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. 

The Shunammite Woman: an example of hospitality, faith and hope

The Shunammite Woman is a story of a wealthy woman who was capable, generous and hospitable to the travelers who would pass by her home. She would show great kindness to one of God’s prophets. Her greatest sorrow would give rise to her greatest joy. She and her husband were childless. Unlike other childless women, i.e. Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, Tamar and Hannah, she seemed to be content being childless and providing for the travelers on the road. She would experience great sorrow and yet experience the depth of God’s faithfulness. Her story is told between 2 Kings 4:8-37. What is her story? How is hospitality important to her story and to us? What is the power of hope? 

A few miles north of Jezreel, a wealthy Jewish woman keeps sharp eyes on the travelers who travel the road from Nazareth to Jerusalem. Elisha, the prophet who succeeded Elijah, frequented the road outside her house. One day, she invites him to stay for a meal. She and her husband set up a small room on the roof of their home for Elisha to use whenever he was in the area. Moved by her kindness, he wanted to do something for her. Gehazi, his servant, pointed out that the couple was aging and childless. Elisha tells the woman that within a year, she will hold a son in her arms. She is shocked and refuses to hope. Yet one year later, that promise is fulfilled and she holds her son. A few years later, the boy became sick and died. The woman carried the boy to Elisha’s room, laying him on the bed and closed the door. She, then, travels to Mount Carmel, hoping to find Elisha. When she finds him, she falls to his feet and says, “Did I ask you for a son, my lord? Didn’t I tell you, ‘Don’t raise my hopes’?” (2 Kings 4:28). Elisha travels to the woman’s home and finds the boy, still and cold. He laid across the boy’s body and prayed three times. Soon, the boy’s body grew warm, his chest raised and he sneezed. Elisha returns the boy to his grateful mother. 

Hospitality played an important role in the cultures of the Middle East. Desert travel was strenuous. When travelers came to a town or village, they would wait for an invitation to rest at someone’s home. If no invitation came, they would sleep outside. Hosts were expected to feed and provide sleeping arrangements but also provide protection from robbery and harm. In the Old Testament, there are countless examples of hospitality. Abraham and the three strangers (Genesis 18:1-15), Rebekah offering water to a traveler and his camels (Genesis 24:15-21). Solomon had daily provisions for visitors (1 Kings 4:22) to list a few. In the New Testament, there are verses that remind believers to be hospitable. Romans 12:13 says to share with those in need and “practice hospitality.” My favorite verse is Hebrews 13:2, “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by doing so some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” The idea of entertaining angels is an occurrence that happened often in the Old Testament. Hospitality and entertaining is simply making others feel comfortable and at home. It doesn’t always mean to open your home; however, it could mean engaging in a conversation with the person who seems to be left out. It’s being aware of your neighbors and inviting a few, as a group or individuals, over for coffee and conversation. 

Her story is also a story of the power of hope. Did Elisha’s promise of a son reveal an unspoken hope of her heart? Did she hear about Elijah raising the son of the widow (1 Kings 17:8-24)? Did she hope for a miracle? Hope is a feeling of optimism, a desire for something good or better will happen. Isaiah 40:31 says “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” As humans, even with our strengths, we get tired. But God’s power and strength will never diminish. He will never be too tired or too busy to listen and help. His strength can be the source of our strength. In our weakest moments, we can call on, hope in the Lord and we can be renewed. One of my favorite songs that illustrates this hope and strength in God is Twila Paris’ The Warrior is A Child (1984). It is a song with a powerful imagery of a believer who is tired and runs to the Father for comfort, strength and encouragement. 1 Peter 1:3-9 talks about the living hope believers have in Jesus Christ. When someone utters “I hope so,” there’s a bit of uncertainty in that phrase. But a living hope is fertile. It is fruitful and productive. A living hope has power and produces changes in one’s life.

In conclusion, the story of the Shunammite Woman is an example of hospitality, faith and hope. She was a generous and giving woman. She was a woman who had a desire to care for others. She provided for Elisha above and beyond what was socially expected. When her son became ill and died, she turned to Elisha with faith in the hopes that God would bring him back to life. Hope is a powerful thing. It is a light in a world of darkness. It is what keeps the fight going. Believers have an eternal hope in Jesus Christ. A hope that has power and confidence. A hope that can give us strength to fight the good fight and keep going against all odds.