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The Unhurried Focus of Mary
Brian Mashburn
July 2, 2017
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The Unhurried Focus of Mary
Last week, I published in this space that there were two minor characters in scripture named Ananias. By the time I stood before you to speak about one of them, I discovered that there were actually three!
So this week, where I have decided to take a look at one of the Mary's in scripture, I looked very carefully. I was just about to publish confidently that there are six - when I found one more. So, with humility, I think there are seven Mary's in the Bible. All of them are in the New Testament, and with the exception of Mary the mother of Jesus, they would all qualify as minor characters, and even though several make only one-verse appearances, they each can serve as role models of spiritual qualities worthy of meditating on and emulating. Here's a list:
Mary the mother of James & Joses (Matt 27:55).
Mary the wife of Clopas (John 19:25).
Mary Magdalene (Luke 8:2-3; John 20:1-18).
Mary the mother of Mark (Acts 12:12)
Mary of Rome (Romans 16:6)
All of them are worthwhile, but today, we will take a look at Mary of Bethany. She lived in that town (Bethany) with her brother Lazarus and her sister Martha.
She makes three appearances in scripture, and these scenes give us insight into her as a disciple with a peaceful spirit and a patient pace of life. She seems to have an enduring focus on Jesus. She is shown prioritizing him, his words, and his excellence above all other competitors for her attention. She loves him attentively, responds to his voice honestly, and serves him extravagantly.
As should we. Let us learn from Mary of Bethany.