This post is Day 18 in a series of studies about “Mary’s of the Bible”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

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Mary’s of the Bible – Day 18

Mary and her sister, Martha, sent word to Jesus, praying He would arrive in time for Lazarus. Jesus had no intention of arriving in time, because His Father God had a different idea. A much bigger and more impressive idea in order to show His power over life and death.

John 11:1

Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha.

The Thought

Lazarus was the brother of Mary and Martha. But we read of that relationship in the second verse, where we also read more about Mary. This Mary, whose brother now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped His feet with her hair (John 11:2). We don’t read about that until the next chapter, after Jesus had healed Lazarus! It is interesting that for John, Mary’s humble act was so important that he mentioned it out of context. He was aware that her reputation had gone before her.

These sisters sent word to Jesus, praying that He would arrive in time. Jesus had no intention of arriving in time, because His Father God had a different idea. A much bigger and more impressive idea in order to show His power over life and death.

A couple of verses later we read one of the most illogical statements in the Bible. Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when He heard that Lazarus was sick He stayed where He was two more days (John 11:5-6).

For most of us, hearing of the illness or closeness to death of a loved one would mean a rapid reaction, and an immediate visit. But Jesus had the opposite reaction, because He knew what He was going to do! The miracle no-one dared to ask for!

Action

Think today what your reaction would be on hearing of the nearness to death of someone you deeply care for. Would you want to go and say goodbye? Would you pray for their healing?

In Matthew 8:5-10 we read of the strong faith of a centurion with a sick servant. Read those verses today and ask Jesus to increase your faith.

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