How can we apply Mary’s example of obedience in our daily lives? Setting the Scene John 11 highlights a family Jesus loves—Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. When Mary learns that the Lord is calling for her, Scripture says, “When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to Him” (John 11:29). That single sentence reveals volumes about a heart trained to obey. What Mary’s Obedience Looks Like in John 11:29 • Immediate—“got up quickly” • Personal—she “went to Him,” not merely to a place or task • Trusting—she rises before knowing all the details • Humble—she comes as a listener, not a negotiator Principles Drawn from Mary’s Example 1. Respond without delay • James 1:22 urges us to be “doers of the word.” • Delayed obedience often turns into disobedience. 2. Prioritize the Caller over the call • John 10:27: “My sheep listen to My voice…they follow Me.” • The relationship fuels the response. 3. Walk by faith, not by perfect understanding • Hebrews 11:8 notes Abraham “obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” • Mary moves before she sees Lazarus raised. 4. Keep a posture of humility • Luke 10:39 shows Mary “sitting at the Lord’s feet, listening.” • Obedience flows from worship, not mere duty. 5. Let love motivate every step • John 12:3 has Mary anointing Jesus’ feet; obedience and love intertwine. • Galatians 5:6: “The only thing that counts is faith working through love.” Living It Out Today • Begin each day asking, “Lord, what would You have me do?”—then act on the first clear directive. • Set aside interruptions when sensing a prompt to read, pray, encourage, or serve. Follow the nudge quickly. • Trade excuses for expectancy. Instead of “I’m too busy,” say, “I’m ready, Lord,” and watch how He orders your time. • Keep Scripture accessible. A heart steeped in God’s Word hears His voice more distinctly. • Celebrate small obediences. Each “yes” to Jesus strengthens spiritual reflexes for larger steps. • When clarity is missing, obey the last instruction God gave, trusting Him to unfold the next. • Cultivate humility by regularly kneeling (literally or figuratively) before the Lord, reminding yourself He is Master and you are servant (Luke 17:10). Scriptures That Echo the Same Heart • Luke 1:38—Mary of Nazareth: “I am the Lord’s servant…May it be to me as you have said.” • Matthew 4:20—Peter and Andrew “immediately left their nets and followed Him.” • Luke 5:27-28—Levi “left everything, got up, and followed Him.” • Acts 9:6—Saul: “Lord, what do You want me to do?” A Challenge to Embrace Like Mary, rise quickly when Christ calls. Whether through Scripture, the Spirit’s prompting, or godly counsel, let each invitation be met with ready feet and a willing heart. Obedience is not a burdensome duty; it is the joyful reflex of a life captivated by the One who first loved us (1 John 4:19). |
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