Friend of Jesus: Mary, Martha, and Lazarus

 

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Raising-of-Lazarus.jpg

Mary, Martha, and Lazarus

Luke 10:38-42 As Jesus and His disciples were on their way, He came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to Him. She had a sister called Mary……

John 11:1 Now a man named Lazarus…was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha.

John 11:5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.

Family Friend

This family was a friend to Jesus. He found refuge in Martha’s home. Hospitality was Martha’s gift. Here in the South, many a Christian woman is plagued with Martha syndrome. We want everything PERFECT when we are entertaining guests! I should know, I am one of them. I want the house spotless. The food delicious. The sheets and towels fresh, clean, and matching. The table set properly. I am the beck and call girl to meet every need. However, Mary, the sister, was who He was impressed with!! She is the one sitting all googly eyed at Jesus feet, hanging on His every word. She isn’t lifting a finger to help with the preparations and she is SPECIAL! We don’t know much about Lazarus except he died and Jesus did not come running to this home that was so special to Him when called. Seriously?

These siblings are as different as the seasons. One type A personality, one totally oblivious, and the other is sick and dying. Jesus reprimands one, then one anoints Him with tears of gratitude, and the brother, never heard from again after he is raised from the dead after four days buried. Family dynamics, less than Norman Rockwell perfect, portrayed in Scripture and yet Jesus finds solace and rest here.

Despite the shortcomings of these friends, Jesus desires their company, enjoys the hospitality, and He honors them by stalling to prove He can overcome death and the grave not only to the two sisters, but all who have come to mourn with them. Mary and Martha would stand at the cross because He stood with them at the grave. (Where on earth was Lazarus?)

Servant Attitude

Hospitality is more than pulling out the fine china, catering the most scrumptious food, and having a Southern Living perfect home. It is a welcoming, “what is mine is yours,” attitude.

Jesus said, “In my Father’s house are many rooms, I go to prepare yours, and when I am finished preparing I will come get you!” (John 14:2)

Friends of Jesus show hospitality to others. An open door to our home is an open door to our heart. We share all we have with a willing heart. The most priceless gift we share is our friendship with Jesus, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Son of the Living God, our Jesus.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eQd3K2Fxp4&list=RDvV73Ymu2uvA&index=4

Only Jesus, by Casting Crowns.

Yvonne H Jones

Additional reading:

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