Mary and John the Baptist were two remarkable figures during the time of Christ. Here’s what Jesus said about them. Matthew 12:46 While he was speaking to the people, his mother and brothers came out to speak with him. One of them said, “Look, your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak with you.” Jesus responded by asking, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” He then extended his hand to his disciples and said, “Behold, my mother and my brothers!” He explained that anyone who does the will of his Father in heaven is his brother, sister, and mother. As Jesus spoke these words, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said, “Blessed is the womb that bore you and the breasts that nursed you.” Jesus responded, “Yes, rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it.” Consider why Jesus responded the way he did when confronted about Mary. Matthew 11:11 Jesus said, “Truly I say to you, among those born of women, no one has risen to greatness like John the Baptist. However, the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” Think about why Jesus said that no one has risen to greatness like John the Baptist, and why he said that the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than him. God chose John the Baptist from his mother’s womb to be the forerunner for Christ. Mary was a chosen vessel to bring forth His Son. Just as the Pharaoh was chosen by God for dishonor, Moses was chosen by God for honor, and Judas was chosen by God to betray Christ, God has chosen certain people to bring forth His will and fulfill His word. The scriptures say that Mary would be called blessed throughout all generations. Why? Because God chose her to bring forth His Son. For example, in Isaiah 1:48, it says, “For he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden; for behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.” (See comment for the rest)