Mary, Mary!

Often, when we think of the dynamic between Mary and Martha, our attention focuses on the lapse of judgment by Martha in Luke 10. We can hear it ringing in our ears, "Martha! Martha!" While she certainly did fall to meet the occasion of identifying the greatest opportunity - an audience with Christ - she did on another occasion display great understanding of Christ. In fact, you see a reversal of roles between Mary and Martha.

In John 11, the brother of Mary and Martha, Lazarus, grew ill and passed away. Jesus was told of his condition, as if it were to make Him spring into action, but Jesus allowed nature to take its course. It is after the death of Lazarus that Jesus makes His appearance. As the story goes, Jesus will raise Lazarus from the grave. Between His coming and the display of His power (something He purposely delayed - John 11:41-42) is the dialogue with the sisters.

On the one hand, we find Martha moved with faith. When questioned about her understanding of a resurrection, she exclaimed, "Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world." (John 11:27). Did she grasp that Jesus would raise Lazarus this day? Perhaps, most likely - no (John 11:39). Nonetheless, we find her spirit calmed from the throes of grief.

On the other hand, we find Mary moved with grief, confusion, disappointment, and perhaps even anger. "Now when Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, 'Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." (John 11:32).

With grave circumstances at hand, the Lord would demonstrate His power and lordship in the audience of bereavers. His mission - produce a trusting faith that will transform into an obedient faith. The two subjects closest to this lesson were the sisters, Mary and Martha. These sisters learned profound lessons from our Lord. At times, they were distracted or distraught by the wrong thing. What a profound lesson they provide for us - Jesus is to be the apple of our eye, and with that comes learning of Him and trusting in Him. Life will tug at us from a million directions - remain focused on Jesus, understanding His power and person.