Jesus Support Team – Part 12 (Guest Writer: Norm Fadelle)
October 31, 2011
Dear Friends,
Last week introduced the first three of four human beings provided by God to explicitly encourage Jesus. The first was the thief on the cross, a last-hour convert prior to both men dying. The second and third were the prophets Moses and Elijah, whom God brought into the transfiguration vision for the benefit of Jesus and a taste of what fellowship would be like in the Kingdom. This week continues with the fourth human who wonderfully encouraged Jesus: Martha, a superlative believer in the resurrection.
Martha and her sister Mary had a memorable experience with Jesus in her home a number of months prior to the death of Lazarus. Luke records the encounter:
Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”(Lk 10:38-42)
Martha welcomed Jesus into her house, perhaps implying all or part ownership of the place. She evidently took on the role of hostess, suggesting she was the older sister. Remarkably, rabbi Jesus allowed a woman to take on a disciple’s position at his feet. I think Jesus encouraged Mary to study the Scriptures. Whether or not this was Jesus’ first visit to the house, this time Martha was distracted with much serving, indicating that she was stressed out with the self-appointed tasks of doing what she felt was necessary to make her guest comfortable. If some of Jesus’ disciples were invited in as well, this gesture of support was quite generous.
In any case, Martha is provoked to protest to Jesus the lack of Mary’s assistance. If Jesus had in fact asked Mary to join him, then Martha was indirectly rebuking Jesus. As always, Jesus gently points out the real issues. With sensitivity, he recognizes Martha’s anxiety and many troubles, but reminds her about what is truly necessary. Then he goes on to teach priorities as well as importance: Mary made the right choice and should not be interrupted or her opportunity (to continue to study?) taken away. The text is silent on Martha’s response to Jesus.
So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary remained seated in the house. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.” When she had said this, she went and called her sister Mary, saying in private, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.”(v.20-28)
These verses wonderfully show how Martha had also “sat at the feet of the master”. She made a point to go meet him. Knowing her brother was certainly dead (v.21, 39), she made an appeal for his life. Her saying “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” was not a rebuke but the beginning of an assertion, that even now God would grant whatever request Jesus made. She knew Lazarus would be raised from the dead on the last day, when Jesus came to resurrect the faithful dead. After Jesus declared himself as “the resurrection and the life” and provided details on the process, he asked Martha this question: “do you believe this? ”
What a question! Do YOU believe this? Do you BELIEVE this? Do you believe THIS? Regardless of how the words can be emphasized, Martha’s belief in Jesus went far beyond simply comprehending the teaching of resurrection. I think she perceived Jesus was Messiah. Therefore, was it not in his power to grant Lazarus eternal life? What a thought! Martha utterly trusted in Jesus: her rabbi, her friend, her hope, faith and love. Such confidence and feelings demonstrated the extent and depth of Martha’s wholehearted support of Jesus and his cause.
Her “Yes” answer began a pointed, passionate, powerful set of words that surely stuck with Jesus up to his dying moment: “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.” What an outstanding statement of faith! Few words. Highly significant.
Somewhat anti-climatically, but quite importantly, the story goes on to tell how what seems to be a controlled, unhurried message is given in private to Mary. Martha gladly informs her sister that she is next in line to be with the Teacher. This meekness and generosity is part of Martha’s greatness as a believer in, and therefore a supporter of, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Along with Mary Magdalene, I think Martha tops the list of women provided and prompted by the Father to keep his Son strong for the cross. Her obvious spiritual growth, perception of who Jesus truly was, and unwavering faith in her Lord, serve as a superlative example to all believers.
This week’s thought concludes the series on “Jesus’ Support Team”.
Have a great week!
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