The names of many godly women have been left on record in God’s Word. This is true of the Old Testament as well as of the New. The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of inspiration, saw fit, for the instruction and encouragement of the Church in every age, to record the names and deeds, not only of men of renown but of women also. Of one woman it was said by the Saviour, “Verily I say unto you, wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she has done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.” What notable examples there have been of eminent women in whose heart was the fear of God. The names of Sarah, Rahab, Deborah, Ruth, Esther, Mary, Lois, Eunice and many others are enshrined in the pages of Biblical history as those who were eminent in faith and godliness in their day and generation.
It is especially to Mary, the sister of Lazarus, that we would like to refer this month, and particularly to that description given of her in Luke Chapter 10, verse 39: “Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word.” How highly descriptive and eloquent these words are, conveying as they do to us the picture of one whose heart was wholly set upon the Master whom she served. Here was one whose mind, at least for the present, was diverted from ministering to the needs of the household, and was wholly taken up with receiving nourishment and strength for her own soul from the words which the Saviour spoke. Whether Mary or Martha served Christ better on this occasion is a question that has been settled for ever by the Saviour Himself.
The example of Mary sitting at Jesus’ feet is left on record for our instruction. May we learn from it and often be found at Jesus’ feet. This is a safe place to be. It is our wisdom to keep near to Him, if we have been found of Him. If we remain at a distance we lose much. Is He not worthy of this — that we should sit at His feet? Did not John the Baptist say of Him, “There standeth One among you, whom ye know not. He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose.” We have reason indeed to humble ourselves before Him, and to count it our highest privilege to sit at His feet. Though He has now ascended into heaven yet we are not precluded from doing so, for to wait upon Him in the Courts of His House or at a Throne of grace is to be found where Mary was, if we are also in an expectant frame of heart waiting to hear the words that fall from His lips.
Mary was at Jesus’ feet for the express purpose of hearing His word. With this she was wholly taken up — and well she might be for “never man spake like this Man.” It was also said of the Saviour that “He taught as one having authority and not as the scribes.” His words were life-giving. The woman of Samaria found His words to be so to her. She had to say: “Come, see a man which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?” Mary’s soul was being fed as she sat at Jesus’ feet. And so will your soul be fed, too, if you follow Mary in her waiting upon the Saviour. The Saviour’s own soul was also being fed as He ministered to Mary’s need. Did He not say to His disciples after He had been speaking to the woman of Samaria, “I have meat to eat that ye know not of.” He delights in feeding His people and in making Himself known to them. He warmly invites to Himself all who will come to Him. “Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest, Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart and ye shall find rest unto your souls for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” May we, by divine grace, respond to that invitation, so that like Mary we may be found sitting at Jesus’ feet, hearing His word.