On our last day of looking at this particular Mary from the Bible we find the happy continuation of the story. A celebration dinner after the return from the dead of Lazarus, her brother. The two sisters wanted to celebrate and to repay Jesus for the miracle they had witnessed.

Mary knew in her heart of hearts that Jesus had come straight from God. But she did not see that He could reverse the death of her brother, and bring him back to life. She was in for the biggest and best surprise of her life up to that time!

Grief affects us in different ways. For many like Martha, we stay busy, rushing here and there, to stop us from thinking of the situation and how it could have been different. The Marys among us prefer to stay alone, contemplate what had happened and think about the loved one.

Mary and her sister, Martha, sent word to Jesus, praying He would arrive in time for Lazarus. Jesus had no intention of arriving in time, because His Father God had a different idea. A much bigger and more impressive idea in order to show His power over life and death.

Mary and Martha are known for their different attitudes to Jesus. Mary was fascinated by, and determined to learn more from Jesus, and was hanging on His every word. Martha was intent on using her culinary skills and serving the very best meal to this honoured guest and His entourage.

These women must have been extremely upset as they stood watching the terrible scenario unfolding before them, feeling useless. They were not near enough to hear the conversation Jesus had with the thief on the cross. If those women had heard that conversation, they would have been happy for Jesus.

The two Marys who were sitting by the empty tomb that day must have been pondering all these things. They had been with Jesus for many months, and had much to think about. They would remember all they had witnessed, and must have wondered why Jesus had not saved Himself.

Some say it was obvious Mary Magdalene was a prostitute. But that is not in the Bible. Some films have shown her as a mad woman foaming at the mouth. The Bible is not clear about the actual problem. What is clear is that Jesus did great things for her.

What an exciting gathering! They had all witnessed the resurrection thinking Jesus would be with them for at least the foreseeable future. But then they had witnessed one of the greatest miracles ever seen. Jesus had just left the solid ground of the earth and gone upwards, home to Heaven!

These women must have been a real blessing to Jesus who never seemed to have time for very essential earthly things such as doing laundry, cleaning and cooking. But their proximity to Jesus must have been a life changing experience for them as they heard and listened to His teachings.