Something Beautiful - Mary of Bethany

image credit: wallpaper.knowing-jesus.com

I love Mary's heart!  She seems to have been a passionate woman who wore her emotions on her sleeve for all to see.  She didn't hold back and she didn't care what others thought about her.  Sometimes I wish I had that kind of freedom in my actions, instead of constantly worrying about what someone else might think...

This carefree life that Mary lived allowed her to play a special role in Jesus's life.  She sat at His feet, listening and soaking in every word He said - instead of helping her sister in the kitchen - understanding that there is a time to serve and a time to be still and listen.  And Jesus understood what Mary was doing and defended her precious actions.

When Mary's brother, Lazarus, died, she did not try to "save-face," drying off her tears and running to meet Jesus when He finally showed up.  Instead she allowed herself to remain at home, weeping and mourning.

However, when Jesus called for her, she was obedient, but continued to allow herself to feel sad and hurt - to the point that even Jesus Himself, knowing that her weeping would soon turn to joy, was moved to tears twice while in Mary's company.

And then, in front of a large group of men, Mary took a small jar full of a very expensive perfume and did something beautiful for Jesus.  Once again, she sat at His feet, only this time she wasn't there to listen, she was there to serve.

During this time in history, people's feet would get very dirty.  They either walked barefoot or with strappy sandals.  Their feet were constantly exposed to dirt, sand, mud, and muck.  It is our custom to wash our hands, but these folks needed to wash their feet.  And wouldn't you know, the lowest servant in the house's job was "Foot Washer."

SIDE NOTE: I have a little bit of a foot phobia.  I'm totally fine with people touching my feet, so pedicures are a-okay with this girl.  But I do NOT want to touch other people's feet and I especially do NOT want people to touch me with their feet!  EEW!!!

So when Mary breaks open the jar and begins anointing Jesus's feet with the oil, it makes me squirm for a moment, but then it becomes clear that this act was a beautiful sacrifice.  Mary was a woman willing to sacrifice her possessions and her dignity publicly.  But this act was not at all about Mary - it was all about her Lord.  Many in that room did not understand, but Jesus did.  And once again, He defended her actions.

In Beth Moore's Daniel Study (which is crazy amazing - if you ever get the chance - DO IT!  You're welcome), she writes, "Our expensive sacrifice will be the most memorable."  And so it is with Mary.  We remember the beautiful thing she has done and the stupid comments the others made.

Is there something beautiful you can do for Jesus?  Do you need to sit at his feet and listen, or run quickly because He is calling you, or serve sacrificially for Him?


You can read more about Mary of Bethany's story at She Reads Truth.  Also read Luke 10:38 - 42; John 11:1 - 46; John 12:1 -8; Mark 14:3 - 8.