My favorite quote (which I neglected to include in class) …
“Once Martha would have drawn Mary away FROM Jesus’ Feet (Luke 10:38-42, to help in the kitchen). But now she seeks to bring Mary TO Jesus’ Feet (John 11:28-29, to allay her grieving)!”
The Gospel of John beautifully blends Jesus’ Deity and Humanity into great harmony. Yes, Jesus is God (Divine)! But yes, He wept, thirsted, hungered and even became weary, illustrating His Humanity!
I think everyone in Bethany though that Jesus had met His “match” in the death of Lazarus. (The grim reaper, the king of terrors!) What could anyone have done? Everyone doubted, that is, except Martha!
Lesson … it is not how much faith you have that really counts! But IN WHOM you place that faith, no matter how small it is!
Example … a ton of faith in Buddha will send you to Hell. A teaspoon full of faith in Jesus will take you to Heaven! (Really, a mustard seed of faith will do!)
No doubt in my mind, Martha’s faith here is stronger than Mary’s. Mary uttered no statement of faith in Jesus, as did Martha. And Jesus did no doctrinal teaching to Mary, as He did to Martha!
Martha …
“Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. 22 But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. 23 Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. 24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. 25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? 27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.” John 11:21-27!
Mary …
“Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. 33 When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled.” John 11:31-32
Wow!
The verse to which I alluded about Jesus weeping at Gethsemane is Hebrews 5:7. “Who (Jesus) in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears (Gethsemane) unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared.” Do note Paul here is sure Jesus’ Gethsemane prayers were heard and answered!
The best idea, watch the whole class …
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
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