Free Grace Women

The Many Marys

As a little girl, I always wanted the part of Mary in the Christmas Pageant but my golden blonde hair frequently landed me the role of the angel.  That was fine too, but there was just something about being Mary!  She was so special, so close to the LORD. I longed for that.  

I also remember the story of Mary of Bethany pouring out the precious oil and anointing Jesus.  I remember thinking, “How did she know to do that?  She is so special.”  I longed for that.

Then, in third grade, I attended Vacation Bible School at my church and I listened intently to the flannelgraph story of Jesus’ resurrection that my teacher so enthusiastically told.  I saw her place the figure of Mary of Magdalene in the garden and then the figure of Jesus next to her.  She recounted how Jesus asked, “Mary, why are you crying?”  Mary turned and recognized Him and called out, “Rabboni!”  She was the first one He appeared to after His resurrection.  She was so special. I longed for that.  

These Marys played a vital role in the journey of Jesus as they were present at His birth, death and resurrection.  We hear about how they knew Him and followed Him and desired to sit with Him. They were special.  

The Meaning of Mary

The name Mary has come to mean “beloved” but the original Hebrew name from which it is derived is Miriam, which means “rebellious” or “bitter.”  The names of the women in the New Testament stories were likely Miriam in Hebrew tradition. Names were quite meaningful in this culture and they probably wore the name proudly in honor of Moses’ sister, Miriam, a prophetess, who led the women in worship after they crossed the dry Red Sea.  But maybe their name reminded them of the rebellion of the Israelites? Or maybe the bitterness of their ancestors who wandered in the wilderness? Or perhaps their names reminded them of their own rebellion or bitter stories?  We know Mary Magdalene had a rough past.  How did Mary, the mother of Jesus; Mary of Bethany; and Mary Magdalene become “beloved”?  

The Mary Moments

If we look back at their stories, we will see that they each encountered Jesus in a special way.  However, the moments of their “specialness” were always in the presence of Jesus! This is especially evident in Luke 10:39 where we are told that Mary of Bethany: 

“sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word.” (NKJV)

 As Mary was in the presence of Jesus, and heard His word, she too was special. She too was beloved and that was made possible because of who HE is not because of who she was.

Did she know this would be her story?  Did any of these Marys know that we would be reading about them someday and know our Jesus better because of how they sought and loved the Messiah?  Did they know that their songs of praise, acts of adoration, and worship of the Christ would draw us closer to our loving Father who gave us His Son so that we can have eternal life?  Did they know that their name would become a new name that represents how Christ loves us?  

Beloved women of grace, I pray that you will know that you are beloved! And while we can’t give birth to Jesus, nor saw the resurrection, or sit at His feet, the author of Hebrews does say we can draw near to His throne of grace (Heb 4:16). We too can be in His presence any time we want! Jesus reaches down and makes us special. Jesus gives you a new name and you are Beloved! 

There is something about Mary, but the something is really Jesus!