lessons from the life of mary of bethany

lessons from the life of mary of bethany

And she went up to him and said, Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? But Jesus taught women spiritual truth, such as Martha and the Samaritan woman. The second story of Martha and Mary of Bethany occurs in John 11 when Jesus raises their brother Lazarus from the dead. Read about Jesus and transfer his love, sympathy, compassion and power to your heavenly Father, because Jesus and the Father are one, and she who has seen Jesus has seen the Father. His Word says it is He who draws us to him. Passover lambs were selected six days in advance. He said, "She has done a beautiful thing to me." But Mary sat at Jesuss feet anyway because she was ready to be taught by Jesus. There are stereotypical remarks and attitudes that hurt and often hinder us from realizing the potential God has in mind for us. Have you ever wondered how Jesus and his disciples were able to travel on an itinerant ministry when they were not bringing in an income to support themselves and their families? She knew the kind of spiritual and emotional and mental bondage she was under. Some were married women, and some were single. She sat at his feet. But most of us would agree that in some areas, the pendulum has swung too far in the opposite direction. And he sat down and called the twelve. Jesus reached Bethany (only two miles from Jerusalem) six days before the Passover (John 12:1). Martha was again serving while the resurrected Lazarus reclined at the table with Jesus and his disciples. In all three accounts of Mary of Bethany, we see her at the feet of Jesus in the demeanor of a disciple. Someone has said, The most important thing about you is what you think about God--a simple but profound concept. In this post, we will look at her a little closer. Therefore, an observant Jew was not to be extravagant or wasteful in the amount of oil used especially, expensive perfume like pure nard. He didn't say that what Martha was doing was wrong, but her attitude was--and Jesus gently chided her for her worry and distraction about many things. When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. What is certain, however, is that Christ regularly stayed in their home. Jesus sheds tears for us, too! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Preaching Outline for 1 Timothy message5, Why do we wait? Help me to come when You call even when I grieve, even when I am disappointed in You. Unfortunately, Lazarus being raised from the dead is an exception and not a rule. He applauded her choice to learn from Him. God has given us this account of what took place in Bethany to help us be aware that not everyone will be thankful for your devotion to the Lord. Can't you see them frowning in disapproval as they rebuked her publicly? I have to admit that I am not so sure the debate is worth the effort. She just couldnt get enough. What amounts to a full years wages for labor, what could have benefited those in need, has been carelessly thrown away in a public act of unnecessary extravagance. We can, however, empathize and find comfort in the fact that Christ meets Mary in her tears in the place where she aches and hurts. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. Scripture seems to support this because they could afford to provide a special burial site for their brother, Lazarus, which was expensive and, therefore, a rare occurrence during biblical times. And he said to them, If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.. John 12:3 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. The other Gospels tell us that all the disciples were indignant and rebuked her harshly. Mary Anoints Jesus: John 12:1-8 Sunday School Lesson and Activities for Kids. How hurtful must the words of Judas Iscariot been to Mary at this moment of expressing the worthiness of the Lord Jesus Christ to be adored. This passage hints at disappointment and frustration with Jesus and their obvious grief. This is a huge departure from the typical Jewish womanhood of that time, but the sisters remained pretty well off. All of life is ministry for the woman who wants to serve God. No mention of having been married or having any children. Jesus with Mary of Bethany, as with us all, is more than willing to bear the burden of our anger, frustration, pain, and sense of loss. Nothing else will fill it. One of those who had the privilege of knowing Jesus personally while He walked on the earth was Mary of Bethany. He came to right the wrongs that have been done to women in terms of the value placed on religious and spiritual education. The media is saturated today with womens issues: issues that are constant reminders that women will not disappear into the woodwork or go back to the good old days. But I am willing for you to change me. There a woman named Martha opened her home to him. A rabbi would never speak to a woman in public--not even to his wife. IV. He or they feels that Mary of Bethany is being wasteful. But women have also made an enormous impact on every other sphere of life--business, education, missions, politics, and philanthropy. Even if you say not one word, God understands your tears. In nearly, if not all, the Biblical accounts of Mary of Bethany, she can be found at the feet of Jesus. He waited two more days. Jesus revealed to us for all time the character of the Father--His great heart of love for his children; his sensitive compassion; his accessibility; his hatred of sin, but his forgiveness of the sinner. But according to Martha, Mary left her to do all the work. From the example of Jesus, who revealed to us the character of God, our heavenly Father, we learn something very important. They had made threats and many of the people refused to admit that they believed Jesus is Lord . He doesnt condemn or even redirect what Martha is doing. Have you ever had your motives questioned or misunderstood? It's interesting to note that she was not one of the women who stayed at the cross or went to the tomb. (Note that the distance from Bethany to Jerusalem was only 3 kilometers), The miracle from the Lord was well known . Here are three lessons we can learn from Mary's life. Some of you have a full time job outside the home and another one at home. In her act of anointing Jesuss feet, Mary removed the covering she head covering she wore and used her hair to wipe Jesuss feet. It pleases Him. During that week before his death, a man named Simon, a leper whom Jesus had healed, held a dinner in his honor. He understood what she was saying by this extravagant deed. "And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.". He says some of the disciples were angry with Mary's As Martha exploded at Jesus for allowing Mary to sit while she served, Jesus affirmed Marys decision with a powerful statement, Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her. Luke 10:42. There is a fascinating parallel between what happened here and when it takes place to the tradition of selecting and preparing the lambs for the Passover feast. Mary of Bethany is one of the most beautiful characters in all of Scripture, and her life has valuable lessons for us. During the dinner at Simons house, Mary created quite the stir. Jesus knew Martha was distracted by all of her tasks, so he shifted her to focus on what mattered. He won't scold us when we come to Him. Marys faith was strong enough to allow her to believe Jesus could do what he had done for many others. Mary was doing what she could, with what she had, when she could. Mary worshiping at Jesus' feet; Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9; John 12:1-8 In this last scene and example of Mary of Bethany we have three different perspectives all highlighting the same truth. As a matter of fact, it was the single most popular name in first century Palestinian culture. When the Bible uses an earthly example or picture to explain invisible realities, we can't help but transfer our impressions of the earthly to the heavenly. Can you think of times when God didn't answer your prayers in the way and at the time you wanted? Give Him yourself today. There are seasons in our lives when we are freer to do some things than others. It tells me that he knows our talents, our resources, our genetic heritage, our personality types, our families of origin, our physical stamina, our education, our marriages, our restrictions and limitations, our opportunities, our diverse kinds of suffering, our weaknesses and our strengths. Her More. John12:1-8, Preaching Outline Gods Purpose for the time in which welive, Plan of the ages set forth in the Book ofIsaiah, Preaching Outline for the Letter to the Ephesians Message TwentySix, Preaching Outline for the Letter to the Ephesians Message TwentyFive, Reminiscing anecdotes and lessons from my youth. I do not know whether or not Mary of Bethany and Mary Magdalene are one and the same and I cannot say I am overly concerned about it right now. There was a contract out on Him. In Ancient Near Eastern hospitality, it was customary for a guest in your home to provide water in a bowl for them to wash their feet after traveling on the dusty roads of Israel and before reclining at the table for a meal. The words I say to you are not just my own. Biblical scholars have speculated that if Mary of Bethany was unmarried, then perhaps this perfume is what would have been given as part of her dowry. This act of Mary's is recorded for us in Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3 . It seems that Mary believed the best use of her most prized possession was to give: Rest and comfort to Him from His journey, but even more than this, to There is no doubt that Mary delighted to listen to her Lord and meditate on his words while the disciples argued about who would be the greatest among them. They reclined on couches, lying on their sides with their heads near the table, eating with one hand. Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? Our Father wants our company more than He wants our busy-ness, even for Him. But there was something different that day. But there was something different that day. Jesus commended her for choosing the better, meaning that Marys desire to be near her Lord and hang onto His every word was far more beneficial than running herself ragged with preparations for a meal. Mary and their friends were loudly wailing in their grief as they still do in those cultures. This time she was there because she was disappointed and heartbroken. Again, her soul was so thirsty that she could shut out everything around her to focus on Jesus. Instead, Jesus highlights what Mary is singularly focused on listening and learning from him. Privacy Policy | Bamboo on Trellis Framework by Mediavine, 6 Lessons We Can Learn From Mary of Bethany, Woman of Noble Character Affiliate Program, of a disservice to these two important women of the Bible, including but not limited food-of those who were guests within their home, The Women of Easter: Encounter the Savior with Mary of Bethany, Mary of Nazareth, and Mary Magdalene. She does not answer back when she is publicly rebuked for her actions. Reveal to Him publicly that there was nothing on earth that she loved more than Him. One day while Jesus and his disciples stopped to visit in their . This post would be way too long if we were to explore them all. We are mortal; God is eternally existent. Death was not part of Gods Original Plan. Judas started it for his own personal reasons, and the other disciples quickly took up the refrain. The Precious gift. Luke 10:39. Luke's genealogy of Christ differs a lot from Matthew's. Come to your Father and tell him, "Father, I don't feel comfortable with the idea of you as my father, because of the way I feel about my earthly father. No one comes to the Father except through me. We each have a sphere of influence whether we are conscious of it or not. However, the contents of this blog post may not be modified, compiled, combined with other content, copied, recorded, synchronized, transmitted, translated, formatted, distributed, publicly displayed, publicly performed, reproduced, given away, used to create derivative works and otherwise used or exploited (including for-profit or commercial gain) without the creators expressed permission. Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. But I just want us to focus our attention on Mary in the midst of the activity that went on. So whatever your worship looks like, you can be completely honest before God. Know this: when a Rabbi like Jesus came to town, it was a full house. The Lord commended Mary for her love and told them how He understood her actions. 4642 By Grace Ida Rajan IN India, falling at some one's feet can mean two things: it is either intended as an act of respect or a desperate supplication. We praise the Lord that He has shown us that He knows the accusations that will be made against us and He will stand with us and intercede for us. It is an encouragement to us to know that while the people of Bethany understood the danger of friendship with Jesus, they overcame their fear by their . This is clear from their ability to live independently as well as support Jesus ministry. Now back to my first statement: what you think about God is the most important thing about you. Sitting at Jesus' feet and listening to His Word is the one thing necessary in life. All of us have something to share from lifes experiences and our walk with God. I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her. It is in Marys supposed presumption to sit at the feet of Jesus. This page/post may contain affiliate links. Yet we are not always appreciated as we would like to be. But that's OK, because the Bible says that raising children is a good deed! When we look at the scriptures, its difficult to tell if Mary or Martha accompanied Jesus during His ministry throughout Galilee. She quickly pulls herself together and gets up to go to Jesus. There are lots of lessons to learn from the life of Mary of Bethany. If crying were sinful or unmanly, the Son of God would have never cried. This was her original way of publicly declaring her total abandonment and commitment to Jesus Christ. This priceless gift shows us how we can be more dedicated to our savior Jesus Christ. When Jesus acted, the Father was acting. He sent someone that people could see, touch, and hear. Her story is of a woman who bravely broke with Jewish tradition and became a disciple of Jesus. Her story is filled with so many lessons. a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly Rabbis didnt have female disciples. (1-3) A request is brought to Jesus. Her name means: "Bitterness". That perfume mixed with her tears to do the job. Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. When Jesus spoke, the Father was speaking. Martha, the older sister and Mistress of the House is charged with extending hospitality to ones guests as is customary in Middle Eastern culture. And he accepted their support, which arose from hearts filled with gratitude and love. So it's understandable that when they had a great need, they sent for Him. And when he is killed, after three days he will rise. But they did not understand the saying and were afraid to ask him. She had her ups and downs, just like we do! First, he doesnt criticize or judge Mary for how she expresses herself, which is comforting when grieving because it shows he understands our pain just as muchif not more than anyone else does! Lazarus of Bethany was the brother of Martha and Mary and lived at Bethany, near Jerusalem. No competition, no comparisons. 1. Mary came in quietly with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume. We are creative, relational, and nurturing. Bruce Lyon Elder: Restoration Fellowship Assembly. Mary, therefore, took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair. Scripture is divine and infallible. The suffering you have experienced can make it difficult to believe that everything will work out okay. He knew the depth of her love. But clearly, Mary didnt give two cents about those rules. This may be the case in Marthas complaint against her sister, Mary of Bethany. Learn how your comment data is processed. 1. Some of you are caring for aged parents. When word came that Jesus was finally there, she quickly went to meet him and fell at his feet. In this passage, we see that Mary had settled confidence in her Lord and did not feel compelled to defend herself when faced with criticism. Get to Jesuss feet as often as you can. The character and purpose of God revealed in Christ can be seen by observing how He enters into Marys grief. We learn what God thinks of us! She didnt have to explain herself with words to Jesus. In which of the three areas do you need to draw closer to the feet of Jesus? When we place our hand in the nail-scarred hand, we find comfort, peace, and security, and we learn the truth of Psalm 30:5: For his anger is but for a moment,and his favor is for a lifetime.Weeping may tarry for the night,but joy comes with the morning. Unnecessary shame has been placed on women who relate more to Marthas temperament than Marys by turning their story into the moralism of having a Mary heart, in a Martha world.. And she also knew how Jesuss love and compassion lifted that heavy load she carried in her spirit each day. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. She would be left tired and exhausted with only personal satisfaction that would last as long as the next feast. We see that those who focus too much on earthy things are building their foundation with wood (exterior), hay (interior), and straw which can easily burn down during challenging moments but has no lasting value because it was made from these material objects. And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.. Was Marys faith in Christ tested when she felt like drowning in sorrow? This was a diverse group of women, from different levels of society. Jesus said, Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. It was unheard of for women to travel with a rabbi. He wants us to come to him today whatever our need. It was at this point that Jesus told the parable of the two debtors (Luke 7:40-47). . Finally, Mary allows Jesus to defend her, which he does by saying that she has kept this perfume for his burial and performed an act of service. Mary believed that God would keep His promises. Devotion is about obedience. When Lazarus died, Mary was beside herself with grief. She listened with both her ears and her mind. He really cares for you. John 12:1-8. The friendship that Jesus had with Mary should enrich our understanding and encourage us in the security of our heavenly Father's love. They went on from there and passed through Galilee. Perhaps Mary could not understand how the Lord, Who claimed to love her and her family, could let this happen. These jars had long necks. While others stood on and criticized her for wasting such a precious perfume, Jesus rescued her from their judgment. Many of the Jews that were there now believed in Him--but others told the religious rulers what He had done. Mary did not just hear what Jesus said. They were angry with Mary and expressed their displeasure in no uncertain terms. When Mary approaches him, she adopts the same posture we last saw in Luke, chapter 10: She fell at his feet (John 11:32). He is dead. There was nothing she owned that she would not spend on him. People often feel let down by God when they experience losses in their lives. Like her sister Martha, Mary believed in Jesuss power to heal the sick. Do we know as she did? For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. But do you ever get stressed out in your service? And so, once again, Mary breaks with social convention and religious custom to get as close to Christ as possible and to honor him. Their brother, Lazarus, who was likely younger than they were, has died. Her love would not allow her to wait to glorify the Lord. Jesus shared her sorrow. I choose with my will to believe what Jesus revealed about your character. We can relate to the fact that Marys faith in Jesus was still a work in progress. 1. So, what do we learn from Mary of Bethany in the Bible? When Martha, irritated that she was left to do the work by herself asked the Lord to get Mary into the kitchen, his answer is interesting. this ointment sold for three hundred pence. He understood her completely and perfectly. Their feet were extended outward. She also has crossed a religious line in terms of discipleship. Matthew: Gives location, does not provide Mary's name but highlights her _____ and action. Anything else that you try will not last. There is so much to what Jesus said but He ultimately wanted to make one point: Mary knew that her sins were great. John 3:16 meaning (For God so loved the world), Printable Scriptures on healing (free pdf download) . We were meant to be everlasting! Knew Bereavement And Hope Just because you are a Christian does not mean you will be exempt from the challenges and pain of life. Mary clung to the one thing that would last far beyond this life into eternity. In Johns account, Jesus implies that Mary has done this in a prophetic way Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial (John 12:7). When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. Testament, that's for sure. He knew her heart. He created us not to compete, but to complete each other. He didnt wave the rule of society in her face. Provision for the poor was built into the Mosaic Law. The trouble with that approach is that even great scholars and godly men brought their own presuppositions, bias and just plain ignorance about women into their decisions. We've accounted for Martha and Lazarus, but where was Mary? We know that on a previous occasion when Jesus was in their house teaching, she sat as His feet, getting as close as she could to hear His words, to watch the expressions on His face as He spoke, to hear and heed the warnings, to feel the love and compassion brought forth in wisdom and truth. But the faith that pleases God doesn't have to know how or when God is going to act. Lord, if you were here my brother would not have died. Martha in the Bible: Characteristics and lessons learned, The story of Mary and Martha in the Bible. Her character: Mary appears to have been a single woman, totally devoted to Jesus. Mary appears in a few stories in the New Testament. 1 . Here are a few things about Mary of Bethany. Maybe she believed she couldnt afford to wait to risk not being able to demonstrate her deep love and appreciation for Jesus. Please do not be discouraged in your love for the Lord by the hateful accusations of some, saying that you are not sincere in your devotion. Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! Women can have it all. She would not wait to have a more private moment. The women were in the kitchen working hard to put the meal on the table and the men were in the living room or on the patio waiting and talking. But Martha was distracted with much serving. What was she distracted from? The One who has the power to take death away is also profoundly moved by its sting. Jesus doesnt tell her to quit being hospitable. Martha was so frustrated and distracted with much serving that she actually rebuked Jesus, accusing Him of not caring about how Mary sat at His feet while He did all the work. When he heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. Use these free Kids Bible Activities and Sunday School Lessons from John 12:1-8 to teach kids about how Mary anointed Jesus. Jesus had the answers to questions she didnt even know she needed to be asking. She didn't say a word in her own defense--but Jesus did. It was worth a year's wages." Mark writes it was some people, Matthew denotes it was the disciples, and John specifies it was Judas Iscariot who was offended. Now when they drew near to Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples. The obligation of the host was to provide for all material needs including but not limited food-of those who were guests within their home. This was the position of a learner, a disciple. Jesus said, Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial.. Like Mary of Bethany, let us lean into every moment as an opportunity for both worship and service. It's bad enough in private, but public rebuke and criticism is humiliating. Leave her alone. For instance, we have no evidence that Mary Magdalene was anything other than single. But here is something else to consider. Death imparts a false attraction as an escape or alternative to the brokenness of our world. Between her and Martha and Lazarus, this trio of siblings could keep us in our Bibles for weeks on end. She has done a beautiful thing to me. Mary reeled very off the very same words that Martha used. For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always. Only a woman can model godly womanhood. When she broke that alabaster jar, there was so much that Mary was saying without using one word. I pray for you and me, a Mary spirit, to be undistracted and focused as God tries to speak to us. I will not address those debates in this post as this space is about building faith through Bible study. Mary of Bethany was an amazing example of what great improvement can be made for one who repents and accepts the lord Jesus as their savior. Check out these references and see for yourself. Jesus loved Martha--practical, busy Martha, who provided for his creature comforts so willingly. No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known., Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. As she sat their, the Bible said she listened to Jesus. If your father was kind, attentive, loving and wise, its easy to transfer those qualities to your heavenly Father. She believed his words about his coming death and resurrection. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The word used to describe Mary listening means to be intentional and deliberate. We next read, in the gospel of John, about Mary of Bethany and her sister Martha. Turn now to Luke 10:38-42: As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. But . He said, She did what she could. Mary was the one who was spiritually in tune with Jesus. Her courage was propelled by her love for Jesus and her gratitude to Him. You don't have to wait till you get your daily tasks done to have a ministry. How are you seeking to adopt such a posture in your walk with Christ? The picture painted in the story is one in which Mary gradually became less and less interested in hosting. The opposition to Jesus was stronger every day. She passed into eternity in Sept 2015 and is with our dear Jesus. I believe they would be reminded of Davids words as recorded in , Psalm 23:4-5 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. In that Palestinian heat, the corpse was very much well on the way to decaying. What do you think the modern-day equivalent is to Marys love and devotion when she anointed Jesus feet? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 1. John 9:22 These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue. Think of your heavenly Father being moved by your tears, sharing your sorrow. People from the whole village would show up. She is not only violating a tenet of the Hebrew Law, but she also is practicing poor stewardship. Then brought a round of something else and leaned against something and listened. However, in Jewish law and customs of that time, only men were allowed to adopt such a posture. There are several mentions of Jesus coming to or staying at their house in Bethany. It was that Mary who anointed the Lord with fragrant oil and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. Waiting for God is one of the hardest things we ever have to do, isn't it? For the first time in her life, Mary was truly sold off on something that would last. They didn't sit in chairs as we do. Finally, the lambs are anointed on the fifth day with aromatic oils before they go for a final inspection. In the midst of Mary's life-changing news that she would give birth to the Messiah, she continued to praise God. Let's determine with God's help that our influence will be godly. Remind me that, like Mary, I can be honest about my fears, doubts, frustrations, and hurts. Used by permission. I know that we'll be encouraged by what we learn. In the ancient world, people would sit at a rabbis feet in order to one day become teachers themselves. As Jesus neared the time of his triumphal entry into Jerusalem prior to Passover, she performed a gesture of great . Death has broken Mary of Bethany down. Her gratitude for her brother's life, her faith that Jesus was the Messiah, and her love for Him personally motivated this sacrificial act to express her utter devotion. Danger. (John 12:18). This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. He had a tender heart towards women.

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