Mary And Martha Who Were Sisters of Lazarus
Why did Mary drop precious perfume on Jesus’ feet before he died?
Mary loved him so much that she poured expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet and wiped it with her hair to express her love. One of the disciples of Jesus, whose name was Judas, became angry and said, “What was the need to waste this perfume here?” If you were so fond of waste, you would help the poor. But Jesus took Mary’s side because Jesus knew that Judas would betray him and this betrayal would result in Jesus being crucified. So Jesus said don’t worry she is preparing to bury me.
Introduction
Jesus had many disciples from them one disciple name was Lazarus he was a close friend of Jesus. He was the brother of two sister; Mary and Martha. They were also the disciples of Jesus. They love him so much. Jesus also had a deep affection for them. Both sisters had a different personality. Martha was very hospitable while Mary loved to listen to Jesus while sitting at his feet.
Verse
“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 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.” (Luke 10:38-42)
Hospitality of Martha
Mary and Martha have different personalities. Mary loves to listen to God’s words while sitting at the feet of Jesus. Martha loves to cook food for guests. She wanted to serve guests with all her will. Whenever guests came to the house, Martha went to the kitchen and made food. She tried her best to give valued hospitality. She gave priority to guests on listening to God’s word. It was a good thing but Jesus appreciated Mary. Jesus told them that God’s message should be the priority and it is a better thing to hear the word of God first then do other house chores.
Verse
“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!” (Luke 10:40)
Sitting of Mary at Feet of Jesus
Martha was very hospitable, but Mary had a different nature. Mary preferred to leave all her household chores and listen to Jesus. Whenever Jesus came to their house, Mary would leave everything and sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to Jesus’ words very carefully. Jesus praised Mary. He said that Mary chose a good part because we should give more importance to our spiritual teachings in our lives and try to understand God’s messages. If these things are understood and the spiritual life will be improved then the world and the hereafter will be better. Jesus also told Martha that her hospitality is very good, but she should also prioritize spiritual teachings.
Verse
“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.” (Luke 10:41-42)
Lazarus Coming Back to Life
Jesus was deeply saddened by Lazarus‘s passing. Jesus commanded to bring him to Lazarus’s tomb. Jesus was brought to Lazarus’s tomb by the people and the sisters of Lazarus. Jesus said, “Take the stone out of the tomb,” as he stood there. People were shocked at this point, and Lazarus’ sister Martha added that since the flesh decomposes after four days, Lazarus’s body must have smelled strongly at the time. Jesus explained that when people have strong faith, they perceive God’s light. Dead Lazarus rose from the grave and came back to life.
Verse
“When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” (John 11:43-44)
Reactions of Lazarus’ Sisters
Martha and Mary’s brother was named Lazarus. He died due to illness. Martha and Mary wrote to Jesus to come quickly because Lazarus is sick. But Jesus arrived when Lazarus had been dead for four days. When Jesus came, the two sisters were crying a lot. Martha said that you came so late, if you had come early, our brother would not have been in the grave but he was alive while Mary sat at the feet of Jesus and began to express her sorrow. This shows that both Martha and Mary had different natures but Jesus understood their feelings. They were both very sad. Jesus comforted them. And said, take me to the tomb of Lazarus.
Verse
“Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this? “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”After she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. “The Teacher is here,” she said, “and is asking for you.” When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him. Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. When the Jews who had been with Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there. When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” (John 11:21-32)
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Jesus had a lot of love for Mary and Martha. They were very close to Jesus’ heart. When they were very sad due to the death of her brother, Jesus also become very sad by their sorrow and started to cry. Jesus comforted them and said that do not worry and take me to the grave of your brother. Then Jesus revived him. It teaches us that we should have faith in God’s powers and give importance to spiritual life as well as worldly life. It is very important to balance both lives. This story teaches us that we should always act with love and have deep faith in our hearts for God. Along with this, when guests come to the house, they should be hosted well.
Verse
Where have you laid him?” he asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied. Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” (John 11:34-36)
