Mary, Martha, and Lazarus were three of Jesus’ closest friends. Despite their closeness to Jesus, they had big questions for Him as they faced their frustrations and struggles.
STRUGGLED WITH PRIORITIES
Martha’s frustrations were first seen when Jesus visited their home in Bethany. Martha, often portrayed as the practical sister, prepares a feast (Luke 10:38). She is concerned about hospitality, proper etiquette, and throwing a great party for their guest. In contrast, Mary sits at Jesus' feet, absorbed in his teachings (Luke 10:39). This difference sparks a moment of tension. Martha feels burdened by the tasks and complains to Jesus about Mary's inaction. But there was more going on here than sibling rivalry. Martha saw Jesus’ inactivity to correct Mary as a sign that He didn’t care for her in Luke 10:40: “...Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” Jesus, however, doesn't condemn Martha's busyness. He gently reminds her that Mary has chosen the "better part" – focusing on His message and His presence. In fact, the ultimate sign of Jesus’ care for Martha was His presence in the world and in His life.
When you feel like Martha and you wonder if Jesus even cares about you,
remember He came for you, died for you, and lives with you!
STRUGGLED WITH QUESTIONS
Not too long after Jesus dined in their home, Mary and Martha’s brother Lazarus fell ill and died (John 11:1-44). Grief unites the sisters, yet their responses differ again. Martha, ever the pragmatist, rushes to meet Jesus upon his arrival. She expresses a touch of doubt and frustration, lamenting, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died" (John 11:21). Once again, she questions Jesus’ care by questioning His timing. “If you had been here, he would not have died., but I know that God will give you anything you desire,” she declared. Her faith is shaken, but she clings to the possibility of a different outcome.
Mary, overwhelmed by grief, remains at home until informed of Jesus' arrival. When she finally encounters him, she falls at his feet, echoing Martha's words with tears (John 11:32). She, too, questioned Jesus’ care because He was, in their opinion, delayed in His coming. Here, their emotions intertwine – sorrow, confusion, and perhaps a flicker of hope.
In the midst of all of this, Jesus comforted Martha with the truth that hope is found in the resurrection by asking her if she believed her brother would be raised from the dead. She did. So, Jesus pressed further. Read in John 11:25-26: 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
He confirmed His care for the sisters, their brother, and the world by pointing to Himself as the one who would be their resurrection and their life, but His care didn’t stop there. Theological truth would soon be confirmed with a miracle only the Son of God could do.
Jesus, deeply moved by their grief (John 11:35), performs the miracle – raising Lazarus from the dead. This event is a powerful display of Jesus' divinity and a powerful reminder of Jesus’ care for and attention to our needs, both big and small.
Does God care about you? Yes, He does. He sent His Son Jesus. Is there any need He can’t meet? No, He is the Resurrection and the Life!
LESSONS FOR TODAY
STRUGGLED WITH PRIORITIES
Martha’s frustrations were first seen when Jesus visited their home in Bethany. Martha, often portrayed as the practical sister, prepares a feast (Luke 10:38). She is concerned about hospitality, proper etiquette, and throwing a great party for their guest. In contrast, Mary sits at Jesus' feet, absorbed in his teachings (Luke 10:39). This difference sparks a moment of tension. Martha feels burdened by the tasks and complains to Jesus about Mary's inaction. But there was more going on here than sibling rivalry. Martha saw Jesus’ inactivity to correct Mary as a sign that He didn’t care for her in Luke 10:40: “...Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” Jesus, however, doesn't condemn Martha's busyness. He gently reminds her that Mary has chosen the "better part" – focusing on His message and His presence. In fact, the ultimate sign of Jesus’ care for Martha was His presence in the world and in His life.
When you feel like Martha and you wonder if Jesus even cares about you,
remember He came for you, died for you, and lives with you!
STRUGGLED WITH QUESTIONS
Not too long after Jesus dined in their home, Mary and Martha’s brother Lazarus fell ill and died (John 11:1-44). Grief unites the sisters, yet their responses differ again. Martha, ever the pragmatist, rushes to meet Jesus upon his arrival. She expresses a touch of doubt and frustration, lamenting, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died" (John 11:21). Once again, she questions Jesus’ care by questioning His timing. “If you had been here, he would not have died., but I know that God will give you anything you desire,” she declared. Her faith is shaken, but she clings to the possibility of a different outcome.
Mary, overwhelmed by grief, remains at home until informed of Jesus' arrival. When she finally encounters him, she falls at his feet, echoing Martha's words with tears (John 11:32). She, too, questioned Jesus’ care because He was, in their opinion, delayed in His coming. Here, their emotions intertwine – sorrow, confusion, and perhaps a flicker of hope.
In the midst of all of this, Jesus comforted Martha with the truth that hope is found in the resurrection by asking her if she believed her brother would be raised from the dead. She did. So, Jesus pressed further. Read in John 11:25-26: 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
He confirmed His care for the sisters, their brother, and the world by pointing to Himself as the one who would be their resurrection and their life, but His care didn’t stop there. Theological truth would soon be confirmed with a miracle only the Son of God could do.
Jesus, deeply moved by their grief (John 11:35), performs the miracle – raising Lazarus from the dead. This event is a powerful display of Jesus' divinity and a powerful reminder of Jesus’ care for and attention to our needs, both big and small.
Does God care about you? Yes, He does. He sent His Son Jesus. Is there any need He can’t meet? No, He is the Resurrection and the Life!
LESSONS FOR TODAY
- Prioritize Presence: Like Mary, prioritize spending time in the presence of Jesus amidst life's busyness. Schedule regular moments of quiet reflection, prayer, and meditation to cultivate intimacy with God.
- Wrestle with Questions: Embrace your doubts and questions about faith as opportunities for growth and deeper understanding. Engage in honest conversations with God and seek wisdom from trusted mentors and spiritual guides.
- Trust in God's Timing: Learn to trust in God's timing, even when it doesn't align with your own expectations. Remember that God's ways are higher than our ways, and His plans are always for our ultimate good.
- Embrace Hope: Anchor your hope in the resurrection power of Jesus Christ, knowing that He has conquered sin and death. Allow the hope of eternity to sustain you through life's trials and tribulations, knowing that nothing can separate you from the love of God.