First published in January 2017

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.

Luke 10:38-39

 

I know. This is not a picture of Mary. But can you see the great eagerness so many children have to learn? It seems to me that Mary must have had such a childlike eagerness, sitting as close to Jesus as she was, clinging to every word He said. He had wonderful lessons, many stories, and a love inside Him that He freely shared. In those days women were discouraged from learning. For Mary to sit closer to Jesus than His disciples and men from the community was unheard of. Yet Jesus welcomed her. He respected her. She was important to Him.

Although her sister had complained that she wasn’t helping with the housework, Jesus encouraged Mary to stay and listen to Him. He told Martha, “Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”  In other words, He did not want her to be deprived of anything as special as the spiritual food He was offering.

Why was Mary so eager to hear Jesus? What made Him so special? This teacher was different from any other man she had ever known. He spoke in a way she hadn’t heard before. Jesus was wise, though humble. He revealed truth to Mary’s hungry heart. By current standards He was a radical, showing compassion for the sick and befriending those who were considered outcasts. He spoke about a heavenly kingdom, one that she would not have to wait for, but one that had already arrived.

When I read about Mary I see her as someone who still has a child’s heart within her. The abundant enthusiasm and openness she has for learning was very much like that of a youngster.

Does Mary remind you of yourself – today, or as you once were? Jesus once said “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14) I think Mary was like one of those children. Are you?

Are you, too, hungry for more of Jesus? Do you have an eagerness to worship Him? Would you like to find better closeness to Him? Might you still be an innocent searching for love but never finding enough to fill the hole you have inside? Are you in need of a better sense of self-worth? Jesus can provide all those, as He did for Mary long ago.

The place Mary found at Jesus’ feet is available to all of us. It’s a place of comfort where you can be yourself, completely known and loved. It’s a place where you’ll be sure to find intimate friendship and spiritual rest. Spend some time there, and listen to the many things He has to tell you.

marja