Here was a family that frequently invited Jesus into their home in Bethany. We’ve probably all heard the events leading up to an amazing miracle that Jesus did when He raised Lazarus from death. We also have been told the story over and over again about Mary and Martha and their different ways of serving Jesus. This is the setting for today’s post. We start with the visit by Jesus to this family’s home. Two sisters – Mary and Martha anticipated the time they would have with Him. Mary was especially eager to hear what He had to say, while Martha was more concerned about having a clean house and a meal prepared.

There are times when all of us have a expressed these women’s personality traits when it comes to being with our Savior. We may be so anxious to hear what He has to say that all else becomes pointless. We sit, we wait, we listen, we hear and then we act. Mary was like this. She could sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to His words all day. We know that Martha had a slightly different mindset. She wanted everything to be perfect, so she made it her mission to work hard to get the place ready for Him. The food had to be the best tasting, most appealing to the eye and nutritious. Neither of these women was wrong in their actions. Both of them were serving in their own way, but Jesus pointed out the fact that the truly important thing about His visit wasn’t just about the location. It was the words He had to share with them.

We know that Lazarus, the women’s brother, was a friend of Jesus. There must’ve been other visits to his home. Bethany is not far from Jerusalem, so it would be a natural place for Jesus to stop and visit his friends. When Lazarus died, Jesus did not return to be with the family right away. In fact, He didn’t return for four days. By then the body had started to decompose. Decay had already set in, and the smell of rotting flesh was evident.

When they arrived at the tomb, Jesus spoke in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” The crowd was silent, but within seconds Lazarus walked out of the tomb, alive and well. Those who had gathered at the site were stunned as Lazarus appeared in his burial garb – breathing once again. His body was restored. Every time I hear that part of the story, it makes my heart wonder how Lazarus felt.  He had experienced paradise and now life had been breathed into him again. What mixed emotions he must have had.

There were many that believed that Jesus indeed was the Son of God.  Some returned to tell the Pharisees what Jesus had done.  Word spread all over the country and undoubtedly Mary, the mother of Jesus also heard about this astounding miracle.  Many of the things that she had pondered in her heart for so long were finally coming to fruition.

This miracle of miracles was a foreshadowing of Christ’s own resurrection. Jesus would continue to work many miracles during the time leading up to His suffering and death. He’s still doing miracles today. We don’t often see these dramatic events unfold as they did then, but every second a child is born – a life is saved – depression eliminated – hearts turn to God and everyday events that fill our lives. The power of God is real. It extends far beyond the evil that spreads like wildfire. His love endures forever!

From that day on, a plot was set in motion to get rid of this man who claimed to be the Messiah. The leaders of the synagogue were already setting the plans into motion. It was the plan which God had mapped out back in the Garden of Eden.

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY!