Topical Bible: Faith: Faith in Christ: Mary, the Sister of Martha

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Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, is a notable figure in the New Testament, exemplifying profound faith in Christ through her actions and devotion. Her account is primarily found in the Gospels, where she is depicted as a woman of deep spiritual insight and commitment to Jesus.

Devotion to Jesus' Teachings

Mary's faith is first highlighted in the account of Jesus visiting the home of Martha and Mary in Bethany. In Luke 10:38-42, while Martha is preoccupied with the tasks of hospitality, Mary chooses to sit at the feet of Jesus, listening to His teachings. This act of devotion demonstrates her prioritization of spiritual nourishment over worldly concerns. Jesus commends Mary for her choice, saying, "Mary has chosen the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:42). Her faith is evident in her desire to learn from the Lord, valuing His words above all else.

Faith in the Face of Grief

Mary's faith is further illustrated in the account of the death and resurrection of her brother Lazarus. In John 11, when Lazarus falls ill and eventually dies, Mary and Martha send for Jesus. Upon His arrival, Mary expresses her grief and faith simultaneously. She falls at Jesus' feet and says, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died" (John 11:32). Her statement reflects both her sorrow and her belief in Jesus' power to heal. Jesus, moved by her faith and the mourning of those around her, performs the miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead, thereby strengthening the faith of Mary and all who witnessed the event.

Anointing of Jesus

Mary's faith reaches a profound expression in the anointing of Jesus at Bethany, as recorded in John 12:1-8. In an act of worship and prophetic insight, Mary anoints Jesus' feet with expensive perfume and wipes them with her hair. This act signifies her recognition of Jesus' impending sacrifice and her deep love and reverence for Him. Jesus defends her actions against criticism, stating, "Leave her alone; she has kept this perfume in preparation for the day of My burial" (John 12:7). Mary's faith is manifested in her willingness to give generously and sacrificially, understanding the significance of Jesus' mission.

Legacy of Faith

Mary, the sister of Martha, is remembered as a woman of faith who chose to sit at the feet of Jesus, believed in His power over life and death, and anointed Him in preparation for His burial. Her actions and devotion serve as a testament to her unwavering faith in Christ, offering a model of discipleship characterized by love, sacrifice, and spiritual insight. Through her account, believers are encouraged to prioritize their relationship with Jesus, trust in His power, and worship Him with their whole hearts.

Nave's Topical Index

Luke 10:38-42
Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
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John 11:32
Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying to him, Lord, if you had been here, my brother had not died.
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Library

The Death of Lazarus. --Christ's Conversation with Martha (John ...
... Mary, lost in grief, gave no heed to the busy world ... Christ made use of her
misunderstanding (as was his wont ... He intended to teach her that the faith of Lazarus ...
/.../section 232 the death of.htm

The Resurrection of Lazarus.
... (John 11:27). 27. I believe that thou art the Christ, etc. He asks about
her faith. ... 28, 29, 30. Called Mary her sister secretly. ...
/.../the new testament commentary vol iii john/the resurrection of lazarus.htm

Per??a to Bethany. Raising of Lazarus.
... I have believed that thou art the Christ, the Son ... So, evading the question, she
confessed her faith in him. ... Mary secretly, for she wished that Mary might have ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xciii peraea to bethany raising.htm

"Lazarus, Come Forth"
... comprehend in all their significance the words spoken by Christ, but she confessed
her faith in His ... so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 58 lazarus come forth.htm

Jesus the Resurrection and Life.
... To see a woman like Mary casting herself at His feet ... We cannot conceive of Christ
having any shadow of doubt of ... vain to try and build up a faith in immortality ...
/.../xxiii jesus the resurrection and.htm

John Chapter xi. Jan-54
... unto the working of a miracle whereby men might be led to faith in Christ, and so ...
7. "Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister Mary, and Lazarus." The one sick ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xlix john chapter xi.htm

In what Manner Christ Shall Deliver up the Kingdom to God, Even ...
... that her sister did not help her: "Mary hath chosen ... the Mediator between God and
men, the man Christ Jesus, shall ... those who believe and live by faith, for whom ...
/.../augustine/on the holy trinity/chapter 10 in what manner christ.htm

Further Incidents of the Journey to Jerusalem - the Mission and ...
... yoke of Christ, in which the Kingdom of God was of faith, not of ... the object of it
as to forget its demonstration, so with Mary in the Presence of Christ. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter v further incidents of.htm

The Resurrection of Lazarus
... Mary, perhaps, through the prevalence of this, and being ... Faith made her say, "Lord,
if thou hadst been ... died." But unbelief made her confine Christ's power to ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the resurrection of lazarus.htm

The Open Grave at Bethany
... The sight of Mary's real, and the mourners' half-real ... We mark Christ's calm confidence
in His own power ... His encouragement to her to exercise faith by suspending ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the open grave at bethany.htm