The Happy Homemaker

I was unable to go to church today because I felt like someone kicked me in the neck. I think it was my sinuses acting up again.

I did have a spiritual moment. I read John 11 with the family last night and had trouble not crying. Jesus was in danger yet he heard that his friend Lazarus was sick. Mary and Martha, sisters of Lazarus send someone to tell Jesus. Jesus waited two days and finally decided to go to Bethany despite the danger. The disciples were worried and tell him not to go but Jesus insists. Then Timothy says bravely, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” The JST adds, “for they feared lest the Jews should take Jesus and put him to death, for as yet they did not understand the power of God.”

They travel to Jerusalem and Martha ran out to meet Jesus. She cries to him, “Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.” Martha had such great faith. Jesus tells her that he shall rise again. Martha thinks he means in the last days, but Jesus tells her that HE is the resurrection. Martha says, “Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.”

Martha is such a strong, faithful character in the Bible. I hate it how many focus on Martha’s weaknesses. Martha tells her sister Mary, secretly, “The Master is come and calleth for thee.”

Jesus was not yet in Bethany but secretly outside. Mary goes to meet Jesus. No one knew that Mary was leaving to meet Jesus. Jesus’ life was in danger and it was not his time to die yet.

When Mary comes to Jesus and falls down at his feet and says crying, “Lord if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.” She continues to cry.

It is Jesus’ reaction to this that affected me. “He groaned in spirit and was troubled.” He knew he was to come to raise Lazarus from the dead. However, he was sad because he saw Mary sad along with other Jews who were mourning. He was indeed mourning with those who mourn. Then comes the famous verse, “Jesus wept.” Jesus went to the grave and again was “groaning in himself”. Everyone knew how much he loved the family of Lazarus. He then raised Lazarus from the dead. That was the last time Jesus walked openly among the Jews before Passover.

This chapter shows the great love Jesus has for us. It also shows the great faith and strength of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. I wish more was written about that family and why they were so special to the Savior. In chapter 12, Jesus again goes to the house of Lazarus before the Passover. Martha served dinner, Lazarus sat at the table with Jesus and Mary washed Jesus’ feet. They each worshiped the Savior in their own special way. Strong Martha served the Lord food and gave him a feast. That was her talent. She wasn’t as sentimental as her sister Mary. She didn’t weep, but declared boldly that Jesus was the Son of God even when it was tough.

Mary, humble and more emotional, who cried and weeped at the Savior’s feet, served her Lord by washing his feet in the most humble way. It was humble Mary who first saw the Savior after he was resurrected. I think that is why traditionally people say that humble, sweet, caring Mary was Savior’s wife. She was always at his feet worshiping him and listening humbly to his words.

Mary and Martha are great examples of women for us even today. We should be strong and work hard, et we should humbly follow the Savior and worship at his feet. We should give him our tears and our hearts.