Jesus and Mary
Scripture Reading — John 11:28-37
When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet ... John 11:32
Mary's love for Jesus ran deep. As in the scene we looked at yesterday, we find Mary of Bethany at Jesus' feet again today. She serves as an example of deep devotion, submission, and trust toward her Lord.
In the Bible, it's a sign of submission to be seated at someone's feet. This is the place of the learner and the devoted follower. In her devotion to Jesus, Mary recognized the importance of setting work aside and simply listening to the Lord, as we saw yesterday in Luke 10:39.
Now that her brother Lazarus is dead, Mary is stricken with grief as she goes to meet Jesus after her sister Martha has spoken with him. Weeping, Mary falls at Jesus' feet and stammers out the same words Martha said: "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." Lazarus had become sick and had died quickly while Jesus was away.
Deeply moved as Mary and the others wept for Lazarus, Jesus asked, "Where have you laid him?" And then Jesus wept too.
In this scene we see not only Mary's devotion and trust but also Jesus' great compassion and love for his friends--that is, for all of God's children (see John 1:12; 15:12-17).
He came so that all who live and believe in him "shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).
Lord, grant to all your children the love, devotion, and trust that Mary showed faithfully. Strengthen us with your great love and compassion each day, we pray. Amen.
About the author — Roger S. Greenway
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