google image

Similarities and differences.

“‘Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died.'”
John 11:32 (italics mine)

Mary’s first words to Jesus are the same as her sisters Martha’s first words (verse 21), if only you had been here …

The tone behind their words elicited different responses.
Their hearts communicated.
And they received a response in line with their hearts.

With Martha, Jesus reminded her of truth. With Mary, Jesus wept.

Mary and Martha responded similarly when Jesus visited them previously as recorded in Luke 10:38-42. After welcoming Jesus into their home, Martha is distracted by preparations for the dinner. She is annoyed that Mary, who sits at Jesus’s feet to listen to him, isn’t helping with the meal. “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” Luke 10: 40, NLT.

In both narratives, Mary is at Jesus’s feet. “Mary sat at the Lord’s feet, listening …” Luke 10:39. John 11:32 records, “When Mary arrived and saw Jesus, she fell at his feet …”

Mary honored who Jesus was. I imagine her sitting and listening grew her trust in Jesus. It set a precedent that helped her respond appropriately when Jesus visited on the occasion of Lazarus’s death.

With both sisters, Jesus met them where they were. Martha needed to be reminded of truth; Mary needed the softness and the kindness of Jesus.

How has Jesus met me where I am? How have I experienced resurrection?

At church that evening, Jesus knew I would respond to the message of the singers. I heard the gospel and responded, new life, resurrection.

A few years later, Jesus met me with the truth from the Word; Romans 15:5 & 6 set a new path for me, resurrection.

Several years later, Jesus met me in the hard of my reality. My path was a three year wait. It felt like a Friday, but resurrection was coming.

Jesus met me through my tears and the guidance of counselors helping me to understand my identity, resurrection.

Jesus continues to meet me as I practice being a “Mary” sitting and listening at his feet, resurrection.

What have your resurrections looked like?
How have you experienced Jesus meeting you?

May this Resurrection Sunday remind, encourage, and bless you.

He is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed!

Copyright: Sue Tell, April 2025