CHARACTER STUDY OF MARY (SISTER OF MARTHA)

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)
Mary demonstrated her love through costly worship.

d) Faith in Jesus brings comfort and miracles (John 11:32-44)
Even in sorrow, we must trust Him.

e) Worship should come before service (Matthew 6:33)
Seeking God first brings everything else into alignment.

CONCLUSION:
Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, was a devoted disciple of Jesus who prioritised worship and spiritual growth. She demonstrated great faith, deep love, and spiritual insight. Her life teaches us to put Jesus first, worship wholeheartedly, and trust Him completely.

PRAYER POINTS:

1.  Lord, help me to prioritise time in Your presence.

2.  Father, give me a heart of true worship and devotion.

3.  Lord, let my faith in You grow stronger daily.

4.  Father, help me to give my best in worship and service.

5.  Lord, open my eyes to spiritual insights like Mary.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1.  You will always choose the presence of Jesus above all else!

2. Your love for Christ will grow deeper every day!

3.  You will receive divine insight and understanding of God’s will!

4.  Your faith in Jesus will produce great testimonies!

5.  Your worship will bring you closer to divine breakthroughs!

CHARACTER STUDY OF MARY - THE VIRGIN MOTHER OF JESUS

CHARACTER STUDY OF MARY – THE VIRGIN MOTHER OF JESUS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Luke 1:26-38
"And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus." (Luke 1:30-31)

Supporting Texts: Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 2:6-19, John 2:1-5, John 19:25-27, Acts 1:14

INTRODUCTION:
Mary, the mother of Jesus, is one of the most remarkable women in the Bible. She was a young Jewish virgin chosen by God to bear His Son, Jesus Christ. Her life reflects humility, faith, obedience, and devotion to God’s purpose.

Despite the challenges of being the mother of the Messiah, Mary remained steadfast in faith. She witnessed Jesus’ birth, ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection. Her character teaches us invaluable lessons on surrendering to God’s will, trusting in His promises, and remaining faithful in all circumstances.

1. MARY WAS FAVOURED AND CHOSEN BY GOD

a) She was highly favoured (Luke 1:28)
The angel Gabriel greeted Mary as "highly favoured," signifying God's special grace upon her life.

b) She was chosen to bear the Messiah (Luke 1:31-33)
Mary was entrusted with the great privilege of bringing the Saviour into the world.

c) She responded with humility and faith (Luke 1:38)
Despite not fully understanding, she submitted to God’s plan, saying, "Be it unto me according to thy word."

d) Her faith was affirmed by Elizabeth (Luke 1:42-45)
Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, confirmed Mary’s blessed status and faith in God’s word.

e) Biblical Example: Sarah was also chosen by God to bear Isaac in her old age, fulfilling His promise (Genesis 18:10-14).

2. MARY WAS A WOMAN OF GREAT FAITH AND OBEDIENCE

a) She believed in the impossible (Luke 1:34-37)
Though she was a virgin, she trusted God’s word that she would conceive by the Holy Spirit.

b) She obeyed God despite societal risks (Matthew 1:18-19)
As an unmarried woman, Mary risked disgrace, yet she obeyed God's calling.

c) She treasured God’s promises in her heart (Luke 2:19, 51)
Mary pondered the events of Jesus’ life, reflecting on God’s unfolding plan.

d) She instructed others to obey Jesus (John 2:5)
At the wedding in Cana, she told the servants, "Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it."

e) Biblical Example: Abraham displayed great faith by obeying God, even when asked to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22:1-12).

3. MARY ENDURED TRIALS AND SUFFERING WITH PATIENCE

a) She faced misunderstanding and rejection (Matthew 1:19-20)
Joseph initially planned to put her away secretly, but God reassured him in a dream.

b) She endured hardship at Jesus' birth (Luke 2:6-7)
Mary gave birth in a manger, showing her endurance through difficult circumstances.

c) She fled to Egypt for Jesus’ safety (Matthew 2:13-15)
Mary and Joseph had to escape King Herod’s plot to kill Jesus.

d) She bore the pain of Jesus’ suffering and death (John 19:25)
She stood at the cross, witnessing the agony of her Son's crucifixion.

e) Biblical Example: Job endured suffering but remained faithful to God (Job 1:20-22).

4. MARY WAS DEVOTED TO JESUS THROUGHOUT HIS LIFE

a) She cared for Him as a mother (Luke 2:41-51)
Mary and Joseph diligently raised Jesus according to Jewish customs and faith.

b) She sought to protect Him (Luke 2:48-50)
She anxiously searched for Him when He stayed behind in the temple as a boy.

c) She supported His ministry (John 2:1-5)
Mary encouraged Jesus to perform His first miracle at the wedding in Cana.

d) She remained with His disciples after His resurrection (Acts 1:14)
Mary was present among the early believers, praying and waiting for the Holy Spirit.

e) Biblical Example: Ruth demonstrated devotion to Naomi, choosing to stay with her despite challenges (Ruth 1:16-17).

5. MARY EXEMPLIFIED HUMILITY AND SUBMISSION TO GOD

a) She did not seek personal glory (Luke 1:46-48)
In her song of praise (Magnificat), Mary glorified God, acknowledging her lowly status.

b) She recognised God's sovereignty (Luke 1:49-50)
Mary exalted God's mighty works and His mercy toward those who fear Him.

c) She submitted fully to God’s plan (Luke 1:38)
Even with uncertainties, she embraced God's will wholeheartedly.

d) She relied on God's grace (Luke 1:51-55)
Mary understood that everything she experienced was because of God’s grace, not her merit.

e) Biblical Example: Hannah also humbly submitted to God's plan when she dedicated Samuel to the Lord (1 Samuel 1:27-28).

CONCLUSION:
Mary’s life teaches us the importance of faith, humility, obedience, endurance, and devotion to God. She was chosen to play a crucial role in God’s redemptive plan, yet she remained humble and faithful. Despite the trials she faced, she never wavered in her commitment to God’s purpose.

As believers, we must emulate Mary's faith and submission to God's will. Her story reminds us that God chooses ordinary people for extraordinary purposes. May we, like Mary, say, "Be it unto me according to thy word."

PRAYER POINTS:

1.  Lord, help me to be faithful and obedient like Mary in fulfilling Your purpose for my life.

2.  Father, increase my faith to trust in Your promises, even when they seem impossible.

3.  Lord, give me the grace to endure trials with patience and unwavering faith.

4.  Help me to remain humble and submissive to Your will, no matter the challenges.

5.  May my life be a testimony of devotion and faithfulness to You, O Lord.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1.  You are highly favoured, and God’s purpose for your life shall be fulfilled!

2.  Every divine promise concerning you shall come to pass in Jesus’ name!

3.  Like Mary, you shall receive divine grace to overcome every challenge on your journey of faith!

4.  The Lord shall turn your trials into testimonies and your pain into purpose!

5.  Your life shall bring glory to God, and you shall be remembered for your faithfulness!