Mary of Bethany

There are quite a few Marys mentioned in scripture, but the life of Mary of Bethany (sister to Martha and Lazarus) is described in three memorable moments, in each she is at the feet of Jesus.

On their way to Jerusalem, Jesus and His disciples were welcomed into the home of Martha and Mary. She sat at His feet listening to what He was teaching. She must have been mesmerized by every word which deepened her devotion to Him.

With the loss of her beloved brother, she ran to Him and fell before His feet in complete surrender. She did not blame Jesus for the death of her brother though she knew that with just the words He could have healed him. In her sorrow, she seeks solace at the feet of her Teacher.

Six days before the Passover celebration, whilst Mary was serving, and Lazarus amongst the guest, Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume and anointed Jesus’ feet. This act was remarkably humble. The feet of guests were washed with water and only a dab of oil or perfume was used to anoint their heads. But Mary considered her precious ointment only good enough for His feet. Washing feet was the duty of the lowest house slave, thus this act from Mary denotes great humility and devotion towards Jesus. Her gift was extreme because spices and ointments were often used as expensive investments. After all, it was small, portable, and could be easily sold. Her action was unselfconscious. Not only did she give the gift of expensive oil, but she also wiped Jesus’ feet with her hair. Her devotion to Jesus was so intimate, she let down her hair in public (which was something a Jewish woman never did).

Mary did her own thing not concerned about what others thought. Women were suppose to serve at dinner, Mary chose to listen to Jesus. The mourners expected her to stay indoors grieving, she ran to Jesus. And while everybody was celebrating and feasting, she anointed the One who meant so much to her with the best she could offer.

Sweet sister, Mary of Bethany models a life of devotion which yours can too. Your devotion to Jesus should exceed your time. Spend time at His feet and learn from His teachings. Your devotion should exceed your grief and pain – fall to His feet in complete surrender. Your devotion should exceed anything you hold most dear, give it all to Him in complete intimacy of your relationship.

Written by Pastor Iriza for Women of the Word

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