What does Mary’s action teach about responding to Jesus’ call today? Setting the Scene: Bethany’s Grief and Jesus’ Call Lazarus has died. Martha has already spoken with Jesus. She returns home and tells her sister, “The Teacher is here and is asking for you” (John 11:28). In that moment, Mary’s response becomes a living illustration of how a disciple should answer the Lord. The Key Verse “And when Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to Him.” (John 11:29) What Mary Did—and Did Not Do • She heard the summons. • She rose immediately—no delay, no debate, no excuses. • She went straight to Jesus—no detours, even though mourners filled the house. • She carried her raw grief with her; she didn’t wait until she “pulled herself together.” • She trusted His presence would change everything. Lessons for Responding to Jesus Today • Hear His voice – “My sheep hear My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27) – Cultivate a heart that recognizes Scripture as the living call of Christ. • Rise without hesitation – “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” (Hebrews 3:15) – Obedience delayed is obedience denied. • Move quickly toward Him – “I hurried without hesitating to keep Your commandments.” (Psalm 119:60) – Speed matters; it signals trust and love. • Leave lesser comforts behind – Mary exited a house full of sympathizers. In the same way, comfortable routines or opinions of others must never outrank Christ’s summons. • Bring your honest emotions – Jesus welcomes real sorrow (John 11:33). We answer His call as we are, not as we wish we were. • Expect resurrection power – Mary’s quick response positioned her to witness Lazarus raised. Immediate obedience places us in the flow of God’s supernatural work (Ephesians 3:20). The Heart Behind Immediate Obedience • Love that longs for the Master more than explanations • Faith that believes His word is sufficient • Humility that submits without bargaining • Hope that anticipates redemption even in the darkest moments Practical Applications for Everyday Discipleship • Begin each day in Scripture, listening for directives to “get up quickly.” • Act promptly on any conviction—apologize, give, serve, speak, or stay silent—whatever the Spirit impresses. • When crisis hits, run first to Christ before consulting anyone else. • Simplify life so fewer entanglements slow your response. • Keep a journal of immediate obediences and the blessings that followed; it trains the heart to expect His faithfulness. A Final Encouragement Mary’s swift steps from a mourning room to the feet of Jesus turned grief into glory. The same pattern holds today: hear, rise, and go. Whenever the Lord calls, let the only acceptable speed be “quickly.” |
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