Mary of Bethany: a woman of faith and discernment

Mary of Bethany was a faithful woman completely devoted to Jesus. She was also a woman of few words (compared to her sister, Martha, who never lacked something to say). As Jesus neared the time of his triumphal entry into Jerusalem prior to Passover, Mary performed a gesture of great prophetic significance and one that greatly offended Judas Iscariot. When she wept at the tomb of her brother, Lazarus, and showed great sorrow at the cross. Mary was a woman who was unafraid to express her love for Christ and was determined to seek the heart of God. Her story is an example of how gestures speak louder than words. Mary was a woman of thoughtful worship. Her story is an example of hospitality. What lessons can we take from her story? 

When Jesus returned to Bethany before the Passover, Martha prepared a feast. While Jesus reclined at the table, Mary entered the room with a pint of expensive perfume and anointed Jesus’ head with it. Judas, failing to appreciate the gesture, objects and asks Jesus to admonish Mary for wasting such an expensive item. She did not defend herself in the face of criticism. She was so confident and secure in her faith that she allowed Jesus to defend her. And defend her, he did. Jesus praises Mary instead, stating that Mary has prepared him for burial. And he makes the claim that when the gospel reaches the world, her act will be remembered. Throughout her story, Mary had one goal: to have the closest relationship possible. She soaked up his teachings, taking in his promises to heart and she picked up on clues that others had missed. Somehow, she had the insight or discernment that Passover would not be a time of honor for him but a time of darkest and dishonor. Mary knew how to embrace the difficult parts of the gospel as well as the joyful parts. 

Hospitality was highly valued in the Jewish community. God had commanded it in the Old Testament. It is defined as “the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers.” It is an art to make sure guests are welcomed, warmed and well-fed. It requires creativity, organization, and, oftentimes, teamwork. It is also an important aspect for the Christian community as it can become an opportunity for sharing the gospel. Romans 12:13 says “share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” We are to show hospitality to strangers (Hebrews 13:2) and not just the people we know. 1 Peter 4:9 states that we are to “offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” When we offer hospitality “with all your heart” we do so “as working for the Lord, not for human masters” (Colossians 3:23). Mary and Martha offered different aspects of hospitality. As Martha prepared a feast for her guests, Mary was making sure they were welcomed and entertained. For Mary, hospitality was giving more attention. She would rather talk and listen than cook. For Martha, it was in the preparation of and providence of the food and drink. 

There are lessons we can take away from Mary’s story. First, small acts of obedience and service have widespread effects. I think this lesson is one we all can understand. Remember when someone’s small, simple act of kindness had a huge impact on yourself. Second, when we focus on Christ, he will become our greatest passion and our tendency to self-absorption diminishes. Mary was so focused on Christ that the cost to herself was secondary. The perfume is said to have cost a year’s wages. It is understandable that Judas questioned why she would waste just an expensive item, although his motives behind his objection were purely selfish. When she was moved to honor Jesus this way, did she consider the cost? Maybe, maybe not. All that mattered to her was to honor Jesus. Third, Christ is our greatest comfort. As Mary grieved for her brother, she turned to Jesus and he wept with her (John 11:32-36). When we come to Christ, we find comfort, peace and security. We experience the truth of “weeping may remain for a night but rejoicing comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5b).

In conclusion, Mary is an example of faith and discernment. She was perhaps the only person who understood and accepted Jesus’ coming death. Mary took, what turned out to be her final opportunity, to anoint Jesus, to show her love and devotion to him. She took her grief and sadness to Jesus for comfort and security. We can too. Coming to Jesus in prayer with our grief and he will comfort us. Hospitality is a perfect opportunity to show Christ’s love for each other and share the gospel. And every time we offer hospitality, we do so as if Jesus was sitting at our home. Whether or not our guests are appreciative or receptive to our hospitality, we do so for the Lord. In the hopes that through us, our guests see Jesus.