Notable Lessons From Women in the BibleSample

Day 3: Lessons from Mary of Bethany

In Day 2, we learnt from Lot’s wife that we should not look back at what has been, and instead focus on what’s to come. And from his daughters, we learnt that our environment and those we keep close to us can have an adverse impact on our thinking and our way of doing things.

Reflecting on Mary’s story, we see how she defied the then-cultural norms by choosing to sit at the feet of Jesus to listen and learn from Him.

Societal expectations on women are mainly based on what’s deemed as acceptable culturally. Cultural norms continue to define how women are treated in their homes, in the workplace, and in social settings.

For example, when at events in some cultures, it is generally the woman who stands up to dish up for their husband, therefore, misses out on certain parts of conversations with those in attendance.

Occasionally, in some workplaces, women may be prejudiced more than their male counterparts. Certain roles are not deemed fit for them because they might leave in a latch to go have a baby or take care of a sick child.

In some workplace instances, women who are mothers are prejudiced with opportunities being given to those without kids or families. And in other societies, the more domesticated a woman is, the more she gets applauded.

The long list of expectations from women could rob us of a good and balanced life. It may feel like we are sacrificing this at the expense of that.

This shouldn’t be the case. We need to do more, to do away with these prescriptive gender roles and stereotypes. They are not part of God’s design.

In the story of Mary, we see Martha lambasting Mary for not helping out with the chores surrounding the hosting of Jesus and the people that came to hear Him speak.

She doesn’t even do it directly, instead, she directs her frustrations to Jesus himself. She says, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

In an unexpected response to this, Jesus says to Martha, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed – or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken away from her.”

This teaches us that there will be many things to worry and stress over but it is up to us to choose that which matters more and is more beneficial to us, our livelihoods, and our sanity. Mary knew what she needed and prioritised that over what was expected of her.

There’s a lot that we are fighting against as women. A lot that we are trying to dispel, make better, unlearn and improve. But we need to ask ourselves which of these are more important before taking up a whole army upon ourselves.

Prioritising well is important and beneficial for our mental wellbeing too.

Let’s take it from Mary; she did it well and Jesus put a stamp of approval on it.

Summary of lesson from Mary of Bethany:

• Prioritise well. Defy norms, if you have to. But whatever you do, make sure it will contribute meaningfully to your life.