Mary - Sister of Martha

 

   Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived at Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.  Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him.  Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.  John 12:1-3

   When questioned why Mary would pour expensive perfume at his feet Jesus replied, “Leave her alone, it was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial.  You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.” John 12:8 Mary loved the Lord and Jesus loved and approved of what she did for Him.

    In Oral Roberts’ commentary he wrote, “Mary’s devotion went beyond what was absolutely necessary or required of her to worship the Lord.  She could have poured a liberal amount of the perfume upon the Master and retained the rest.  But she did not withhold any of the perfume.  She poured out her gift completely upon the Lord for that was what was in her heart to do.”  We are to give as He has given so much to us.   Ask not what God can do for us, ask what we can do for God.                           

    According to Oral Roberts’ ministry it is seed-faith.  God is our source of all things.  We must have a deep desire of:  “Lord, this is my very best.  I cheerfully give it to You.  I love You, I need You.”                                                                                             

    Mary gave her best to Christ.  May we also give our best to Him.  Better than any of us, Jesus knows the value of giving, because receiving comes only from our giving.                              

   Another time Mary wanted to sit at the feet of Christ and her sister wanted her to help prepare a meal for the guests.  There is a time to work and a time to sit in the presence of God.  I enjoy reading and studying my Bible in the morning but also like to do my cleaning in the a.m.  First comes prayer and study of God’s Word.  Then I am ready to start my day.