Everybody is different. We are all unique. There are certain traits that we do share with others. I want to revisit Mary and Martha, but this time in the Gospel of John just after Lazarus had died.
Jesus had delayed going to see his sick friend Lazarus. When he and his disciples arrived, Lazarus had already been dead for a few days.
I want you to notice the different reactions from Lazarus’ sister, Mary and Martha. I also want you to notice the compassion Jesus had for Martha, the second chance, if you will, that was given to her. Remember on Jesus’ earlier visit (Luke 10:38 – 42), Mary was sitting at Jesus’ feet listening to his every word, while Martha was in the kitchen making preparations to feed her visitors.
Then, when Mary came where Jesus was, and saw Him, she fell down at His feet, saying to Him, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” John 11:32 (NKJV)
Even in her grief over her dead brother, Mary’s belief in Christ’s power did not falter.
Now look at Martha’s reaction. She was actually the first one to run out to see Jesus, rather than being busy cleaning house for the guests…
Now Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met Him, but Mary was sitting in the house. 21Now Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. 22But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.” 23Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” 25Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” 27She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” John 11:20 - 27 (NKJV)
It’s almost as if Martha is saying,
Jesus, I know I wasn’t paying attention the first time you came and I’m sorry for that. But, I really do believe you are the Messiah and have the power to save my brother.
Isn’t it nice that Jesus loves us so much, that when we blow it the first time, He gives us another chance….
SEEK FIRST THE
