behold, your mother”.  Since everything in the Bible was recorded for a purpose, they insist God wants believers to go to God through Mary.

            Your comments would be helpful.

            Joe

Answer:  Dear Joe,

            The comment/charge given to John by Jesus while he was on the cross, “Behold, your mother” was simply a charge given to John that he take care of Mary.  Jesus honored his mother, even from the cross.

            To assume from this context that Mary is our advocate, our intermediary, is to proof-text the Bible.  The use of this passage in this particular way takes already-held beliefs and “inflicts” them upon the Bible.

            If Mary were to be worshipped as the “Mother of God” – to be prayed to, to be viewed as our intercessor, etc. – the Bible would have made that crystal clear.  But such a teaching is not crystal clear – not even close.

            The onus of proof is not on you to disprove why Mary should not be prayed to and “worshipped”.  The burden of proof is upon someone who believes that, to prove it to you from the Bible.  It cannot be done.

            In Christ,

          Greg Albrecht