Martha and Mary

Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, fif you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.” John 11:21-27)

 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)

Why is Jesus and Martha's conversation covered by six verses and Mary's statement to Jesus is only one verse? As I ponder this and think back to the previous time Martha and Mary were with Jesus, Mary sat at Jesus feet learning from him while Martha was busy serving and not happy about Mary’s devotion to Jesus. Now, Martha is the first to rush to Jesus and says the same thing to Jesus as Mary, but Jesus takes the time to make sure Martha knows what Mary probably already knows.

The message is for us also, because we often forget who Jesus is as we rush through Scripture. It is also for those who don't yet believe and have eternal life. Martha gets it, sort of, but when it comes to putting her faith into action, she tells Jesus that Lazarus stinks (John 11:39). Does she really get it?

Then there is Mary. She says the same thing to Jesus, but she falls at his feet. She is not blaming Jesus as it appears Martha did. She is grieving and Jesus grieves with her. No teaching. No rebuke. Just tears (John 11:35).

May I have a faith that is like Mary's when troubled to come to Jesus and fall at his feet.