Dear beloved in Christ Jesus, it is very important that we check how we are receiving Jesus. Believing in Jesus is not enough, responding to altar call is not enough, working for Jesus is not enough, allowing Jesus into your life is not enough, having a relationship with Jesus is even not enough but how we are receiving Jesus.
As we have read previously, Martha had a relationship with Jesus, but Mary became closer to Jesus because of how Mary was receiving Jesus.
Let’s take a look at the second scenario on how the two sisters will be receiving Jesus.
2. THE FUNERAL OF LAZARUS
In John 11 Jesus was told about the sickness of Lazarus but Jesus did not go until after four days, when Lazarus had died. Now Jesus sets out to visit Martha and Mary and to “wake him up” as He believes Lazarus is sleeping.
“Now Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met Him, but Mary was sitting in the house.”
John 11:20 NKJV
Before I talk about this let’s read some selected verses from John 11 but I do encourage everyone to go back to the Bible and read the whole of John 11.
“Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” And when she had said these things, she went her way and secretly called Mary her sister, saying, “The Teacher has come and is calling for you.” As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly and came to Him. Now Jesus had not yet come into the town, but was in the place where Martha met Him. Then, when Mary came where Jesus was, and saw Him, she fell down at His feet, saying to Him, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled. And He said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to Him, “Lord, come and see.””
John 11:23-24, 28-30, 32-34 NKJV
Once again, Martha was the first to receive Jesus and though she had some level of faith in Jesus, she doubted the resurrection of his dead brother and the power of Jesus. And like Martha though we may bring Jesus into our lives we may have some doubts about His authority and potency. Martha discouraged Jesus and Bible says Jesus had to ask her “ do you believe in this ?”
Receiving Jesus, Martha met Jesus half way and left him there. Can you imagine? She did not bring Jesus home, once again she did not entertain Jesus, she did not honor Jesus, rather she went and secretly called Mary. So imagine what Martha May have said to Mary “ my friend Jesus is here,He is at the cemetery, I left him there …”
Mary on the other hand, when she heard that Jesus was coming initially she sat still( relaxed) in John 11:20 while Martha rushed outside. The only time Mary went out quickly was in response to the call of Jesus (John 11:31). She valued Jesus that she responded to the Lord’s call quickly. Many people believe in Jesus but are reluctant in responding to His call to serve, to talk about him, to save others and or to release financial support to His work.
How are you receiving Jesus?
Jesus is calling you, how are you responding?
When Mary got to Jesus, just like Martha she also believed if Jesus had been there their brother wouldn’t have died yet she never doubted the ability of Jesus and as a matter of fact her words and cry triggered an anger and anointing in Jesus Christ to raise Lazarus up.
How are you receiving Jesus? Do you put Him to work or you doubt His power at work in you?
Mary pushed Jesus to raise the dead Lazarus but Martha came back to almost discourage Jesus that “ the body stinks “
“Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, “Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.” Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?””
John 11:39-40 NKJV
So you see, receiving Jesus Mary knew how to honor Jesus, how to believe and hold on to faith in Jesus, and how to put Jesus to work.
Martha received Jesus but left him outside, discouraged him and dishonored him. She received Jesus but did not bring Jesus home rather sneaked home to call Mary.
So I ask you again, how are you receiving Jesus?
Please go back to the Bible and read John 11 to know how best to be RECEIVING JESUS.
To be continued…….
