Mary and Martha - Summer Rerun with a boost!

Summertime brings with it a more relaxed attitude and atmosphere. Unfortunately - it can also summons a spiritually lax demeanor.

How can you infuse your quiet time and Bible study with a fresh spiritual jolt? One way I can think of is to re-familiarize yourself with two very well known sisters: Mary and Martha. 

Two very different women who adored and reverenced the Lord Jesus are the center of our study. Here is some general background information regarding these famous siblings.

Six days prior to the Passover Jesus visited a family to which He had an endearing fondness. As He made his way to Jerusalem He was keenly aware of the fact that He would most likely not see them again.  His trek to their home was a welcomed diversion from the constant travel, and a reminder of the close familial ties that drew Him back.

Jesus and His disciples had been in the remote city of Ephraim, near the wilderness area surrounding the nearby countryside. They made their way to Bethany, home of Lazarus – the one whom Jesus raised from the dead.  Sisters Mary and Martha were always a familiar and comforting sight to our Lord as evidenced by His joyful arrival.

For an in-depth look at these famous sisters you can read my two previous blog posts here:    A Tale of Two Sisters Part 1  and  A Tale of Two Sisters Part 2  They will give you a greater insight into their relationship with Jesus and their unique personalities.  

We all exhibit glimpses of the two natures of Mary and Martha. Our Lord Jesus identified the more excellent part for which we should seek after. My reason for reintroducing these two blog posts is to stir our hearts and minds as to why the Lord commended Mary and affectionately chastised Martha.  Let this not be an occasion to malign or criticize Martha – but rather let us examine our own motives and reasons for why we either come to her defense or rally around Jesus' gentle rebuke.

In my book Mission Possible  -  Chapter 5 - Timing is Everything!  -  I feature an application from John 11. Martha had a powerful dialog with Jesus about her brother's death that left her wrestling with His Deity and His powerful declaration regarding death and the resurrection.

I have personally gone through "dry periods" - times when I had a desire to be more like Mary, and yet fell so short of my own expectations. 

When satan whispers my failures in my ear, I generally respond with a stern dismissal and press into God all the more. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. (James 4:8)

Rededicate yourself to the things of God and let each day bring fresh possibilities. New mercies abound freely, but condemnation is straight from the enemy of your soul.

Purpose to reconnect with God in a powerful, new way. Embrace your "Mary" and appreciate your "Martha" - for in both you are a well balanced and productive disciple and Christ follower.

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

Mary and Martha - Summer Rerun with a boost!

Mary & Martha - A Tale of Two Sisters (Part 2)

Martha exhibited great faith after watching her brother Lazarus die.  In John chapter 11, we’re told Jesus purposely stayed away from Bethany for two more days after He was told her brother was sick.  He did this that His Glory might be manifested for their benefit (vs. 14-15).  In John 11 verses 21-22 Martha said, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.  But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.”  Jesus answered her, “Your brother will rise again.”  To which Martha said, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”  

Then Jesus unveiled His Glory to her and said, “I am the resurrection and the life.  He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.  And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”  Martha then says,  “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”  With that incredible encounter, she goes to her sister who is wrought with grief and shares the news secretly that The Teacher has come and is calling for her.  What love and compassion she had for her sister – confronting her friend and Savior about His delay in what seemed to be a heartbreaking catastrophe. 

Mary then runs to Jesus, just outside of town, where onlookers assumed she was venturing out to the tomb of her deceased brother for a good cry.  When she found Jesus, she fell at His feet, crying, and said, “Lord, If You had been here, my brother would not have died.”  She watched as Jesus wept for her brother, and His beloved friend Lazarus.  But they were not tears of sadness. He would ask that the stone that hid his body be rolled away – to which Martha blurted out, “Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.”  

"Martha, Martha…"  Sounds familiar doesn’t it? Looking again at the passage in Luke 10, Jesus lovingly rebuked Martha for being worried and troubled about many things.  Here in John 11 He reminds her of what He said to her previously concerning the glory of God being manifested.  And so they all witnessed the resurrection of Lazarus. 

Mary, not saying a word, watched as her brother walk forth from the grave, loosed from the cloth wrapping that enveloped him.  This was the same woman who, just a few days later, while dining again with her sister Martha and her now infamous brother Lazarus, brought out a very expensive and ornate alabaster flask containing oil of spikenard, and anointed the Lord (John 11:2).   It was the ultimate sign of extravagant giving unto her Lord and Savior as she lavishly doused Him.  

Just as she had previously pleased Him by sitting at His feet, and listening to His teaching (by choosing that good part – Luke 10:42), she similarly pleased Him with her gift from a heart of true worship.  Jesus said in Mark 14:8-9, “She has done what she could. She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial.  Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the whole world, what this woman did will also be spoken of as a memorial to her.”  John 12:1-11 tell us that it was six days prior to the Passover, that Jesus came to Bethany, had supper with Mary, Martha and Lazarus, and delighted in Mary’s act of worship as the house was filled with the fragrant oil.

Mary and Martha were not unlike many others who served the cause of Christ throughout the generations that followed His death.  Women have a special place in the Heart of God. There are Marys and Marthas in our congregations.  We all know someone that exemplifies service and hospitality to the Body of Christ, as well as prayer warriors and worshipers that reside in His Throne room.  

My prayer is that I would be known as exhibiting a little bit of both:: passionate towards the things of God and having a servant's heart in a world that would call Mary and Martha “outdated”…

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

Mary & Martha - A Tale of Two Sisters (Part 2)

Mary & Martha - A Tale of Two Sisters (Part 1)

The town of Bethany was near Jerusalem on the eastern slope of Mt. Olivet.  Mary and Martha, along with their brother Lazarus, were close personal friends of the Lord Jesus.  It is thought that they might have grown up in the part of Galilee where Jesus had lived, and moved to

the town of Bethany at a later date.  They held a special place in Jesus’ heart, as evidenced in the Scriptures (John 11:3; 5).

Both of the gospels of John and Luke tell us Jesus frequented their home, most likely for a hearty meal and much needed fellowship.  The narrative in John 11:1-44 tells us of the intimate bond they all shared.   Remember, John was one of the three closest disciples.  He was part of the inner circle: Peter, James and John.  He had a unique perspective as he watched his Lord interact with people, and lovingly taught them with His life story.  Jesus spent much of His earthly ministry traveling the hillsides surrounding the region of Galilee, which bordered the sea of Galilee.  There He preached His first sermon, performed His first miracle, called His first disciples, and spent the majority of His time as a traveling preacher and teacher. 

Mary and Martha were sisters with very different personalities.  As it is with most sisters, they probably got on each other’s nerves.  Martha is thought to have been a widow, as we are told it was her house (Luke 10:38).  Perhaps she was the housekeeper and caretaker of it, as it is also referred to as Simon (the leper’s) house in Mark 14.  Martha might have also been the eldest daughter – which may explain her great empathy for her sister’s well-being (John 11:19-20), as well as her overt agitation with her sister’s lack of concern for the dinner preparations (Luke 10:39-40).   

Martha must have had a very close relationship with Jesus for her to confront the Lord in such a manner as to “vent” to Him about Mary.  In Luke 10:40 she said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.”  Wow, what nerve she had – demanding anything from Jesus.  She was definitely flustered as she swarmed about the simmering pots, stone oven, and tables overflowing with grains, fruits and vegetables.

Martha was well organized and was a “take-charge” person.  I have always liked Martha because I relate to her so much.  I’m a doer – a servant at heart.  I see a need and I try to meet it.  I like to come alongside and help.  Lend a hand.  Get ‘er done mentality.  Martha was probably a great cook and hostess.  She no doubt spent many hours in preparation for Jesus and His disciples to dine with them during His ministry on earth.  I have always read the passage about Martha being “distracted with much serving” and thought to myself, “Well, it’s not going to get done all by itself!”  Yep, that’s me…The good, the bad, and the ugly.  But, as Martha observed her sister near their guest, instead of looking at her with distain - you’d think it would have piqued her interest in what He was saying.

As I spend more time in God’s Word, and mature as a Christian, I relate more and more to Mary.  I love to study Scripture and learn about our Lord Jesus.  I want to sit at His feet and learn from Him.  As I grow older, I am less concerned with what the house looks like, and more concerned with my heart’s condition, and the inside of my spiritual temple.  I am slowly coming to the realization that I need to emulate Mary more and more.  I need to take time to build that intimate relationship with Jesus.  

I need a balance of Mary and Martha in my life. What about you?

 

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

Mary & Martha - A Tale of Two Sisters (Part 1)