This post is Day 19 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 19

Grief affects us in different ways. For many like Martha, we stay busy, rushing here and there, to stop us from thinking of the situation and how it could have been different. The Marys among us prefer to stay alone, contemplate what had happened and think about the loved one.

John 11:19-20

Many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet Him, but Mary stayed at home.

The Thought

Mary stayed at home speaks of disappointment about this situation. Was she disappointed with Jesus because He hadn’t come when she had hoped He would? Maybe it was that she preferred to be alone with her own thoughts and memories, not really talking to anyone.

Grief affects each of us in different ways. For many like Martha, we stay busy, rushing here and there, to stop us from thinking of the situation and how it could have been different. The “Marys” among us prefer to stay alone and contemplate what had happened and think about the loved one who is no longer there.

In this story, Mary only moved when her sister went to tell her The teacher is here, and is asking for you (v28). Mary then rushed out to meet Jesus declaring her faith as she met Him. Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died (v32).

Action

Read John 11:1-37 today and reflect again on this story. Why do you suppose that Mary stayed at home? She seems to be the one who is closest to Jesus, but she didn’t go rushing out to meet Him, until her sister told her Jesus was asking for her. We have no record of that part of the conversation! It is left to our imagination.

Are there times in your experience when you have been disappointed with Jesus? Tell Him today that you are sorry for that attitude and ask Him to help you trust Him more.

In this story, the best is still to come. Praise God that is true for many of us even before we get to Heaven!

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