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Mary of Bethany: The Woman Who Sat at Jesus' Feet
Mary of Bethany: The Woman Who Sat at Jesus' Feet
In the sacred narratives of the Gospels, certain figures emerge not just as characters in a historical account, but as timeless archetypes of faith and devotion. Among these, Mary of Bethany stands out as a beacon of profound spiritual insight. While her sister Martha is often remembered for her bustling hospitality and diligent service, Mary is immortalized for her quiet, yet radical choice: to sit at the feet of Jesus and absorb His life-giving words. This simple act, repeated in different contexts throughout her interactions with the Lord, encapsulates a fundamental spiritual truth, offering enduring lessons for every believer seeking a deeper, more intimate relationship with Christ. Her life, though briefly documented in the books of Luke and John, presents a beautiful tapestry of humility, unwavering faith, and sacrificial love.
The Good Part Chosen: Prioritizing the Word (Luke 10:38-42)
Our first encounter with Mary of Bethany is perhaps the most iconic, found in the tenth chapter of Luke. Jesus and His disciples were on their journey, and they entered a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. Martha, eager to serve her esteemed guest, was "cumbered about much serving," diligently attending to the many details of hospitality. However, her sister Mary made a different choice, one that would earn her the Lord's commendation:
But Mary sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.
Martha, feeling overwhelmed and perhaps a little resentful, appealed to Jesus, saying, "Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me." Jesus' response, while gentle, was profoundly instructive:
And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
This passage does not condemn service; indeed, Martha's hospitality was commendable. Rather, it highlights the supreme importance of prioritizing spiritual nourishment over worldly concerns, even those that seem good and necessary. Mary understood that the most valuable thing she could do was to be present with Jesus, to listen to His teachings, and to commune with Him. Her choice to sit at His feet signified humility, submission, and a hunger for the divine Word – a "good part" that would yield eternal dividends and could never be lost.
Faith in the Face of Grief: Humility Amidst Sorrow (John 11:1-44)
Our next significant interaction with Mary occurs in the Gospel of John, amidst the profound sorrow of her brother Lazarus's death. This narrative provides another glimpse into Mary's character, particularly her consistent posture of humility and dependence upon Jesus, even in the depths of grief. When news reached Jesus that Lazarus was sick, He intentionally delayed His arrival, allowing Lazarus to die. When Jesus finally arrived in Bethany, Martha, ever the proactive one, went out to meet Him, expressing her faith and sorrow with the poignant words, "Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died."
Mary, however, remained in the house until she was called. When she came to Jesus, her reaction echoed Martha's words, but her posture was distinctively Mary's:
Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
Once again, Mary is found at Jesus' feet. This time, it's not in quiet contemplation but in overwhelming sorrow. Her tears, and the tears of those around her, deeply moved Jesus, leading to one of the most powerful displays of His compassion and divine authority:
When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. Jesus wept.
Mary's raw emotion and humble posture at His feet stirred the Lord's deepest empathy. Her faith, though expressed through tears and a broken heart, was unwavering, culminating in the glorious resurrection of Lazarus. This episode underscores Mary's consistent character: a woman who instinctively sought out Jesus, not just for answers, but for comfort and presence, always at His feet.
Anointing for Burial: An Act of Extravagant Worship (John 12:1-8)
The final and perhaps most profound account of Mary of Bethany's devotion is found in John 12, just six days before the Passover, when Jesus would be crucified. A supper was held in Bethany, likely at the home of Simon the leper, with Lazarus, now raised from the dead, also present. It was here that Mary performed an act of worship so extravagant and prophetic that it would be remembered throughout all generations:
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.
This was no ordinary anointing. Spikenard was an extremely expensive perfume, worth a year's wages (three hundred pence). Mary's act was one of radical self-sacrifice and boundless love. Her humility was evident as she wiped His feet with her hair, a gesture of profound reverence and submission. The entire house was filled with the fragrance, a beautiful aroma of worship.
However, this act was not without its critics. Judas Iscariot, feigning concern for the poor, questioned the wastefulness of such an expense, suggesting the ointment should have been sold. Jesus, knowing Judas's true motive (he was a thief), swiftly defended Mary:
Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she done this. For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.
Jesus revealed the deeper, prophetic significance of Mary's act. While others, including His own disciples, struggled to grasp the reality of His impending suffering and death, Mary, guided by the Holy Spirit, intuitively prepared Him for His burial. Her costly anointing was not just an act of devotion but a profound spiritual foresight, acknowledging the sacrificial nature of His coming death. This act of worship, performed with humility and extravagance, stands as a testament to Mary's unique spiritual sensitivity and her deep, anticipatory love for her Lord.
Enduring Lessons from Mary of Bethany
Mary of Bethany's life, though briefly chronicled, offers profound and timeless lessons for all who seek to follow Christ. Her consistent posture and actions provide a powerful blueprint for true discipleship:
- Prioritizing the Word: Her choice in Luke 10 reminds us that listening to and absorbing God's Word is the "one thing needful." It is the foundation upon which all genuine service and worship are built. In a world full of distractions, we are called to sit at Jesus' feet.
- Humility and Dependence: Mary's repeated posture at Jesus' feet signifies a heart yielded to His authority, wisdom, and comfort. It speaks of a recognition that true strength comes from dependence on Him, not self-reliance.
- Sacrificial Worship: The anointing in John 12 illustrates that true worship is often costly, extravagant, and may be misunderstood by the world. It is given from a pure heart, without reservation, offering our very best to the Lord as an expression of love and adoration.
- Compassionate Empathy: Her weeping at Jesus' feet in John 11 moved Him deeply, demonstrating the power of authentic human emotion shared with the Lord. We can bring our sorrows and brokenness to Him, knowing He groans with us.
- Spiritual Discernment: Mary's act of anointing for burial indicates a spiritual sensitivity that transcended the understanding of others. She was attuned to the Spirit's leading, preparing for Christ's ultimate sacrifice even when others were oblivious.
Conclusion
Mary of Bethany remains an enduring and inspiring figure for Christians throughout history. Her life serves as a powerful reminder that true discipleship is not merely about doing for Christ, but first and foremost about being with Christ. It is about sitting at His feet, soaking in His Word, offering Him our best, and trusting Him completely, even in sorrow. In a world full of noise, busyness, and endless demands, Mary calls us back to the "one thing needful" – a devoted, intimate relationship with our Saviour. Her legacy is one of profound love and unwavering faith, a beautiful testament to the power of a life lived wholeheartedly and humbly at the feet of Jesus, from whom all blessings flow.
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