"One thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her."
   - Luke 10:42

Of all the disciples of Christ that pass before us in the gospel story, perhaps none is more marked by single-hearted devotedness to Christ than Mary of Bethany. She makes nothing of self, but everything of Christ, and hence, on the three occasions that she comes before us, she is found at the feet of Jesus.

We see her first in her sister's home at Bethany, when the Lord of life entered that home and Mary sat at His feet as a learner (Luke 10). Later, when death had entered the home, she is found at His feet as a mourner (John 11). Lastly, when a few of His loved ones make a supper for the Lord, who had just manifested His resurrection power and glory [by raising Lazarus], she is found at His feet as a worshipper (John 12).

She not only knew that the Lord was the great Teacher come from God, the One who can sympathize with us in our sorrows, and the Object of our worship, but she had experienced His teaching, tasted His sympathy, and worshipped at His feet.

Good for us if, like the apostle Paul, we can each say that the desire of the heart is "that I may know Him" (Philippians 3:10). We may know much about Christ, but in order to know Him we must be in His company and, being at His feet, learn His mind through His word, taste His sympathy, and in His presence worship and adore.

It is true that the Lord delights to honor the one that puts honor upon Him in the day of His rejection (1 Samuel 2:30); and He has said that wheresoever the gospel is preached the story of Mary shall be told for a memorial of her. But the story of Mary has also been recorded for our profit, for all Scripture is given by God for our instruction. May we then profit by her lowly and devoted life.

Hamilton Smith