Oh, Mary and Martha! Two Sisters and a brother! A brother who became ill while Jesus was ministering across the Jordan. How did these two sisters handle this? Read John 11: 1-6. Why did they do this? What did they expect, in your opinion?
Mary and Martha had seen Jesus’s works of healing; they believed Jesus could do it again. Martha and Mary knew that Jesus loved them, and they knew Jesus had their most immeasurable interest at heart. They expected Jesus to come immediately. However, what did Jesus do? Jesus said that the sickness was not unto death but was for God’s glory to glorify the Son of God through it. Jesus sent the message to Mary and Martha to tell them what Jesus had said. The disciples thought all was well, and they, with Jesus, stayed for two more days where they were. Mary and Martha would have to wait.
Why did they have to wait two days? What was Jesus’ purpose in this? What determines His schedule? Read John 4:34. What do we learn about Jesus from this verse. Jesus said, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work.” Jesus’ whole purpose was God’s purpose, and what God told Jesus to do. Read John 8: 28-29. So Jesus said to them, “When you lift the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He and that I do nothing on My own. But just as the Father taught Me, I say these things. The One who sent Me is with Me. He has not left Me alone because I always do what pleases Him.” Jesus is obedient to God the Father. How do the truths found in John 4,5 and 8 relate to Jesus’ ways with Mary and Martha?
Jesus doesn’t do anything on His initiative. The Father instructed Him in what to say and what to do. God was preparing to show His glory all in His timing. Mary and Martha learn that God’s timing is worth waiting on. Can you relate to Mary and Martha and their views of timing? Do you struggle with your timing and God’s timing? Are you learning to wait on God’s timing in your life?
There are so many lessons to learn about Jesus through this family. Join me tomorrow as we continue.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for loving your people. Thank you for your timing. As we live a life, I pray that we will have a heart like Jesus and only do what you say to do. I pray that we will understand who you are and your purpose is and what our goal is in you.
In Jesus Name
Amen
