New Beginnings - New Life - Sisters

 Mary & Martha

Luke 10:40-42 (NIV)

"But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”"

As with all siblings, Mary and Martha each had their own unique gifts and personalities. Martha was hard-working and concerned about details while Mary simply enjoyed the opportunity to be with Jesus. We are given a glimpse into the heart of Mary when we see her anoint Jesus with expensive perfume shortly before his death. Mary's extravagant act of love and devotion was hypocritically criticized by Judas. As we seek God and surrender our lives to him, fully devoting all that we have to his service, others will criticize us. We must remember that pleasing God is what truly matters. 

When their brother, Lazarus, died, the events that followed allowed each of the sisters to grow in her understanding of Jesus. Jesus knew that if he delayed coming to them, he wouldn't arrive until after Lazarus's death. If he had come before Lazarus died, he certainly could have healed him, but by coming later, Jesus was able to do something even more glorious--raise him from the dead!

For Mary and Martha, the delay was painful. The ultimate outcome, however was a deeper faith and fuller experience of the joy that comes from trusting God with the details of life. As we go through difficult times, we may not always understand what God is doing, but we will grow in strength and faith as we wait patiently. There is always hope when the God who can raise the dead is on our side.

Strengths

1. Both were devoted followers of Jesus
2. Martha was hardworking, efficient and conscientious.
3. Mary attentively listened to Jesus

Weaknesses/Mistakes

1. Martha was so concerned with the details of life that she missed spending time with Jesus.

Lessons from their Lives

We may get so busy doing things that relate to spiritual growth -- even good things -- that we may forget to spend time with Jesus. Jesus valued greatly the contributions of women among his followers.

The story of Martha and Mary is found in Matthew 26:6-13; Luke 10:38-42; John 11:1-45.

Bible Verse

"As for you, see that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is what he promised us – eternal life". 1 John 2:24–25, NIV

Prayer

Lord our God, we want to find our joy in you and in all your promises to us. For you have promised that in the midst of all the pain and sorrow, you are preparing what pleases you and serves your honor in every heart. May we experience in our lives the fulfillment of many of your promises, so that again and again we can go forward joyfully, rising above difficult times and situations. Have mercy on us and protect us in your strength. In Jesus name. Amen.

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