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| Christ in the House of Simon by Dieric Bouts, 1440s (Staatliche Museen, Berlin) (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
In this Women's History Month, I would like to feature a woman of the Bible who stood her ground when those around her were criticizing her for her actions. I'm referring to Mary of Bethany. Jesus was invited to a dinner at her house. While her sister Martha served, Mary broke an alabaster box of perfume, poured it on our Lord's head and wiped His feet with her hair. See Matthew 26: 6; Mark 14: 3; Luke 7: 37 and John 12: 1.
The Bible goes on to say that His disciples were indignant, saying the perfume could have been sold and the money given to the poor. But Mary paid them no heed. She continued to weep on Jesus' feet and dry them with her hair. This was a very bold action for a woman in those days, and Jesus commended her for it. He said, "Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her" (Matthew 26: 10 - 13).
Can you stand your ground when others criticize you or make fun of you for going to church instead of going to the club? For dressing modestly when they dress seductively? For not being afraid to speak of your love for Jesus in their presence? If you do, Jesus will commend you highly, and His commendation is worth much more than that of your friends. You can learn more about Mary of Bethany from the articles and resource below.
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