The Scripture states that the two sisters Mary and Martha and their brother Lazarus lived in Bethany. All three were dear, valued friends of Jesus, and He held them in loving esteem. One day while the Lord was away ministering in another town, Lazarus became ill and died. When Jesus received the message about Lazarus’ death, He told his disciples that this sickness was not to end in death. On the contrary, it was to honor God and promote His glory. A miracle would bring Lazarus back from the dead-a miracle that was designed to encourage, advance, and increase faith and true belief in God’s loving Son.
Four days later, Jesus returned to Bethany to find two grieving, brokenhearted sisters who could not comprehend why He had not come earlier and kept their dear brother from dying. Jesus met each individual sister-each with a different personality-at her point of need.
Martha’s personality was that of a doer, and she often got caught up and overwhelmed with the cares of this world. She attempted to work things out by trying to understand what was going on so she could get some relief from her anguish. When she ran to Jesus, explaining and questioning, He took her aside and tenderly spoke and reasoned together with her, helping her understand and find comfort through her faith in His words. Jesus loved Martha, and true love is always willing to give when there is a need. Martha had learned how to receive the love the Lord was bestowing on her. If someone does not know how to receive, how can they give? We must learn how to receive God’s love, so we can give love.
Mary was the one who had anointed the Lord with perfume and wiped His feet with her hair. Her priority was to be still and sit at Jesus’ feet to listen, learn, and worship Him as Lord, Master, and Messiah. Mary’s tranquil personality gave her heart the time to look within, and recognize who she was created to be. She was not afraid to feel her grief, even though she did not understand all that was taking place. Mary was a spiritually evolved woman.
The Scripture states that when Jesus saw Mary sobbing over the loss of her brother, He was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. Mary was feeling her pain and grief when Jesus came to her. Tears streamed down Jesus’ face, as He chose to come close and grieve with her – sharing in the experience of her pain. Jesus felt what Mary felt-and Jesus wept with her, as He shuddered with emotion, and was deeply moved with tenderness and compassion. Again, the Teacher loved Mary Magdalene and love always gives when there is a need. The work of Yeshua was to render love and grace to His beloved friend, and she was able to receive this gift. Even though the Lord knew Lazarus’ life with Mary and Martha was going to be restored, it was important for Him to come close, and connect with His two unique friends.
Today, as in Bible days, Jesus understands and feels our pain. Jesus longs to come close and render grace to each of our hearts, because He loves us. We must be willing to open our hearts, to receive His love and grace. He created each of us as unique human beings, and He has the desire to come close and help us through our grief. When we are confused, hurting, or low, Jesus will meet us individually. We must choose to open our hearts to His love and grace. As we learn to receive from the Savior we will be given His comfort, love, and grace. Then, in turn, we will have the power to give love, comfort, and God’s grace to others in their time of need.
“When Jesus saw Mary sobbing, and the Jews who came with her [also] sobbing, He was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. [He chafed in spirit and sighed and was disturbed.] Jesus wept” (John 11:33, 35).
