What would you do if you were down to only enough food in your house for one more meal for you and your child … and a stranger came along and asked for you to feed him? Would you offer him to share in what you had left, or would you explain honestly that you had just enough for you and your child to have one last meal before you died? Would you turn him away? If you were the man hearing her plight, would you still let her feed you or go on your way?
Our journey today takes us to a time when Elijah finds himself in this very situation. Sent by God to a widow, living in a time of severe drought, was down to her last handful of meal and just enough oil to make one more meal for her and her son. It is a beautiful story of both faith and obedience and there is much we can learn from it today. Gotquestions.org describes the insights like this:
“First, God often uses unlikely people and sources to accomplish His purposes. Second, God’s mercy extends to all people, both Jews and Gentiles, and the Sidonian widow was blessed for her faith (see Acts 10:34–35). Third, God requires faith (Hebrews 11:6). The widow’s miracle only came after she prepared a meal for Elijah—an act of sincere faith on her part.?
Gotquestions.org/The widow of Zarephath
The widow of Zarephath serves as an example of the many promises God has made to us, if only we will simply trust & obey Him.
She, Volume 1/p68
The More We Know
For a wonderful synopsis of Elijah’s encounter with the widow and her son, you will want to visit the link below, from gotquestions.org, and read how Elijah was fed, the woman’s faith was tested, and the widow’s son, though dead, was made alive.
“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.”
Reflection and Application
Take a minute when you’re done reading to tell us what the testimony of the Widow of Zarephath means to you. You can share your answer/thoughts in the comment section below.
When she speaks, her words are wise,and she gives instructions with kindness.
Proverbs 31:26
Dear Reader, let me preface this post by saying something I needed to hear before I could even begin to write this post. Actually, when I turned the page of the study guide, I cringed. Seriously. I even began to think about how I could skirt past it or who in my Facebook group I could ask to facilitate this one, so I wouldn’t have to. After all, I’m divorced – who am I to speak to a passage that centers around a woman with a husband? I’ve wrestled with this before and have often skipped over it or missed a gathering where I knew being a wife would be, at the very least, a portion of the subject, and another reminder that I had failed in that part of my life.
This time, however, I found myself typing into the Google search bar on my computer: “Can a divorced woman benefit from Proverbs 31?” I was pleasantly surprised and extremely pleased, if not excited, to find this answer: “Yes, a divorced woman can absolutely benefit from and embody the principles of Proverbs 31.” The answer went on to explain, “While the passage describes a woman with a husband and children, the core message is not about having a perfect nuclear family, but about cultivating a life of noble character, wisdom, and strength in any circumstance.” What a blessed and encouraging perspective of truth.
“Yes, a divorced woman can absolutely benefit from and embody the principles of Proverbs 31.”
AI Overview
Please understand that I am not putting all my hope or comfort in this one computer-generated answer. However, it did help me to read the passage with fresh eyes, and a heart and mind that did not shrink away at the word ‘husband’ – for it is one word in a sea of others. I’m guessing that I’m not the only one who has ever squirmed when coming to this chapter. Even as I read through it now, I’m realizing that the very words “virtuous woman” can be a challenge, let alone the 24 characteristics listed. They’re listed in the next paragraph ~ let’s read them out loud letting a picture form in our minds of what a woman of noble character looks like and how she might cultivate that character with wisdom and find strength in any circumstance. (it helps to insert the phrase “she is” before each characteristic listed)
SHE IS …
a woman whose worth is far above rubies…trusted by her husband…faithful to her husband…a woman who works willingly with her hands…resourceful…a woman who rises with purpose…a woman who considers things before making decisions…physically strong…a woman who shines her light…diligent to labor…a woman who reaches out to others…a woman who is covered by the blood of Jesus…clothed in service…a woman who serves with her husband…a woman who delivers the Gospel…spiritually strong and honorable…a woman who speaks kindly…a woman who has no time for idleness…blessed and praised…a woman who excels by wisdom…a woman who makes choosing to fear the Lord her priority…a woman who leaves a legacy ~
Friends, regardless of whether our title in this life includes virtuous, single, married, divorced, widow, or mother ~ as women of faith we are all called to be found as women who live lives pleasing to God, loving Him with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength, loving others as Christ has loved us, being His light to the world around us and making disciples as we go. I believe rather than steering clear of this passage, it will be a passage I make a more regular part of my life so that I am reminded often of what I should strive to become while I wait on His return.
The virtuous woman serves as an example of what we should strive to become with the help of the Lord.
She, Volume 1, p 64
Reflection and Application
How can you be more like the Virtuous Woman?
Who and what do you think play key roles in developing the qualities of a virtuous woman?
The More We Know
There is one key element that we must have if we truly hope to be a woman of ‘noble character” ~ and that is a relationship with God through Faith in His Son, Jesus. If you do not know Jesus or have a relationship with the Father, please take a minute to read “Know These Truths.” If you have any questions or would like to talk about how to take this step please private message me or leave me a comment – I have a free gift I would love to share with you.
This passage can often be misunderstood or taken out of context, so to help us not fall into this trap, I am starting off with some helpful commentary from bibleref.com:
In a further effort to withdraw from crowds, Jesus has withdrawn from Israel entirely. He has travelled into pagan Gentile territory east of Galilee. Even here, though, it seems He is known at least by some. This is somewhat ironic, as Jesus had earlier referred to this region of “Tyre and Sidon” in His criticism of Israel’s stubbornness (Matthew 11:20–24).
Here, a non-Israelite Canaanite woman comes to Him. She is crying, and she asks Jesus for mercy, addressing Him as Lord and Son of David. This woman’s reference indicates she knows something about Israel and Judaism. She tells Christ that her daughter is severely oppressed by a demon. His response seems confusing, at first, but proves to have an important lesson attached (Matthew 15:23, 28).
Demon oppression and possession were common around the known world of this era. The existence of demons was not debated. Too many people had seen a person oppressed by a demon to doubt it. Various symptoms of demon oppression witnessed in the New Testament include drastic personality change, refusal to wear clothes, supernatural strength, violent actions, illness, being mute or deaf, and intentional self-harm.
Bibleref.com/Matthew 15:22
I love the way the study guide outlines the woman’s actions:
She cried unto the Lord…
She was a mother and desperate for someone to help her daughter.
She fell at His feet in humble desperation…
She was a Canaanite, a gentile, yet she addresses Jesus as the “Son of David,” indicating that she knew He was the Messiah of Israel.
She did not receive an answer immediately…
Jesus seemingly pays no attention to her.
She kept praying…
His silence doesn’t deter her; if anything, it only makes her cry out all the more, so much so that Scripture says the disciples were bothered by her cries for help.
It’s unclear if the disciples wanted Jesus to send her away without helping her. More likely, they wanted the Master to heal the woman’s child, so she’d go away and leave them alone (Luke 18:1–8).1
She persistently prayed for her need…
Whether it was desperation for her daughter or a deep faith in Jesus, or both ~ the waiting did not shake her faith!
Perhaps it was because of the disciples concern over her annoyance, or maybe it was the persistence of the woman, whatever the reason – Jesus answers her, explaining: “I was sent only to help God’s lost sheep ~ the people of Israel.” – When the woman persisted by worshiping Him and pleading again for His help, Jesus responds with words that would have, at the very least, been hurtful for the woman to hear, and often a portion of the passage that is “taken out of context, making it seem derogatory, or even hateful. It’s neither: Jesus has a purpose for this dialogue (Matthew 15:28).2”
The suggested purpose by the commentator is that “Christ’s intent, apparently, was to test the woman’s commitment to her request, and her faith in Him.” Which, by their continued dialogue, we see is exactly what happened.
26 Jesus responded, “It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.” 27 She replied, “That’s true, Lord, but even dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall beneath their masters’ table.” 28 “Dear woman,” Jesus said to her, “your faith is great. Your request is granted.” And her daughter was instantly healed.
Matthew 16:26-28
The final observation, and what I believe is one of the best takeaways of the study, cannot be said any better than this: “The Syrophenician Woman serves as an example of how we should be persistent in our faith.”
The Syrophenician Woman serves as an example of how we should be persistent in our faith.
She, volume 1/p58
Reflection/Application
What are you persistently praying about? What could you or should you be persistently praying about?
Consider this encouragement from Matthew 7:7
Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.
“Some commentators suggest these words imply a progression. It’s possible that ‘asking’ means making a request, ‘seeking’ implies persistence or fervor, and ‘knocking’ represents continued and ongoing persistence.” bibleref.com
Phoebe is only mentioned once in the Bible, here in Romans 16:1-2, where Paul introduces her as a sister in the faith and a servant in the church, and then encourages the Church at Rome to:
…welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints and provide her with whatever help she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many, including me.
Romans 16:1-2
One of the things I like about what is known of Phoebe is that she has a willing spirit. One example the study guide points out is that, although she was from Corinth, she had journeyed to Rome to help in some way, and Paul was recommending her for the task, and suggesting that the church help her.
The KJV uses the word “succourer” to describe Phoebe (16:2). It is far easier and understandable to use the word helper, as many of the other translations do. However, in order to understand and appreciate Phoebe’s true character and why Paul was encouraging the church to welcome and support her, we must understand that she was someone who offered practical help and support, or even rescue. She wasn’t just known to help one but many…helping, supporting, rescuing, delivering, assisting as she saw the need.
With Paul’s glowing reference to Phoebe, I believe we can confidently agree with the study guide’s statement that, “Phoebe serves as an example that when we serve the LORD, our labor is not in vain.”
Reflection and Application
What characteristics of Phoebe would you like to have?
And as the ark of the Lord came into the city of David, Michal Saul’s daughter looked through a window, and saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord; and she despised him in her heart. 2 Samuel 6:16
2 Samuel 6:16
I must admit, while I knew that Michal was Saul’s daughter and one of David’s wives, and that he was moved with passion to dance in celebration and honor before the Lord as the ark of the Lord came into the city. There is, however, much I did not know/remember about her – such as she was his first wife.
Our study guide points out several things about Michal:
She was David’s first wife
She was observant (16)
She despised him for how he danced before the Lord (16)
She mocked David’s humility as he honored the Lord – because she did not understand that David was not being disrespectful or lewd, but he was honoring God
“Michal serves as an example of those who persecute people who are sincere in their worship.”
She, Volume 1/p50
Reflection/Application
The More We Know
I encourage you to learn more about Michal and David, who they were and how they got together, and … did David really dance naked? Just follow the links below
So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary was sitting in the house. …Now when Mary came to the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”
Whatever it was that kept her at the house no longer mattered when Martha returned and secretly let her know that Jesus had come, “she got up quickly and went to Him”.
Mary of Bethany serves as an example of how we must not delay in coming to Him.1
As we saw in the previous post, when Martha ran out to meet Jesus, Mary had remained at the house. We do not know the reason; it could have been a number of things. Some commentaries suggest that she didn’t know He had returned or that she was still caught up in her mourning. I tend to think, knowing her previous desire to remain at Jesus’ feet, that she remained behind only because she did not know He had arrived.
Now, when Mary came to the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at His feet and said to Him, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. When Jesus saw her weeping, and the people who had come with her weeping, he was intensely moved in spirit and greatly distressed. 34 He asked, “Where have you laid him?” They replied, “Lord, come and see.”
– John 11:33-34
Mary had laid her grief and faith at the feet of Jesus
What Jesus did in response to her sorrowful spirit and faith-filled words – was born out of compassion for her sorrow but also from His agitation that Mary (and the people with her) had something to be sad about – as we read in verse 35, “Jesus wept” … and then commanded: “Take away the stone.” … 43 When he had said this, he shouted in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!… and Lazarus came out.” It was a miracle that not only delighted Mary and her sister, but it brought many people to faith in Jesus.
Mary of Bethany serves as an example of the difference Jesus can make in our lives when we are willing to fall at His feet. 2
Reflection/Application
What can you bring to His feet today?
The More We Know
“Can you imagine seeing your Savior cry because He cares for you that much?” When I read this question in today’s study guide, I couldn’t help but think of 1 Peter 5:7. It is one of my favorite go-to verses in all of Scripture, which says, “Cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you.“ I believe what we see Jesus do in response to Mary’s and the other mourners’ sorrow is a beautiful example not only of the truth of Peter’s statement, but also of how deeply Jesus truly cares.
Now while Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, reclining at the table, a woman came with an alabaster jar of costly aromatic oil from pure nard. … 8After breaking open the jar, she poured it on his head.She did what she could. She anointed my body beforehand for burial. 9 I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.”
Mark 14:3, 8-9
For at least the second time, possibly the third (Luke 7:36–50; John 12:1–8), a woman anoints Jesus with perfume. At the home of Simon the Leper, an unidentified woman anoints Jesus’ head on the day the Passover lambs are being anointed (Mark 14:3–9). Jesus praises her gracious act of worship that prepares Him for His burial the next afternoon. (bible ref.com)
Hey friends, if you read the previous post, you may think I’m repeating myself with this one as we continue to focus on a time when Jesus was anointed with perfume shortly before His sacrificial death and burial. While this post, in part, is repetitious as its focus is, again, on a woman anointing Jesus with oil, there are notable differences. The two that stand out to me are 1)the woman is not named (though, with good reason, she is still believed to be Mary of Bethany) and 2)she anoints his head rather than his feet (John 12:1–8). However, today we zero in on the truth and encouragement that she did what she could (v8).
Mary of Bethany considers worldly losses or gains nonsense compared to the spiritual treasure of having Jesus
Bibleref.com/Mark 14:8
As Bibleref.com points out, “Jesus often warns His followers to count the cost of following Him. ” While the disciples “are more interested in what they can gain (Mark 9:33-38; 10;35-41), Mary of Bethany considers worldly losses or gains nonsense compared to the spiritual treasure of having Jesus (Philippians 3:8).” Remember, this is the same Mary, who had upset her sister Martha by choosing to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to Him instead of helping her with the duties of hospitality (Luke 10:38–42).
Jesus tells the disciples who question/criticize her actions to “Leave her alone”. He doesn’t stop there, though. He goes on to teach an important lesson for all of us, saying, “Why are you bothering her? She has done a good service for me. 7 For you will always have the poor with you, and you can do good for them whenever you want. But you will not always have me! 8 She did what she could. She anointed my body beforehand for burial.“
Friends, I don’t know about you, but this one “stepped on my toes”, as I realized this isn’t just a lesson for the disciples of Jesus’ day but for all of His disciples. We are all to have this mindset, putting Him before our desires and above the cultural norm, living for Him, serving Him, sharing Him pleasing Him, loving Him and others as He has loved us … dying to self.
Mary did what she did, not so that others would remember her but to glorify and honor her Lord and master. Yet, to this day, just as Jesus said, she is still remembered for what she did. Which begs us to ask ourselves:
What will you be remembered for?
Mary gave what she had, and Jesus used her and her gift to point others to Him and what is important to His cause. The truth is, we do not glorify God or bring others to Jesus through pious acts or great knowledge and wealth. We bring others to Jesus through our worship of God, humility, humble acts of kindness, love, and obedience. When we honor the true and living God with our lives, others will see Jesus and have the opportunity to know Him.
We all have something to give
Our time Our talents Our service
She, Volume 1/p42
I believe that we are wise to remember – God doesn’t desire or need our wealth or wisdom; nor is He looking for outward beauty. His desire is our hearts, given and poured out for Him, our lives a testimony of His love and work on our behalf.
Reflection/Application
What is it that you can give?
How does Mary of Bethany’s sacrifice and service inspire you?
What do you hope to be remembered for?
Response of Worship
1 Living for Jesus a life that is true, striving to please Him in all that I do, yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free, this is the pathway of blessing for me.
Refrain: O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee; for Thou, in Thine attonement, didst give Thyself for me. I own no other master; my heart shall be Thy throne. My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone.
2 Living for Jesus, who died in my place, bearing on Calv’ry my sin and disgrace- such love constrains me to answer His call, follow His leading, and give Him my all. [Refrain]
3 Living for Jesus wherever I am, doing each duty in His holy name, willing to suffer affliction or loss, deeming each trial a part of my cross! [Refrain]
4 Living for Jesus through earth’s little while, my dearest treasure, the light of His smile, seeking the lost ones He died to redeem, bringing the weary to find rest in Him! [Refrain]
I believe it is helpful to start with this bit of commentary from gotquestions.org:
All four gospels present an account of Jesus being anointed by a woman with a costly jar of perfume (Matthew 26:6–13; Mark 14:3–9; Luke 7:36–50; John 12:1–8). Matthew and Mark relate the same event but do not give the woman’s name; Luke tells of a different woman, also anonymous, on an earlier occasion; and, in yet another event, the woman in John is identified as Mary of Bethany (John 11:2), sister to Martha and Lazarus.
gotquestions.org
There are many women named Mary in the Bible, so it should be noted that Mary of Bethany, the woman mentioned in John’s account of the ‘alabaster box’, is also known to us as the sister of Martha and Lazarus (John 11:2). While Matthew and Mark did not identify the woman in their accounts by name, they related similar stories. Each story, though brief, is a beautiful display of an “extravagant act of worship”.1
The three women who anointed Jesus recognized Christ’s unequaled value and expressed their gratitude with unreserved love and devotion. gotquestions.org
It is also worth noting that at least one of the disciples (if not all) complained about the woman’s act being extravagant and wasteful. In each of these accounts, Jesus corrects the disciples’ criticism/concern for what she had done for Him. My favorite response is found in Matthew 26:10:
“She has done a beautiful thing to me”. Christ explains that the anointing is to prepare His body for burial and that the woman’s act of love will forever be remembered wherever the good news is preached.
Friends, to borrow a statement of prayer from the journal: “May we pour out our lives in service to Him.” May we worship Him with such reverence and awe that we hold nothing back ~ that He might say of us, “She has done a beautiful thing to me.”
Reflection and Application
(answers, thoughts, and questions may be left in the comment section below)
We may be criticized when we ‘pour it all out for Him’, but we must ask ourselves: Is quitting worth missing out on giving Him the glory He deserves?
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live even if he dies, 26 and the one who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She replied,“Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God who comes into the world.
John 11:25-26
I love this part of Martha’s story. Remember, Martha had just bared her heart and grief to Jesus, saying, “…”if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” However, she also went on to speak her faith as well, “But even now I know that whatever You ask from God, God will grant You.”
Friends, don’t miss this. Jesus, knowing that Martha is grieving her brother’s death, has encouraged her that her brother will rise again (v23), and then He uses the opportunity to share the Gospel message with her – telling her:
I am the resurrection and the life…
Whoever believes in Me will live even if he dies.
Jesus doesn’t stop there, though. He follows the statements up with one powerful question:
“Do you believe this?”
Her answer was not only the best she could have given, but it revealed even more of her heart and attitude toward Jesus, as she acknowledged that she not only believed in Him but also knew Him as the Lord (ultimate authority) and Messiah (Christ, the Son of God). – This presses me to ask anyone reading this post: Do you believe that Jesus is the resurrection and the life, and that – if you believe in Him – you will live, even if you die?
Every aspect of our walk with the Lord is based on our answer to this question.
She, Volume 1, p 35
If you’re wondering how you or anyone can possibly believe the promise of Jesus – consider then the love and actions of God: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
The study guide points out another enlightening and important detail about Martha and her response to Jesus’ words to her … “She went to tell Mary.”
And when she had said this, Martha went and called her sister Mary, saying privately, “The Teacher is here and is asking for you.”
John 11:28
Oh sweet friends, may our faith cause us to want to introduce someone else to Jesus.
Reflection/Application
What are you asking the Lord to do for you? (Phil 4:6; 1 Peter 5:7)
Do you believe He is able to do it? (Ephesians 3:20-21; Ps 118:13-14)
Who do you need to tell about Jesus? (Isaiah 52:7; Romans 10:15)
Scroll down to leave a comment or question, or if you would like to know more about Jesus’ promise of eternal life 💕 –
… See my hands and look at my feet It’s okay if it’s hard to believe I have faith you will do greater things It’s my time to go but before I leave
… Go tell the world about me I was dead but now I live I’ve gotta go now for a little while But goodbye is not the end
… Don’t forget the things that I taught you I’ve conquered death and I hold the keys Where I go you will go too, someday But there’s much to do here before you leave
… Go tell the world about me I was dead but now I live I’ve gotta go now for a little while But goodbye is not the
… End of the journey, the end of the road My spirit is with you wherever you go You have a purpose and I have a plan I’ll make you this promise I’ll come back again but until then
… Go tell the world about me I was dead but now I live I’ve gotta go now for a little while But goodbye is not the end
… go tell them about me (Go tell the world) I’ve gotta go (Go tell the world) for a little while But goodbye is not the end
5 Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.
20 Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.
21 Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
22 But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.
23 Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again
2 There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.
John 11:5, 20-23, and 12:2
As both Scripture and our study guide point out, Martha “had a history of being moved to action by her love for Jesus.” We see this truth in action after Lazarus dies, and Martha hears that Jesus is coming – she immediately goes to meet Him. It is unclear if she even told Mary that He was coming or that she was going out to meet Him. The fact that Mary remained sitting in the house leads one to believe that she may not have known.
Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
John 11:21
While Martha’s statement to Jesus can be seen as an accusation, it is also possible and even probable that it was simply a statement of sorrow, coupled with Martha’s strong faith that, had Jesus been there, the outcome could have been different. One commentary explains it like this: In full context, her meaning is something like, “this is not how I hoped things would be.” Which was followed by her next statement: “But I know that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.“1 Can you imagine her delight when, after seeing/hearing her faith, Jesus responded: “Your brother shall rise again.”
So then, dear brothers and sisters, be firm. Do not be moved! Always be outstanding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
1 Corinthians 15:58
Reflection/Application
What example(s) does Martha set for us in today’s passage?
What could you be doing while you wait for His return?
The More We Know
It is worth noting this piece of trivia from the study guide: “The last time Martha is mentioned she served supper.” – “There they made Him a supper, and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with Him.” John 12:2
Me From the Inside Out 