Character Study Of Mary (Sister Of Martha) Series

CHARACTER STUDY OF MARY (SISTER OF MARTHA) – SAT AT JESUS’ FEET, ANOINTED HIS FEET

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Luke 10:39

"And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to His teaching."

Supporting Texts: John 12:1-8, Matthew 26:6-13, Mark 14:3-9

INTRODUCTION:

Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, is known for her deep devotion to Jesus. Unlike her sister Martha, who was busy with serving, Mary prioritised sitting at Jesus’ feet, listening to His teachings. She also anointed Jesus with costly perfume, an act that demonstrated her great love and spiritual insight. Her life teaches valuable lessons on worship, devotion, and the right priorities in the Christian life.

1. MARY PRIORITISED BEING IN JESUS’ PRESENCE

a) She chose to sit at Jesus’ feet (Luke 10:39)

This symbolised humility and desire for spiritual growth.

b) She was more focused on worship than on work (Luke 10:42)

Jesus commended her choice.

c) She listened attentively to Jesus’ words (John 6:68-69)

She recognised the value of His teachings.

d) The presence of Jesus should be our priority (Psalm 27:4)

Seeking God is the key to true fulfilment.

e) Biblical Example: Mary Magdalene also chose to stay close to Jesus, even at the tomb (John 20:11-16).

2. MARY DEMONSTRATED DEEP LOVE FOR JESUS

a) She expressed love through extravagant worship (John 12:3)

She anointed Jesus with expensive perfume.

b) She was willing to give her best to Jesus (Mark 14:3)

She broke the alabaster jar, showing total surrender.

c) True love for Jesus requires sacrifice (Romans 12:1)

Worship involves giving God our best.

d) Love for Jesus is shown through actions (1 John 3:18)

Love should be demonstrated, not just spoken.

e) Biblical Example: The woman with the alabaster box also expressed extravagant love for Jesus (Luke 7:37-38).

3. MARY HAD SPIRITUAL INSIGHT INTO JESUS' MISSION

a) She anointed Jesus before His burial (John 12:7)

She understood what others did not.

b) She perceived Jesus’ coming sacrifice (Mark 14:8)

Her act of worship prepared Jesus for burial.

c) Spiritual discernment comes from spending time with Jesus (1 Corinthians 2:10-12)

God reveals deep things to those who seek Him.

d) Many did not understand Jesus’ mission, but Mary did (Matthew 26:12-13)

Her devotion gave her insight.

e) Biblical Example: Simeon recognised Jesus’ mission when He was a baby (Luke 2:25-35).

4. MARY WAS A WOMAN OF STRONG FAITH

a) She believed in Jesus’ power over death (John 11:32)

She said, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.”

b) She fell at Jesus’ feet in worship, even in sorrow (John 11:32)

Worship should continue even in times of grief.

c) Faith pleases God (Hebrews 11:6)

She trusted Jesus completely.

d) Strong faith comes from spending time with Jesus (Romans 10:17)

Her faith was built through listening to Him.

e) Biblical Example: The Syrophoenician woman also showed great faith in Jesus (Matthew 15:22-28).

5. MARY TEACHES US THE IMPORTANCE OF WORSHIP OVER WORRY

a) Worship leads to transformation (Romans 12:2)

Being in Jesus’ presence changes us.

b) Worry distracts from what truly matters (Luke 10:41-42)

Martha worried, but Mary worshipped.

c) True worship involves humility and surrender (John 4:23-24)

Worship is about devotion, not just rituals.

d) Those who worship Jesus receive His commendation (Matthew 26:13)

Jesus praised Mary’s act of devotion.

e) Biblical Example: David was a man of worship and was favoured by God (Psalm 27:4, Acts 13:22).

STRENGTHS OF MARY

a) She was deeply devoted to Jesus (Luke 10:39)

She prioritised listening to Him.

b) She had great love for Jesus (John 12:3)

She gave her best to Him.

c) She had spiritual insight (John 12:7)

She understood Jesus’ mission before many others did.

d) She had strong faith in Jesus (John 11:32)

She trusted Him even in grief.

e) She showed humility and surrender (Mark 14:3-9)

She bowed at His feet in worship.

WEAKNESSES OF MARY

a) She was emotional and struggled with grief (John 11:32-33)

She wept and felt helpless when Lazarus died.

b) She needed reassurance in times of sorrow (John 11:28-29)

She had to be called before meeting Jesus after Lazarus' death.

c) She was not as practical as her sister Martha (Luke 10:40)

While her worship was commendable, practical service is also necessary.

d) Her devotion was misunderstood (John 12:4-6)

Judas criticised her act of worship.

e) She may have been quiet or passive in certain situations (Luke 10:39-42)

Unlike Martha, she did not speak up often.

LESSONS TO LEARN FROM THE LIFE OF MARY

a) Sitting at Jesus’ feet is the best choice (Luke 10:42)

Spiritual growth comes from being with Him.

b) True worship requires giving our best to God (Mark 14:3-9)

Worship involves sacrifice.

c) Love for Jesus should be expressed through actions (1 John 3:18)