Have you not noticed that one of the principle methods by which the Scripture teaches is by contrast? From the very beginning we think of the contrasts between Cain and Abel; Abraham and Lot; Jacob and Esau; David and Jonathan, and many more that we might mention. What lessons can be learned as we examine the histories of these, their motives, and God's dealings with them? As we consider the contrasts between the above we discover that this is one of the Bible's ways of teaching—presenting not two theories, nor diverse principles, nor two types of doctrine, but two men. It tells us too that "Two men went up into the temple to pray." How can we fail to comprehend the teaching of our Lord as He tells us of these two? Forever these two men stand in contrast—one full of "religion," thanking God that he is not as other men are, the other smiting upon his penitent heart and crying for mercy.
This contrast is impressive. Think too of the solemn truths told out in the difference between the rich man and Lazarus!
We've been mentioning "two men," but we have especially on our hearts two sisters. Have you ever noticed that you never see Mary apart from her sister Martha? These sisters are brought before us in the gospels three times to teach us by contrast.
The first mention of them is in Luke 10. Martha was "cumbered," "careful," and "troubled"; but Mary "sat at Jesus' feet, and heard His word." Some might say that here we have two desirable types of Christians—the practical and the worshipful—both being needed. But Jesus did not infer that.
Another might think that here are two different temperaments; that Mary and Martha were made that way, and could not do or be otherwise. But Jesus did not say that either. He did say, "But one thing is needful; and Mary hath chosen that good part which shall not be taken away from her." Mary chose to put acquaintance with Jesus and His word first in her life. Martha chose to serve Him first.
The next time these sisters come before us (John 11), we discover that Mary—because she began aright—did more for Jesus than Martha, for "then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus, did, believed on Him."
As with us, these sisters each had naturally her own circle of friends who, when the news of Lazarus' death went abroad, gathered to comfort them. Then came Jesus, and Lazarus was raised. Something in the bearing and testimony of Mary in her affliction and sorrow had impressed her circle of sympathizers, so when the mighty work was done, many who came to Mary believed on Him. Who then was the real servant? The soul winner?
And now please turn to John 12, and we shall see the beautiful and touching scene of the anointing at Bethany. What was in her heart as she poured out her most cherished possession? Was it to show her love to the Lord? Doubtless this was part of her devoted act, but we feel not the depth of Mary's thoughts. We wonder if this is not something that would speak to—rebuke—us, who give our least valued things and time to Him?
Was it her way of showing that there was at least one of Israel—the people who had rejected Him as King—who desired to anoint Him as her King? We do not think her thoughts were upon His titles just then, either. Was it her way of expressing her gratitude for the resurrection of her brother Lazarus? No. Does not Jesus Himself give us the motive for her touching act? "Against the day of My burying hath she kept this." Mary had comprehended the truth that He had thrice announced: He must die.
Mary alone, who had begun her education in a disciple's life at the feet of Jesus, could at last enter into a fellowship of His sufferings. And of her Christ spoke the highest words of approval in the Scriptures, "She hath done what she could."
So we are shown that Mary was not only more FOR Christ in the conversion of her friends, but she was more TO Christ than any of His disciples in the fellowship of silent sympathy—and all this because she began right! What an example, beloved, what an encouragement for us to do as Mary—to choose and put acquaintance with Jesus and His word first in our lives!