Welcome to the Who She Is? Series. This series consist of periodic segments of quick reads, describing a woman mentioned in the bible. Can you recognize her? Read on and find out.
Below you will see I point out observations that are valuable to Single Christian Women and encourage the reader to detect her own findings as well by using the scripture referenced that reveals the woman’s identity.
A Strong-Willed Single Woman – Segment #3 in the Who She Is? Series
Strong personalities can dominate a household. It is possible that this woman's strong sense of responsibility, work ethic, and instincts did just that in the home she shared with her roommates--her brother and sister in Bethany.
This is where we get a peek at the single woman's gift of hospitality as she hosted people in her home, a much more frequent event in biblical times than today. But when she served, she served wholeheartedly. When have you been blessed with being hosted by someone in their home? Did they complain to you that all the responsibilities rested on them?
Jesus was this lady's guest, and she had no problem leading the preparations. Can you imagine, serving Jesus in your home? When her standards for the evening were pressurized, she blamed her sister, pointing out that her sister's behavior failed to meet her expectations. I wonder how she treated her siblings if they didn't hang their coat on the coat rack or close the lid on the hamper.
When someone doesn't meet your expectations, do you call them out to other people or take your issue to the Lord? This woman did both with the same breath. She unloaded on Jesus and boldly commanded Him to redirect her sister's attention from Himself to her. Did she approach Him because she recognized His authority and thought her sister would heed His words, or did she view Him as a potential distraction?
We see her again in conversation with Jesus in John 11:38 – 40, she exhibited a striking comfort level, even challenging His actions. Did she really believe she knew better than Jesus? She openly professed faith and confidence in Him but underestimated the extent of His capabilities. Thankfully, Jesus' willingness and abilities extend past our understanding. In what ways do your limits prevent you from believing in the extent of God's power and ability? (See Jesus' response in John 11:40)
Her personality traits hint that she might have been the elder sibling, though scripture remains silent on this unnecessary detail. Nevertheless, it does suggest that she was the one who oversaw the domestic aspects of the household, possibly by her own choice. I picture her as the last to settle down in the evening, declaring the day's tasks complete. Can you relate? I also expect everyone in the household appreciated all the energy she spent to serve them. I just hope their appreciation was given and accepted graciously.
What effect does your own or someone else's profound sense of responsibility exert on you?
Does a lack of understanding the extent to which God can work, limit your hope?
Do you think she was pressured because Jesus was her guest or because things weren't going exactly as she expected?
In John 11:20 – 24, what was her point in running to Jesus?
You can put a name to this somewhat rigid and uptight woman in Luke 10:38 – 42 and John 11 – 12:2. What other charateristics do you see in her that a Single Christian Woman can learn from?
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Reference list:
New International Version (1988). Disciple's Study Bible. Holman Bible Publishers.
Trust Begins where Unbelief Ends ---