How can we apply Mary's example of obedience in our daily walk with Christ? The Teacher Is Calling—Mary’s Quiet Yes John 11:28: “And after she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. ‘The Teacher is here and is calling for you,’ she said.” What We See in Mary – She is reachable; Martha has no trouble finding her. – She is attentive; one word—“The Teacher is here”—is enough. – She is willing; the call and her obedience are virtually simultaneous (v. 29). Listening Comes Before Doing – Romans 10:17 — “faith comes by hearing.” – Isaiah 30:21 — God’s people hear “This is the way; walk in it.” Daily practice: create margins of silence, put Scripture first in the day, keep devices off until you have listened to Him. Swift, Unhesitating Response – John 11:29: “As soon as Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to Him.” – Psalm 119:60 — “I hurried and did not delay to keep Your commandments.” Daily practice: obey immediately when the Spirit nudges—send the text, offer help, confess sin—before second-guessing sets in. Obedience Even in Pain Mary leaves mourners and fresh grief to meet Jesus. – 1 Peter 5:7 — “casting all your anxiety on Him.” Daily practice: bring heartbreak, questions, doubts straight to Christ rather than retreating into isolation or bitterness. A Pattern Seen Throughout Mary’s Life – Luke 1:38 — “Behold, the servant of the Lord; may it happen to me as you have said.” – Luke 10:39 — she “sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to His word.” – John 2:5 — “Do whatever He tells you.” Thread: attentive ear → yielded heart → decisive action. Obedience That Shapes Others Her prompt movement draws the mourners after her (John 11:31). – Philippians 3:17 — “Join one another in following my example.” Daily practice: realize that quiet, faithful steps often spark faith in family, coworkers, friends. Practical Takeaways for Today • Start each morning by reading a short Gospel passage; respond with one concrete step. • Keep a “Yes, Lord” journal—note every clear prompting and how you obeyed. • When sorrow hits, verbalize it in prayer, then move toward Christian community rather than away. • Measure success by faithfulness, not results; Mary obeyed before she saw Lazarus raised. • Encourage others: share testimonies of what happened because you said yes quickly. Walking in Mary’s Footsteps Hear Jesus, rise promptly, come close—even when the path runs through tears. Such obedience keeps us at the feet of the Teacher, exactly where resurrection life is found. |
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