Women of Note in the New Testament
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He and His disciples were weary from a toilsome journey on foot
from Jericho to Jerusalem. They tarried as guests at the quiet home of
Lazarus, and were ministered unto by his sisters, Martha and Mary.
Notwithstanding the fatigue of Jesus, He continued the instruction
which He had been giving His disciples on the road, in reference to
the qualifications necessary to fit men for the kingdom of heaven. The
peace of Christ rested upon the home of the brother and sisters. Martha
had been all anxiety to provide for the comfort of her guests, but Mary
was charmed by the words of Jesus to His disciples, and, seeing a
golden opportunity to become better acquainted with the doctrines of
Christ, quietly entered the room where He was sitting, and, taking her
place at the feet of Jesus, drank in eagerly every word that fell from
His lips.—
The Spirit of Prophecy 2:358 (1877)
.
As Christ gave His wonderful lessons, Mary sat at His feet, a
reverent and devoted listener. On one occasion, Martha, perplexed
with the care of preparing the meal, went to Christ, saying, “Lord,
dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? Bid
her therefore that she help me.” This was the time of Christ’s first
visit to Bethany. The Saviour and His disciples had just made the
toilsome journey on foot from Jericho. Martha was anxious to provide
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for their comfort, and in her anxiety she forgot the courtesy due to
her Guest. Jesus answered her with mild and patient words, “Martha,
Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: but one thing
is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be
taken away from her.” Mary was storing her mind with the precious
words falling from the Saviour’s lips, words that were more precious
to her than earth’s most costly jewels.
The “one thing” that Martha needed was a calm, devotional spirit,
a deeper anxiety for knowledge concerning the future, immortal life,
and the graces necessary for spiritual advancement. She needed less
anxiety for the things which pass away, and more for those things
which endure forever. Jesus would teach His children to seize every
opportunity of gaining that knowledge which will make them wise
unto salvation. The cause of Christ needs careful, energetic workers.
There is a wide field for the Marthas, with their zeal in active religious
work. But let them first sit with Mary at the feet of Jesus. Let diligence,
promptness, and energy be sanctified by the grace of Christ; then the