Mary shows her devotion to Jesus by humbling herself at His feet. The first instance is found in Luke 10. The second is in John 11. The third is in John 12.
Luke gives us a glimpse into how Martha showed care for Jesus vs how Mary showed her devotion to him. Mary loved Jesus openly, with her whole being. While Martha busied herself with food preparation, Mary sat a Jesus’ feet. She hungered for the spiritual food that only Jesus could give. He was the very center of her world. All else was cast aside.
Luke 10:42
Martha is fuming in the kitchen while Mary is sitting at Jesus’ feet. She needs Mary’s help to get food on the table and complains to Jesus. Mary says not a word in defense of her actions. Jesus comes to Mary’s defense and gently scolds Martha. He tells her that she is “. . . careful and troubled about many things” He goes on to tell her that “. . . Mary hath chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
Mary was not only shirking her duties in the kitchen, she was defying social norms of the day. Women didn’t speak to men in public. They certainly did not assume they could sit at a Rabbi’s feet to hear a sermon. But, Mary chose Jesus over imposed limitations. Listening to her Master’s words was more important than following cultural rules. So, how does Jesus respond to this blatant defiance of acceptable behavior? He welcomes her presence. He gave her the same honor that would be granted any male disciple. He favors her over social convections.
John 11:32
The next time we encounter the sisters is after Lazarus has died. Jesus calls for Mary. She leaves her guests who have come to share in the mourning and goes to him. When she gets there, “. . . she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, ‘”Lord if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.” Notice Mary’s great faith. She is convinced that if he had been there, he could have prevented her brother’s death. Mary is so overcome with sorrow that she falls at Jesus’ feet.
John 12:3 & 12:7
The last time we meet Mary, we are privy to an encounter so profound as to leave us in awe. It’s almost as if Mary had insight into the horror that lay before her Lord. She takes “a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: . . .” Nard could be used in preparing a body for burial. Instead, she lavished it upon Jesus.
Her use of that precious ointment does not escape the eyes of Judas, keeper of the groups money. He questions the wisdom of wasting such a valuable substance on someone’s feet. He argued that it could have been sold and the proceeds given to the poor. However, the Bible reveals that his true motive was not to benefit the poor, but to benefit himself.
Jesus comes to Mary’s rescue and says, “. . .Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this.” Even though Mary went beyond the bounds of society, he never scolds her. Instead, he lifts her up. He gives purpose and dignity to her actions. As in every event in which we find Jesus interacting with women, he values them.
In summary, what do we learn from Mary that we can apply to our own lives?
1. She had courage. She consistently went against social conventions to demonstrate her love of Jesus. Had she been with us today, I doubt she would be silenced by those who don’t want to hear his Word.
2. She loves with abandon, caring little for what her behavior might cost her.
3. She does not respond to criticism. She remains silent while Jesus comes to her defense.
4. She is humble. She bows at Jesus’ feet to learn of him or to express her devotion by lavishing costly ointment on his feet.
A Final Thought
May we have the courage to show our love of our Lord openly and in the face of ridicule and possible persecution. May we be humble enough to remain silent when unjustly criticized and judged. May our devotion be so strong that we choose Him over all else.
