Bill Yates                                                                                                         August 15, 2007

1.      Name  Mary of Bethany, Sister of Martha and Lazarus

2.      Scripture References

Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-11; Luke 10:38-42; John 11:1-3, 19-20, 28-35, 45-46; 12:1-3

3.      First Impressions and Observations

Here two there is not much said about this Mary in the scriptures. Except that both times it makes mention that she stayed in the house. I also was surprised to see that the mourners came to comfort Mary and doesn’t mention Martha.

4.      Outline of Her Life

I.                   Chooses to listen to Jesus teaching

A.                       Luke 10:38-42

II.               Causes Jesus to cry at Lazarus’ resuscitation

III.            Anoints Jesus with expensive perfume

A.                       Mt. 26:6-13; Mk. 14:3-11; John 12:1-3

5.      General Insights (Answers to Questions)

Who wrote what we know about Mary?

The gospel writers did, all four of them. Although Matthew and Mark refer to her as at Simon’s house.

What did her family and friends say about her?

Martha, her sister, wants Jesus to tell Mary to help her with the house. Judas and the other disciples think she is wasteful with the alabaster jar. The friends stay with her as she mourns Lazarus’ death not with Mary. It is after Jesus talks with Mary that he begins to be emotional.

What did God say about her?

That what she did in anointing him will never be forgotten.

Why do you think God allowed Mary to be mentioned in the Bible?

Mary always seems to be about God and very emotional. I think God wants to show the emotional, unplanning, and deeply spiritual that they are valued just as much as the bombastic, organized and planned person.

What were her aims and motives?

Mary seemed to always be in the moment. Mary stayed with Jesus to listen to him. Mary was at the house not bothered by anything else then mourning her brother. Mary was moved to break perfume for Jesus, and she wasn’t serving him at the time.

What was she like when she was alone with Jesus?

I think it’s impressive when she goes to Jesus in the midst of her mourning and expresses her faith. If Jesus was there Lazarus wouldn’t be dead. I perceive the intensity of her pain because her emotions move Jesus to emotion, unlike his interaction with Martha.

How does she handle adversity?

She doesn’t answer for herself ever. Jesus always comes to her defense. Jesus protects this emotional lady.

6.      Identify Some Character Qualities

Sincerity

Reverence

Gratefulness

Sensitivity

Perspective

Enthusiasm
Generosity

Wholeheartedness

Boldness

Woman of Faith

Independence

Unreliable

Impulsive

Shortsighted

7.      Show How Other Bible Truths Are illustrated in the Person’s Life

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8.      Summarize the Main Lesson

Mary is an intensely emotional person, completely aware of the moment and maybe not much more. Her faith is not worked out in her head but in her actions. The Lord engages her in the way that she is and reacts to her in the way that she is. Her actions reveal her beliefs in profound ways.

She believed Jesus could heal the sick so she criticized him for not being there. He did not rebuke her. Martha he taught with Mary he got angry and cried.

I think Mary shows us how we can actually live out our faith spontaneously. She also shows us that God relates to us through the personality he gave us. He is a deeply personal God.

9.      Personal Application

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10.   Make Your Study Transferable

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