Jesus Visits Mary, Martha, and Lazarus
Jesus was tired from the long journey, and He was looking forward to His visit with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. He could see the small buildings in Bethany, and in the distance, He could see His friend Lazarus waving to Him and His Apostles. Lazarus came running to greet Jesus,
“My Lord,” said Lazarus, out of breath when he reached Jesus, “We look forward to your visit with us.” Lazarus greeted the Apostles. They greeted Lazarus in return. The people of the village came running to greet Jesus, bringing their sick with them. Before Jesus could even reach the outskirts of Bethany, He was touching and healing the sick and the dying.
Jesus saw what was in their hearts, and He was filled with compassion for them. The Apostles tried to rush Him forward, but the crowds would not let Him pass. He spoke to them and smiled. He touched them, and they were healed. Lazarus smiled as he saw the children rush to Jesus. Jesus would smile and lift them into His arms. With some He would circle and dance. To the weak, He would give strength. To the widows, he would give hope. He was there for all of His Father’s creations.
The walk through Bethany was the most difficult part of their journey. The apostles were complaining. Judas squirmed close to the Master and said, “Rabbi, do not look into their eyes. They will only want more.” Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Do not stop anyone from coming to Me.” Peter cleared the way ahead of the Rabbi, but he allowed all those in need of healing or consolation to come to Jesus.
Lazarus, Jesus, and the apostles finally reached the home of Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. Martha and Mary raced to embrace Jesus and His friends. Martha had already been preparing the food. She had grown anxious because of the wait. She was afraid that dinner would be cold, so when Jesus arrived and she greeted Him, Martha rushed to the kitchen to finish preparing Mary lead Jesus to the place of honor in their home. Feet were washed. Hands were washed All were ready for the feast. Jesus began to speak so the crowds who were waiting. Mary sat at Jesus’ feet and listened as He spoke. Mary, knowing how much Jesus loved her cooking stayed in the kitchen preparing the food. She could not hear what Jesus was saying, and she began to grow resentful that she was the only one in the kitchen working.
Martha kept waiting for Mary to come back and help her. Dinner was taking so long to be made because Martha was the only one working to make a meal for the Master. She was anxious and distracted. She finally decided that she would talk to Jesus and have Him direct Mary to come back to work with her.
“Jesus,” Martha said, as she worked her way back to Him. “Jesus, Don’t you care? I’m working alone in preparing the meal. I need help. My sister continues to sit here instead of helping me in the kitchen. Tell Mary to help me.”
Mary looked at her sister. She was stunned by Martha’s anger. She started to get up with tears in her eyes. Jesus looked at Mary, and He signaled her to sit down. Mary sat down, and Martha was stunned.
Jesus turned to Martha and said, gently, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is only need of one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, and this will not be taken away from her.” Martha bent her head in shame. She could not answer the Master. Jesus signaled her to sit next to Mary, which she did. Later when dinner was served by Martha, Jesus smiled and ate a large helping of Martha’s food. He smiled with joy as He ate. The dinner had been cooked in spite of the interruption. Mary worked hard serving the meal. Martha worked alongside of her sister serving Jesus and His Apostles.
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