Only One has the power to turn the brackish experiences of life sweet.
As the tree that was cast into the bitter waters at Mara turned them sweet for millions of the children of Israel (Ex. 15:23-25), so seven New Testament women bearing the name of Mary, meaning “bitter,” became a blessing to many. Was it not because the “tree,” the Lord Jesus Christ, became a part of their lives?
Let us examine seven blessed characteristics of the Lord Jesus as reflected in the lives of these women.
Mary, the mother of Jesus
Bitter: “And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed” (Lk. 2:34-35).
Blessing: “And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour” (Lk. 1:46-47).
The Lord Jesus Christ is the Saviour.
Mary of Bethany (house of affliction)
Bitter: “Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw Him, she fell down at His feet, saying unto Him, Lord, if Thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, He groaned in the spirit, and was troubled”
(Jn. 11:32-33).
Blessing: “And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go” (Jn. 11:44).
The Lord Jesus Christ is the Master.
Mary of Magdala
Bitter: We are told that she had been possessed or controlled by demons (Mk. 16:9).
Blessing: “Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven devils” (Mk. 16:9).
The Lord Jesus Christ is the Liberator.
Mary, mother of John Mark
Bitter: Her son was a quitter (Acts 15:37-38). “And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work” (Acts 15:37-38).
Blessing: “Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry” (2 Tim. 4:11).
The Lord Jesus Christ is the Restorer.
Mary, a Roman believer
Bitter: The labor involved in the work of God can be a costly thing.“Greet Mary, who bestowed much labor on us” (Rom. 16:6).
Blessing: But when it is done for the Lord, any bitterness is turned to sweetness. Her name is recorded eternally in the Word of God as a blessing to the Lord’s people.
The Lord Jesus Christ is the Record-keeper.
Mary, mother of Joses and James
Bitter: She wept at the cross. “And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto Him: among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses…” (Mt. 27:55-57).
Blessing: She rejoiced at the tomb. “And…Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint Him…And [an angel] saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: He is risen; He is not here: behold the place where they laid Him” (Mk. 16:1-7).
The Lord Jesus Christ is the Conqueror.
Mary, wife of Cleopas
Bitter: “Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene” (Jn. 19:25).
Blessing: “He expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself…He took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew Him…” (Lk. 24:27, 30-31)
The Lord Jesus Christ is the Teacher and our Abiding Friend.