A Tale of Two Marys

Mary, Mother of Jesus and Mary of Bethany.

One is the perfect example of worship, while the other is the epitome of ultimate surrender.

Both of our women this week have the same name, loved Jesus with all their hearts, and display certain qualities that are necessary for an intimate relationship with God. 

"But the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.'" {Luke 1:30-31 NIV}

Mary was a simple teenage girl engaged to the man she loved, until she was visited by an angel to announce that she would become the mother of the Messiah. I don't know about you, but if this happened to me I would have been arguing with God and questioning "why me?" But, God knew what He was doing and knew the heart of who He had picked because Mary went along with the plan and completely surrendered herself to His plan.

Mary completely accepted her life the way God planned and lived it out fully, in His glory, to the end. Regardless of what was to come, she was willing to accept all that He was to offer.

"This is the hallmark of a surrendered life. And it is a requirement for all women who want their lives to count for God. A surrendered heart is not an option for a true disciple. We must be willing to wave a white flag over our lives and let go. We must come to a place where we can say with Mary, 'May it be done to me according to Your word.'" {J. Lee Grady}

Fulling accepting God's will for our lives is what a surrendered heart is all about. No matter what the outcome, trials, and tribulations, being completely open to all that He will bring before us is the ultimate surrender.

Mary was willing...Are you?

Now, as for our other Mary this week...

She was one of Jesus' closest friends and shows us how to truly worship. When we feel overwhelmed with everything that needs to get done in our lives, we can take a minute and find the perfect example of truly showing our love for God in Mary of Bethany.

In the Bible we learn about Mary's willingness to forego everything that needed to be done to sit at the feet of Jesus when He arrives and listen with an open heart. Most know the story of Mary and how her sister, Martha, got upset because she was running around making preparations for Jesus when all Mary was doing was sitting listening to Him.

"'Martha, Martha.' the Lord answered, 'you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.'" {Luke 10: 41-42 NIV}

Mary has chosen what is better...

No matter what was going on in her life at that time, Mary chose to worship.

Even when her brother, Lazarus, died she worshiped Jesus despite the fact that He could have healed Lazarus and didn't.

It's hard to relate to Mary at times because our troubles seem overwhelming, but we can learn a very important lesson from her...No matter what goes on in life, we must press into Him and there we will always find our strength.

We need to make sure we are choosing what is better.

Let's Chat...

1. Different denominations have different views of Mary, mother of Jesus. What is your view of Mary?

2. Why is it so significant that Mary of Bethany sat at Jesus' feet and listened to His word? Why was this revolutionary?

3. How can we become more like the Marys we are studying this week? In what ways can we give ourselves over to surrender and worship more without feelings of fear and guilt?

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