Mary, mother of Jesus, Mary of Bethany and Mary Magdalene had some things in common, a direct relationship with Jesus, each experienced miracles and all were devoted followers of Jesus Christ.
Even though they had a lot in common, we can see a difference in their view of Jesus Christ which creates a powerful role in God’s plan. Mary, mother of Jesus, of course, displays the view of a mother who loved Him as her child as well as Savior.
Mary Magdalene had a different perspective. She had been healed by Jesus from a host of demons so bad she was probably incoherent and wild. Her vision was one of relief and love to her Savior.
Jesus was very close to Mary of Bethany, her sister Martha and Lazarus. He often stayed with them, as He did the last week before His death and resurrection. Mary viewed Jesus as Teacher and Savior.
Mary, Mother of Jesus
Luke 1: 26-33 NIV “In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “’Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.'”
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “’Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.’”
Mary role is unique. There will never be another mother of Jesus, the Son of God. Her response to the angel at first was confusion because she knew she had not been with a man. The angel explains it is a conception of the Holy Spirit.
Did she laugh or run away? No, instead she humbly accepted God’s plan.
Later at her cousin Elizabeth’s, when the baby in Elizabeth leaped at Mary’s greeting, this was Mary’s response:
Luke 1:47 NIV “And Mary said: “’My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,'”
Mary, Mother of Jesus as Follower
When Jesus and Mary were at a wedding at Cana in Galilee, the host ran out of wine. We see a change in Mary’s view from that of her son to her Savior.
John 2:1-5 NIV “On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and His disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to Him, “’They have no more wine.’” “’Woman, why do you involve Me?’” Jesus replied. “’My hour has not yet come.'” His mother said to the servants, “’Do whatever He tells you.’”
Mary’s first comment sounds like a mother talking to her son. She again humbles herself to her Lord in her comment to the disciples, “Do whatever He tells you.”
Mary as Mother and Follower
John 19:25-27 NIV “Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw His mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, He said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.”
Mary is the only person to be with Jesus at His birth and death. Here, she stands viewing her son as the Savior of the world. Yet, her mother’s heart is broken.
Mary, Mother of Jesus Role
In Dictionary of Biblical Themes, it says “Mary provides Christians with an example of obedience to God and trust in Christ. She shared in the sufferings of her son, and took her place alongside the other disciples.”
Mary Magdalene
Luke 8:1-2 NIV “After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out;”
Mary Magdalene traveled with Jesus, the disciples and other women. The Lord had cured her of evil spirits. Can you imagine being in her shoes, the relief and joy she felt in being in Jesus’s presence? He had won her heart and soul.
Mary Magdalene at the Crucifixion of Jesus
John 19:25 NIV “Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.”
Mary Magdalene followed Jesus to be near Him as He suffered, even though it could be dangerous for her. Her love and commitment meant more than safety.
Mary Magdalene, the First to See Jesus
John 20:11-18 NIV “Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. They asked her, “’Woman, why are you crying?’” “’They have taken my Lord away’” she said, “’and I don’t know where they have put him.’” At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.
He asked her, “’Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?’” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “’Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.’” Jesus said to her, “’Mary.’” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “’Rabboni!’” (which means “Teacher”). Jesus said, “’Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, “‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “’I have seen the Lord!’” And she told them that he had said these things to her.”
Mary Magdalene must have been special to Jesus for Him to grant her the blessing of seeing Him before anyone else.
The Role of Mary Magdalene
Mary Magdalene was of a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. She was probably a large contributor to His ministry as it was thought she was a women of wealth.
She also is a witness of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. What a role!
Mary of Bethany
Luke 10:38-42 NIV “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.”
Mary is sister of Martha and Lazarus. Remember Martha criticized her to Jesus because she was busy listening to Jesus instead of helping her.
They were very close to Jesus and He stayed in their home several times.
Mary of Bethany, A Student of Jesus
Luke 10:38-42 NIV “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.”
Mary was very interested in learning from Jesus, so much so she was willing to be criticized for it.
It was common practice for disciples to sit at the rabbi’s feet. She displayed a spiritual hunger and placed herself in a disciple position. (Christianity.com)
Mary of Bethany, Friend of Jesus
John 11:28-35 NIV “‘After she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. “’The Teacher is here,’” she said, “’and is asking for you.’” When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him. Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. When the Jews who had been with Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there.
When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. ”’When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. “’Where have you laid him?’” he asked. “’Come and see, Lord,’” they replied. Jesus wept.”
Mary was very close to Jesus, when He saw her suffering, He was overcome, and wept. It must have been wonderful to know Jesus in such a way.
Mary, Worshipper of Jesus
John 12:3 NIV “Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.”
Jesus was in the home of Martha, Mary and Lazarus. Mary has honored Jesus by pouring expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet and wiping it with her hair.
Again she is criticized, this time by Judas Iscariot who was keeper of the money. He said she was wasting it; it should be given to the poor. He wasn’t interested in the poor but secretly helped himself to its contents.
John 12:7-8 NIV ““Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”
Mary in her love for Jesus was preparing Him for burial even though she was not aware of it. We never know when our actions can be fruitful.
Mary of Bethany’s Role
Mary loved Jesus. She was instrumental in showing Christians that our priority is to be Jesus Christ. Whether sitting at His feet, learning from Him or giving Him honor due His name, Mary has shown us a great example.
Conclusion
We do not have the privilege of these Marys of having a relationship with Jesus while He was on earth. We cannot relate as well to their circumstances.
But we do have similarities.
- We can have a relationship with Jesus Christ.
- We can love Him.
- We can learn from Him.
- We can honor and worship Him
How?
- If you haven’t, accept Him as your Savior.
- Give Him your heart and love
- Read the Bible
- Go to church
We don’t have to be walking this earth with Jesus to walk in His ways.
If you have questions, please comment.
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