Family Bible Series for May 28: Maryâs life demonstrates unwavering focus
Posted: 5/17/06
Family Bible Series for May 28
Mary’s life demonstrates unwavering focus
• Luke 10:38-42; John 12:1-8
By Greg Ammons
First Baptist Church, Garland
Arnold Palmer was about to win the 1961 Masters Golf Tournament. He had a one-stroke lead over Gary Player. Palmer hit a tremendous tee shot on the final hole. As he was walking to his ball, a friend in the gallery spoke to Palmer. He stopped and shook his friend’s hand, which was uncharacteristic of Palmer. The golfing great said later the incident caused him lose his focus. He went on to bogey the hole and lost the tournament by one stroke. Palmer said it was a costly lesson for him. He vowed he never again would lose focus before a round ended.
Often, believers in Jesus lose their focus. They allow even well meaning friends to distract them from giving the Lord their very best. Mary of Bethany is a tremendous scriptural example of keeping her unwavering focus on Jesus. Her actions show us how we can keep our focus on Christ as well.
Listen to Jesus (Luke 10:38-42)
As Jesus entered Bethany, he accepted the invitation of Mary and Martha to visit their home (v. 38). As they visited, Martha was busy with the details of hosting, while Mary focused on Jesus. Martha was irritated by Mary’s reluctance to help her and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself?” Jesus replied, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed” (v. 41). He then stated Mary had chosen what is better (v. 42).
Jesus gave Martha some wonderful advice as he commended Mary for her devotion. Details are important but should never detract us from focusing primarily upon Jesus. Our Lord was not telling us we should be slack in service or simply sit around and do nothing. However, he was pointing to where the primary focus of life must be centered. The wise person listens to this great advice from Jesus.
Listening is a difficult art. For many people, talking comes easily, but listening is difficult. Our mind thinks four times faster than a person speaks. There is much room for wandering. However, the wise Christian listens intently to Jesus when he speaks and keeps the primary focus upon the Savior.
Give your best to Jesus (John 12:1-3)
Later, six days before the Passover, Jesus returned to Bethany. There was a dinner given in Jesus’ honor (v. 2). As the guests reclined at supper, Mary took an expensive perfume and poured it on Jesus’ feet. She then wiped his feet with her hair (v. 3). The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
Mary took the best gift she possessed and lavished it upon Jesus. In her estimation, no gift was too great to give to her Lord. As you evaluate your service to Christ, seek to determine if what you are giving is truly your best. God gave us his very best in the person of Jesus. In return, he deserves the best we can give him.
Antonius Stradivarius is a name synonymous with violins, and the reason why is no accident. Stradivarius made a commitment that no instrument would leave his shop until it was as near perfection as was humanly possible. He once said, “Other men will make violins, but no man shall make one better.” As a result, the name Stradivarius has become associated with excellence. May Jesus get the very best of your life in service.
Seek the approval of Jesus (John 12:4-8)
After Mary had broken open the very expensive perfume and anointed Jesus with it, one of the disciples became indignant. Judas Iscariot, who would later betray Jesus, fumed, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor?” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was the dishonest treasurer among the disciples (v. 5).
Jesus replied: “Leave her alone. It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial” (v. 7). Jesus commended Mary for her selfless and expensive action.
It was the pattern of Jesus’ ministry to gain the approval of his heavenly father. On five separate occasions during Jesus’ earthly ministry, the heavenly father boomed, “this is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased.” Every action of the Son gained the Father’s approval.
Our actions and service must be focused so they gain the approval of our Lord. Often, Christians will seek the approval of family members, friends or other church members. It is important to some believers how others view them. Yet, the greatest approval we can gain is from Jesus. May your service to Christ now be such that one day in heaven you hear the phrase, “well done, good and faithful servant.”
Discussion questions
• Do you listen to Jesus on a consistent basis?
• Is your current service to Christ truly your best?
• In what ways do your actions gain the approval of God?