Triplets of Womanhood: Three Marys

 

Just as God portrays His Triune nature in patterns of three throughout His Word, His nature, and His creation, it is not surprising that there are three women named Mary in close association to Christ in His earthly ministry. These are Mary, mother of Jesus (Luke 1-2), Mary Magdalene, Jesus’s disciple from the time He cast out seven demons from her (Mark 16:19), and His close friend Mary of Bethany, sister of Martha and Lazarus (Luke 10:38-42; John 11:2). These women were bound to Jesus by love as His family, follower, and friend.

There are also three additional women named Mary described in less detail in Scripture, but also worthy of mention. One of these is referred to as "the other Mary" (Matthew 27:61), also known as the mother of the disciples James and Joses (Matthew 27:55-61); and as the wife of Cleophas (John 19:25). The second is the mother of John Mark (Acts 12:12); and sister to Barnabas (Colossians 4:10), who opened her home to the disciples to meet for prayer (Acts 12:12). The third is Mary of Rome, whom Paul thanked for her "many labors" in support of his ministry to the Roman Christians (Romans 16:6).

These three women: the “other Mary,” the mother of John Mark, and Mary of Rome, are known for their association to Christianity by being relatives of the first missionaries and by their service to the early church. All six of these women have much to teach us about the Biblical ideal of womanhood.

“Mary” in the New Testament is the Greek equivalent of the Old Testament Hebrew names “Miriam,” given to the sister of Moses and Aaron (Exodus 15:20-21), and “Mara,” the name Naomi adopted to reflect her great sorrow in bereavement (Ruth 1:20). The name means bitterness, sorrow, or trouble, reflecting the pain, grief and tribulation each woman bore, though in differing circumstances. 

The root word of this name is the same as for the spice known as myrrh, a bitter, fragrant and costly herb. In symbolic terms, myrrh may represent the bitterness of childbirth, mandated by the curse of sin (Genesis 3:16); the joys of motherhood (Proverbs 23:22-25); and the priceless value of Biblical womanhood, exemplified by the Proverbs 31 woman.

Myrrh was one of the gifts presented to Jesus as a young child to symbolize that He came to die (Matthew 2:11); it was offered to Him on the cross (Mark 15:23); and it was used to anoint His body for burial (John 19:39-40). And yet it was also included in the holy anointing oil used in Old Testament worship (Exodus 30:23; Psalm 45:7-8); it purified women such as Queen Esther (Esther 2:12); and it perfumed the marriage bed. (Proverbs 7:17-18; Song of Solomon 1:13,3:6;4:14).

In keeping with Divine triplets in Scripture, there were three Marys present at the crucifixion of Jesus (John 19:25).  Mary, mother of Jesus, came to the cross by submission to God’s calling her to carry His Son (Luke 1:28-38).  Mary Magdalene came by Christ’s mercy as He freed her from demonic possession (Mark 16:19); and Mary of Cleophas came by her relationship with Christ’s followers, for she was the close relative of two disciples.

These three Marys present at the cross of Christ therefore represent the three-step process by which every born-again believer (John 3:3-8) comes to know Christ and places their faith in His death, burial and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) as the only Way to Heaven (John 14:6). First, we have some association with Christians who share the Gospel with us; then we ask Christ for His mercy to forgive us and spare us from eternal death that our sins deserve (Romans 3:23); and finally we submit to His perfect will for our life (James 4:7), all through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Praise God that He gave us victory (1 Corinthians 15:55-57) over sin, death and hell! Three Marys witnessed the evidence of His resurrection firsthand as they came to anoint His body at the tomb, only to find that He had risen! These three were Mary Magdalene (Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:1; Luke 24:10; John 20:1), Mary the mother of James (the “other Mary;” Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:1), and the mother of Jesus, as one of the women that were with Mary Magdalene at the cross (Luke 24:10).

Each of these women has a unique story, yet with common themes that illustrate how we can lead lives pleasing to Lord Jesus Christ. Like the three Marys, may we turn from the bitterness of sin to the joy of salvation and the blessings of serving Him!

© 2015 Laurie Collett

Reposted from the archives

Water, Wine and Wonder: Triplets of Transition

 

Water, Wine and Wonder: Triplets of Transition

Photo by Nyehob 2016

Scripture records three incidents reflecting the transitions Mary had to make as Jesus grew up and entered His earthly ministry. The first was Jesus staying behind at the temple in Jerusalem to do His Father’s business (Luke 2:41-52); the second was the wedding at Cana (John 2:1-13), and the third occurred when Mary and her other children came to visit Jesus (Mark 3: 31-35) while He was teaching and preaching.

The wedding at Cana occurred on the third day after Jesus had gathered His apostles together. Essentially, it was the “debut” of His earthly ministry and the first time Jesus, His mother, and His disciples appeared together at a public event (John 1:37-51; 2:1-3).

A marriage celebration is an appropriate setting for the Messiah in His new role. It reminds us that He is the Creator Who designed man and woman to unite as one flesh (Genesis 2:22-24; Matthew 19:6); it pictures the holy union of Christ and His bride, the Church (Ephesians 5:23-32); and it anticipates the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9). At that ultimate feast, all believers saved by their faith in His death, burial and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) as the only Way to Heaven (John 14:6) will begin eternity with Him in their glorified bodies (1 Corinthians 15:51-54).

I wonder if Mary suspected beforehand that her Son’s miraculous power would be revealed at this public gathering, or if she just came to Him spontaneously hoping He could intervene in an awkward situation. A Hebrew wedding celebration at the time often went on for days, accompanied by feasting, drinking, and dancing by loved ones who had traveled from all over to honor the new couple beginning their life together.

But the host at this wedding was about to be humiliated, for they had run out of wine. Mary came to Jesus and did not cajole or order Him to help, but instead just stated the problem: “They have no wine” (John 2:3).

Mary’s approach to her Lord is a great model for our prayer life, for too often we plead like petulant children hoping to get our way (James 4:3), or even worse, order God to “fix it” according to what our limited understanding seems to be the best solution (Isaiah 55:9). Instead, we should bring our requests to Him simply stated (Matthew 6:7), thanking Him in advance (Philippians 4:6), and trusting that He will answer our prayer in the best way possible (Matthew 6:8; Romans 8:28), according to His infinite love (1 John 4:8), wisdom (Psalm 139:6), and power (Genesis 18:14; Jeremiah 32:17,27).

But Jesus reminded Mary that God’s timing is always perfect, that He will not be rushed to meet the demands of our schedule (Ephesians 1:10), and that we must trust Him (Proverbs 3:5-6). He rebuked her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come (John 2:4). His response suggests that He would follow His Father’s lead (Ephesians 5:1-2), not that of His mother or anyone else, and wait upon Him (Psalm 27:14; 33:20), acting only when He received clear indications from His Father (Psalm 46:10). Again, a great example for all of us.

Did Mary attempt to exert her parental authority (Exodus 20:12; Luke 2:51) by ordering Him to help, “guilt” her Son into rescuing the situation, or question His power (Job 4:17; 5:1), doubting whether He could even be of any assistance? No, she handled the confrontation with deference to His will (Luke 22:42), tact in resisting the urge to argue (Proverbs 15:1), and recruitment of aid from the servants, whom she told to obey Jesus in whatever He asked of them (John 2:5).

May we learn from Mary that when we approach our Lord to make our requests known (Hebrews 4:16), we should defer to His perfect solution, wait peacefully for Him to move, and encourage others involved in the situation to also follow His command. As we await His answer, may we have faith that His ways are best (Hebrews 11:6), patience, knowing that His timing is perfect (James 1:2-8), and obedience to His perfect Word (1 Samuel 15:22; Romans 6:16; 2 Corinthians 10:5-6).

Jesus gave simple instructions to the servants, and they obeyed without question, even though His commands defied all logic. He told them to fill six waterpots, to draw from the pots, and to present it to the host (John 2:6-8). If they presented only water that had not been transformed to wine, the guests would have been insulted, the host would have been humiliated, and the servants would have been punished or even put to death.

But praise God, He had changed water into wine! He saved the day for the host, who most likely was unaware that Jesus was involved, only that this was the very best wine of the day, implying that it was fresh grape juice and not fermented (John 2:9-10). He pleased His mother, giving her reason for great joy, making her proud, and no doubt filling her with wonder at His Divine power, only now beginning to be revealed (Matthew 15:31; Mark 6:51; Luke 2:18; 4:22; 8:25; 24:12,41).

Most important, He had performed a great miracle!  Other Scripture terms for “miracles” are “signs” and “wonders” (Exodus 15:11; Deuteronomy 6:22; Acts 2:22). The waterpots that had been used for ritual purification were now filled with new wine, symbolizing the precious blood Christ would shed to pay for all our sins (Romans 3:25), the power of His blood to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:7), and the new covenant in His blood (Luke 22:20; Hebrews 12:24) that gives eternal life to all who trust Him! This miracle therefore marked the transition from adherence to the law for salvation, which is impossible, to salvation by God's grace.

The miracle was the first of many Jesus did, showing His Divine glory, and reinforcing His disciples’ faith in Him (John 2:11). In remembering this miracle, may we allow His living water (John 7:38) to flow through us, trust in the power of His blood represented by fruit of the vine, and be filled with wonder at His mercy, love and grace!

© 2016 Laurie Collett

Edited and reposted from the archives

Triplets of Submission to God’s Will: Mary, Mother of Jesus

 

Wishing all who read this blog a blessed Mother's Day! May you enjoy this repost from the archives and find inspiration from the faith of Mary, mother of Our Lord.

God’s plan for Mary, mother of Jesus, allowed His Son to fulfill details of the Messianic prophecy through Mary’s genealogy, residence, and betrothal. Man looks on the outward appearance, whereas God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). Mary’s community may have perceived her as adulterous (Matthew 1:18-19), simple (John 1:42), and weak, but God knew her purity, Godly wisdom, and strength in Him. 

One of the most miraculous prophecies concerning Jesus Christ, and proving His divinity, was His virgin birth (Matthew 1:18-20; Luke 1:27). Mary herself said she was a virgin (Luke 1:34); the angel of the Lord told Joseph that Mary was a virgin (Matthew 1: 20), and Joseph protected Mary’s virginity by not consummating their marriage until after Jesus was born (Matthew 1: 25)

The prophet Isaiah had foretold that a virgin would conceive, and bear a son, and call his name Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14). In the New Testament, the angel of the Lord repeated the three parts of this prophecy, adding the three-word meaning of Emmanuel: God with us (Matthew 1:23). The third pronouncement of this prophecy was by the angel Gabriel, who explained to Mary that the Holy Ghost would come upon her, that the power of the Highest would overshadow her, and that the holy thing which would be born of her would be called the Son of God (Luke 1:35).

Mary was to call her son Jesus (Yeshua; God saves), Who would be great, and be called the Son of the Highest. The Lord God would give Him the throne of His father David, and He would reign over the house of Jacob forever; and His kingdom would never end (Luke 1:31-33).

How did Mary react to this astounding news, and to Gabriel telling her not to fear, for she had found favor with God and was blessed among women? With humility (Luke 1:28-33), obedience (Luke 1:38-39), and faith (Luke 1:45). Her Godly wisdom was therefore profound, for she knew her utter dependence on Almighty God (Luke 1:48-49); she followed His Word (Luke 1:38); and she believed that He would keep His promises (Luke 1:45).

Like Mary, may we always remember that we are nothing without Him (Psalm 8:3-4: John 15:5), that His Word will guide us if we obey it (Psalm 119:105; Proverbs 3:5-6), and that without faith, it is impossible to please Him (Hebrews 11:6).

As the handmaiden of the Lord, Mary submitted to His perfect plan; immediately sought out her cousin Elisabeth (Luke 1:38-40), whom the angel had told her was blessed by God to be pregnant in her very old age (Luke 1:36-37); and sang God’s praises as soon as she arrived (Luke 1:46-55).

Mary’s song of praise to her Lord, God, and Saviour (Luke 1:46-47), often referred to as the Magnificat, echoes several elements of Isaiah’s prophecies concerning Jesus Christ. The Magnificat also resembles Hannah’s song of praise to God for granting her a son (1 Samuel 2:1-10), so that there are three recorded praise testimonies glorifying God’s gift of a Saviour: those of Isaiah, Hannah, and Mary.

Mary’s hymn praised God, for He would raise up the people of Israel over their enemies (Isaiah 49:6; 1 Samuel 2:1,10; Luke 1:54); give strength to the weak (Isaiah 49:4-5; 1 Samuel 2:7-8; Luke 1:48-49), and fill the hungry (Isaiah 49:9-10; Luke 1:53), for He is the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel, and his Holy One (Isaiah 49:7; 1 Samuel 2:1-2,10).

Through Holy Spirit inspiration, Isaiah had foretold that the Messiah would be the servant of God even from the womb (Isaiah 49:5), the Light (salvation) of the Gentiles (Isaiah 42:6), and Salvation for Israel (Isaiah 49:6). The angel repeated to Mary that Jesus would be conceived by the Holy Spirit in her womb, and it is fitting that the mother of God’s servant would herself have a servant’s heart (Luke 1:38), as should all who follow Him (Philippians 2:5-8).

Mary may have known these prophesies of Isaiah from hearing them in the temple, but we are also told that she was reminded of them by Simeon, who told Mary and Joseph that the young Child was salvation to all people, a light for the Gentiles, and the glory of Israel, God’s people (Luke 2:30-33).

Even before Jesus is born, Scripture gives us three glimpses into Mary’s life: when the angel Gabriel appears to her (Luke 1:26-38); when she visits Elizabeth for three months (Luke 1:56); and when she travels with Joseph to Bethlehem, only to learn that there is no room for them in the inn (Luke 2:7).

Do you have room for Jesus Christ in your life today? Have you placed your faith in His death, burial and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) as the only Way (John 14:6) to Heaven? If you are born again (John 3:3-8), are you willing to submit your will to His and let Him be Lord of your whole life? May we follow Mary’s example of submission, praise and faith in His perfect plan!

© 2016 Laurie Collett

Reposted from the archives

Triplets of Mary’s Witness: Crucifixion, Resurrection, Ministry

 

Once we are saved by placing our faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4), we know that our eternal destination is in Heaven (John 14:2-3). As we proceed in our Christian walk (Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:8), our direction is more important than our current location. God is less concerned with what we did yesterday, whether good or bad (Psalm 103:12), and more interested in whether we are moving closer to Him today, growing in faith, and becoming more conformed to His image (Romans 8:29).

Mary, mother of Jesus, is a wonderful example of someone who believed with childlike faith (Matthew 18:3-4), fought the good fight (2 Timothy 4:7), and finished strong in the victory only Christ can give (1 Corinthians 15:57). She suffered as she witnessed His crucifixion; she rejoiced in seeing the evidence of His resurrection; and she obeyed God through her ongoing ministry of witness.

Mary submitted to God’s will for her life (Luke 1:38), followed His plan, and nurtured Jesus as His loving mother. God led her on this path through confirmations that she had understood His mission, encouraged her by bringing her joy in her Son’s miracles (John 2:1-11), and strengthened her faith by allowing her to endure trials.

All this had prepared her for the ultimate crisis, the worst nightmare any believer in Christ as the Messiah could face, yet especially cruel, terrifying and heart-wrenching for His mother. As Simeon had predicted when Jesus was still an infant, the same sword that would pierce Our Savior would pierce His mother’s soul also (Luke 2:34-35).

How could it be, that the King of Israel would be arrested, falsely accused, and unfairly condemned? How could the Anointed One be rejected by the people He came to save, sold into captivity by one of His own twelve apostles, and humiliated by all who passed by? How could God’s own Son be whipped, tortured, and allowed to suffer the excruciating punishment of the cross?

The twelve apostles had one another for moral support, yet they scattered like frightened sheep at the first sign of trouble. Judas had betrayed Him (Matthew 26:25; 27:3); Peter denied Him three times (Matthew 26:69-75); and only John remained at His side through His ordeal.

For all practical purposes, Mary had no male family support to sustain her through this trial. She had evidently been widowed, for the last that Scripture mentions Joseph is when Jesus was 12 years old (Luke 2:41-52). When Jesus preached in His own country, those who belittled Him did not mention Joseph by name, but mocked Jesus for being just a common carpenter; with Mary as His mother, and four brothers (Mark 6:3).

In a similar passage in Matthew, Jesus responds that a prophet is not without honor, except in his own country and his own house (Matthew 13: 53-58). We know that Joseph would have loved, honored and respected Jesus to the death, so the implication is that Joseph had already died and that the half-brothers of Jesus did not believe He was the Son of God.

So Mary faced the ordeal of Christ’s crucifixion without comfort from the other men in her family, yet she was not alone. God surrounded her with the women who had followed Jesus (John 19:25), with the apostle John whom Jesus had appointed to act as her son (John 19:26-27), and with His own guiding hand, for He will never leave nor forsake His children (Hebrews 13:5).

Mary’s three female companions sharing her grief as she stood by the cross were her sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene (John 19:25), all of whom loved, obeyed and worshipped Jesus. This was Mary’s darkest hour, yet what an amazing consolation it must have been to hear her Son’s tender expression of love.

In the midst of His own immeasurable agony, Jesus saw Mary’s need, answered it by offering John, the disciple whom He loved, to be her son, and ensured her future protection by commanding John to care for Mary as his own mother. John obeyed immediately and completely by taking Mary into his own home from that same hour (John 19:26-27).

At the cross, Mary was an eyewitness of our Savior’s suffering, His love, and His power. As He cried out with His dying breath, the temple curtain tore apart from top to bottom, signifying that man could now boldly approach the Holy of Holies in Heaven (Hebrews 4:16); the earth heaved in a great quake, and the rocks split apart (Matthew 27: 50-51).

Even more miraculous than this display of God’s command over nature was His power over death and salvation of the souls of sinful men. The graves opened, bodies of the faithful saints arose, and they appeared to many in Jerusalem (Matthew 27: 52-53).

All of this led the Roman centurion and his fellow soldiers, Gentiles who within the preceding hours had mocked Jesus, gambled for His coat, and pierced His side, to be saved, fearing God and confessing that truly Jesus was the Son of God! (Matthew 27: 54).

Three groups of women witnessed all these events: Mary herself, who had been at the foot of the cross when Jesus entrusted her to John; a group of women afar off who had followed Jesus from Galilee to minister to Him; and three specific women mentioned by name (Matthew 27: 55-56; Mark 15:40-41). Matthew singled out Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee’s children (Matthew 27: 56), and Mark refers to these as Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome (Mark 15:40).

But the crucifixion, death and burial of Jesus were only the beginning of Mary’s triplets of witness. Her sorrow at His death paved the way for her joy in His resurrection and her endurance to continue her ministry of witnessing to others. May we follow her example!

© 2016 Laurie Collett

Reposted from the archives

Triplets of Submission to God’s Will: Mary, Mother of Jesus

Wishing all who read this blog a blessed Mother's Day! May you enjoy this repost from the archives and find inspiration from the faith of Mary, mother of Our Lord.

God’s plan for Mary, mother of Jesus, allowed His Son to fulfill details of the Messianic prophecy through Mary’s genealogy, residence, and betrothal. Man looks on the outward appearance, whereas God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). Mary’s community may have perceived her as adulterous (Matthew 1:18-19), simple (John 1:42), and weak, but God knew her purity, Godly wisdom, and strength in Him. 

One of the most miraculous prophecies concerning Jesus Christ, and proving His divinity, was His virgin birth (Matthew 1:18-20; Luke 1:27). Mary herself said she was a virgin (Luke 1:34); the angel of the Lord told Joseph that Mary was a virgin (Matthew 1: 20), and Joseph protected Mary’s virginity by not consummating their marriage until after Jesus was born (Matthew 1: 25)

The prophet Isaiah had foretold that a virgin would conceive, and bear a son, and call his name Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14). In the New Testament, the angel of the Lord repeated the three parts of this prophecy, adding the three-word meaning of Emmanuel: God with us (Matthew 1:23). The third pronouncement of this prophecy was by the angel Gabriel, who explained to Mary that the Holy Ghost would come upon her, that the power of the Highest would overshadow her, and that the holy thing which would be born of her would be called the Son of God (Luke 1:35).

Mary was to call her son Jesus (Yeshua; God saves), Who would be great, and be called the Son of the Highest. The Lord God would give Him the throne of His father David, and He would reign over the house of Jacob forever; and His kingdom would never end (Luke 1:31-33).

How did Mary react to this astounding news, and to Gabriel telling her not to fear, for she had found favor with God and was blessed among women? With humility (Luke 1:28-33), obedience (Luke 1:38-39), and faith (Luke 1:45). Her Godly wisdom was therefore profound, for she knew her utter dependence on Almighty God (Luke 1:48-49); she followed His Word (Luke 1:38); and she believed that He would keep His promises (Luke 1:45).

Like Mary, may we always remember that we are nothing without Him (Psalm 8:3-4: John 15:5), that His Word will guide us if we obey it (Psalm 119:105; Proverbs 3:5-6), and that without faith, it is impossible to please Him (Hebrews 11:6).

As the handmaiden of the Lord, Mary submitted to His perfect plan; immediately sought out her cousin Elisabeth (Luke 1:38-40), whom the angel had told her was blessed by God to be pregnant in her very old age (Luke 1:36-37); and sang God’s praises as soon as she arrived (Luke 1:46-55).

Mary’s song of praise to her Lord, God, and Saviour (Luke 1:46-47), often referred to as the Magnificat, echoes several elements of Isaiah’s prophecies concerning Jesus Christ. The Magnificat also resembles Hannah’s song of praise to God for granting her a son (1 Samuel 2:1-10), so that there are three recorded praise testimonies glorifying God’s gift of a Saviour: those of Isaiah, Hannah, and Mary.

Mary’s hymn praised God, for He would raise up the people of Israel over their enemies (Isaiah 49:6; 1 Samuel 2:1,10; Luke 1:54); give strength to the weak (Isaiah 49:4-5; 1 Samuel 2:7-8; Luke 1:48-49), and fill the hungry (Isaiah 49:9-10; Luke 1:53), for He is the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel, and his Holy One (Isaiah 49:7; 1 Samuel 2:1-2,10).

Through Holy Spirit inspiration, Isaiah had foretold that the Messiah would be the servant of God even from the womb (Isaiah 49:5), the Light (salvation) of the Gentiles (Isaiah 42:6), and Salvation for Israel (Isaiah 49:6). The angel repeated to Mary that Jesus would be conceived by the Holy Spirit in her womb, and it is fitting that the mother of God’s servant would herself have a servant’s heart (Luke 1:38), as should all who follow Him (Philippians 2:5-8).

Mary may have known these prophesies of Isaiah from hearing them in the temple, but we are also told that she was reminded of them by Simeon, who told Mary and Joseph that the young Child was salvation to all people, a light for the Gentiles, and the glory of Israel, God’s people (Luke 2:30-33).

Even before Jesus is born, Scripture gives us three glimpses into Mary’s life: when the angel Gabriel appears to her (Luke 1:26-38); when she visits Elizabeth for three months (Luke 1:56); and when she travels with Joseph to Bethlehem, only to learn that there is no room for them in the inn (Luke 2:7).

Do you have room for Jesus Christ in your life today? Have you placed your faith in His death, burial and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) as the only Way (John 14:6) to Heaven? If you are born again (John 3:3-8), are you willing to submit your will to His and let Him be Lord of your whole life? May we follow Mary’s example of submission, praise and faith in His perfect plan!

© 2016 Laurie Collett