-Regardless of whether or not Mary of Bethany is Mary Magdalene, Mary of Bethany and her Sister Martha of Bethany provide us with an example of two Christians with a different emphasis in their walk with God. One emphasizes “work”. The other emphasizes “worship”. But more importantly, the three Scriptures that we will examine provide a clear indication of the one that God prefers, when a choice has to be made. It is my prayer, that we will conclude that it does not have to be one or the other. It can be, and should be both. The first of three references to the sisters, Mary and Martha, is in Luke 10:38-42 Martha the worker, led the way by welcoming Jesus into the house, but they both sat at his feet and learned from Him in discipleship mode. But Martha was practical, and as hostess, was concerned about the comfort of her guest. This caused her to be concerned about necessary things like cleaning, cooking and serving. We need such persons in the Kingdom of God and their value is not to be underestimated. However, Martha made the mistake and crossed the line when she placed more emphasis than she should have on her work. By so doing she placed less emphasis on her spiritual worship in the presence of Jesus. She challenged Mary’s lack of contribution to the required work, and asked Jesus to arbitrate. Martha lost. Mary won on the grounds of her worship. “The Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has made the right choice,[r]and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42) The second time that the sisters are mentioned is in John 11. Their brother Lazarus is sick and they send for Jesus who by now is a family-friend. Jesus decides to let Lazarus die, so that he could demonstrate His Divine power and authority by resurrecting him. The only thing that Mary and Martha know, is that Jesus does not come in time to heal their brother, and Lazarus dies. In fact, Jesus arrives four days after Lazarus had been buried. When news of Jesus’ arrival reaches the home of Mary and Martha, they both go to meet Jesus, although Martha went spontaneously, and Mary had to be called by Jesus. They both engage Jesus with an accurate, but negative accusation that placed them on the same knowledge level as it relates to the ways of God. But Martha proved that she was more knowledgeable than Mary when, after making the negative accusation, followed up with a positive expression of faith and expectancy in Jesus’ ability to do anything that he wanted to do. However, there was a difference in their approach to Jesus. John states that Mary fell at His feet, but he does not say the same for Martha. As disciples, they both sat at His feet. But only the worshipper fell at His feet. By the time we meet the sisters for the last time in John 12, Martha is introduced as the one who served. I have no doubt that she served diligently, selflessly and energetically. She probably planned the entire event but is credited simply as having worked. Mary on the other hand, went into ultra worship mode. Not only was she in the presence of Jesus but she was ministering to him physically and spiritually as He prepared for His darkest hours. Again Mary was rebuked, this time by Judas, and for a different reason. And for the second time, she was staunchly defended by Jesus. “Jesus answered, “Leave her alone; she has kept it for the day of My burial. For you always have the poor with you, but you do not always have Me.” (John 12:7-8)
Posted on: Mon, 29 Dec 2014 13:50:54 +0000