There was Something about Mary

I have always been captivated with her relationship with Jesus, from time to time even imagining she must have had the biggest crush on him. Perhaps it’s my own inability to understand the intimacy they shared without assigning romanticism to the relationship as we Westerners do. Whether she was secretly diggin' Jesus or not, her actions are a clear indicator that she really "got" it. Mary was the kind of woman who would not allow anything to hinder her from worship and fellowship with God. Ever the non-conformist, and so in love with Jesus, no matter what the story, she can always be found scandalously, at the feet of Jesus.


Whether reveling, learning, kissing, anointing, lying prostrate, repentant or submitted before those feet Mary was committed to a life of worship and discipleship, and would not let the perceptions or customs of society get in her way. Mary's worship was non-conventional and extravagant. She defied social and cultural traditions. She could perhaps be considered the first Christian feminist. Rather than tend to the "woman's work" of the kitchen Mary considered herself worthy of a front row seat , at the feet of Christ, basking in the presence and wisdom of the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. What's more she thought enough of herself to offer herself as gift to him. She understood his love enough that she recognized not only her need and desire for Jesus, but his need and desire for her. With her own body, she ministered to The Son of God, handling his body with reverence and honor. Caressing his feet as she massaged the pricey nard into his body, Mary's actions were erotic and innocent; offensive and costly. Her worship of Jesus turned heads, it solicited sneers and looks of disdain that no doubt compromised the way people in her community perceived her. Still the limitations of her sex and cultural mores could not distract her from the object of her worship. She celebrated Jesus as if nothing else mattered, she poured over him, he expressed her devotion passionately, zealously involving her hands, her heart, even her hair.

Serving as an archetype for the intimacy we should have with God, In Jesus' own words, Mary engages in the "one thing that is needful" - reckless celebration of the Savior, communion with the Lover of her soul, stillness before the presence of God. Mary perpetually reminds the Martha in all of us, so worried about getting it right, not to forget to celebrate the delight of the presence of God, and that in God's eyes we are indeed worthy to love and be loved. As if the rapture of time with Jesus wasn't enough, examples like Mary remind us that it is from fellowship and times of intimacy with Him that all true works of love and service are born. Our time of loving and being loved by God ignites in us the ability to authentically love and serve others. It is the humble posture of sitting at Jesus' feet that make us truly connected, truly inspired and truly effective, because we are moving through the power of God's love and sharing that love with the world. So funny that in order to get higher, we have to reach low like Mary did.

Have you sat at the Master's feet today?


Ever Higher!