Árdís - 01.01.1953, Blaðsíða 43

Ársrit Bandalags lúterskra kvenna
41
even in the face of grave tragedy—made her an example of what
true woman should be.
Not only did Jesus have influence over His mother’s life, but
also over the lives of all the other women, fortunate to be born at
the same time and in the same country. How blessed were these
women to be living at the time Jesus walked and worked here on
earth. How wonderful it must have been to meet Him on a village
street and to exchange a few words of greeting or to listen to His
inspired message of hope. Hitherto women had taken no part in
religious services but now they were free to sit at the feet of
The Master, to listen and even ask for help. His first miracle, at the
suggestion of His mother, was performed at a marriage feast.
Can you imagine the influence that had on the young bride! Could
either she or her husband ever forget the Guest who had honored
them with His presence, and performed such wonders. It isn’t hard
to imagine them as foremost in the band of followers.
By this time the effect of His teaching was beginning to be felt.
Here was a Man who talked with women as equals, who allowed
them freedom that surprised and shocked many of His con-
temporaries. Here was a man who attached great importance to
marriage, the family and home, and who denounced divorce. Here
was a man who talked and supped with sinners and publicans,
who asked that children be brought to him, who cured the ill, and
restored sight to the blind. Here was a man who was gathering
a band of followers to whom He gave hope, and who was gathering
a band of enemies who feared Him.
Let us turn our attention briefly to a few of the women and
note the effect of knowing Jesus had on them. Mary of Bethany,
was a soulful aesthetic who derived unlimited comfort from His
words. Even practical Martha, her sister, who took such great
delight in the every day activities of homemaking, felt that the
Master understood her. Thus He mellowed and softened her heart.
Martha, like all workers, felt at times impatient with Mary the
dreamer. Jesus gently chided her and pointed out that there was
a place for both and brought complete peace and harmony to their
home. Both were ardent believers in Jesus and when Lazarus fell
sick, immediately sent for Him to come and cure their brother.
But Lazarus died ere Jesus arrived. This did not shake their faith
in Him, rather, they feared some ill had befallen the Master.