Mary (the sister of Martha) can be read about in Luke 10:38-42 and John 12:1-8: 'She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said.'

What would you do if Jesus came to your house today? Mary of Bethany (sister of Martha and Lazarus) could see that there was something very special about Jesus when He came to their house that day (Luke 10:38-9). So special that she would disregard all etiquette and socially acceptable behaviour just to spend time in His presence. What was it about this seemingly ordinary man that had such a dramatic impact on her?

In those days a woman’s place was serving the food and completing the household chores, yet when Mary met Jesus something compelled her to sit at His feet among the men, hanging on His every word. Something about Him drew her to Him. Nothing else seemed to matter.

Only one thing is needed 

Martha became flustered by the amount of work to do. She was the only one preparing their excessive menu and serving their special guest. When she asked Jesus to tell Mary to help her, He replied tenderly 'Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset by many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken from her' (Luke 10:41-2 NIV). We can spend huge amounts of time on things which are not very important; Jesus is saying what is important is spending time in a relationship with Him.

Extreme devotion 

The gospel of John shows us the relationship between Mary and Jesus in a deeper way (John 12:1-8). Whilst Jesus is sitting around a table with Lazarus and others, Mary took a bottle of pure nard (extremely expensive perfume) and poured it on Jesus’ feet. She then wiped His feet dry with her hair. This dramatic display of love and sacrifice created a precious moment in which Jesus commends her for her extravagant act done with such humility. Mary did not want or need anything from Jesus at this point; it was simply a token of deep love and selflessness for Jesus.

Wait upon Him 

Mary models real worship, love and devotion in this gesture. When Mary met Jesus the first time, she picked up something of His heart. When you spend time with somebody, you will be affected by their mood: if they are happy you are happy and vice versa. You may start to finish each other’s sentences, you may even copy their mannerisms. You become like that person. Jesus wants us to spend time in relationship with Him; as we do, we will begin to echo the spirit of Jesus. As disciples we want to become more like Jesus and the more time we spend with Him, the more that will happen. As we learn to wait on Him and to hear His voice, He will be able to use us to build His kingdom on earth.