Unsung Characters

Written Stephen Buckley

The Bible is a book of unsung characters, people who play seemingly small but important parts in Christ’s narrative. It’s easy to overlook them, but we shouldn’t. Their words and works play a singular role in his story, and in ours. 

Take a couple of events leading up to Christ’s death. 

In Mark 14, as Jesus visits Simon the leper, “a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly.” She pours it over him, anointing him for his burial. The disciples sneer, but Jesus defends her: “She has done this beautiful thing for me,” he says, and then promises that “wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.”

John’s Gospel tells us that Mary of Bethany (Martha’s sister) is the woman. In setting this example of lavish, sacrificial worship (the nard was probably a family heirloom), she inspires us to do the same. 

And each time we read this account, we recall Jesus’ promise to honor her “wherever the gospel is proclaimed.” We get to take part in his keeping that promise. And we are in turn reminded that he will keep his promises to us too.

Later in Mark 14, on the day of his final Passover meal, Jesus’ disciples ask, “Where will you have us go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?” Jesus sends two of them into Jerusalem and tells them that “a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him, and wherever he enters, say to the master of the house, The Teacher says, “Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?” In that upper room, Jesus establishes the sacrament of communion.

Many of us are like these characters—Mary, the man carrying water, and the master of the house. We toil in quiet efficiency at work, without flair or fanfare. We are good teammates and classmates, serving with unheralded humility and grace. We care for our children and our spouse, sometimes with weary devotion, often feeling invisible. 

Jesus saw these characters in Mark 14. He sees us too.  The narrative of his kingdom is not the same without them, and it’s not the same without us, as we each make a unique, important contribution to his work. He will fulfill his purpose for us. And, just as with Mary, God will honor our faithfulness into eternity. Promise.