What does Mary's response in John 11:28 teach us about faith and trust? Setting the Scene • Lazarus has died; Mary is surrounded by mourners and deep grief • Martha meets Jesus first (vv. 20-27), then quietly calls Mary: “The Teacher is here and is asking for you.” (v. 28) • Mary’s next move will reveal the condition of her heart toward Christ Mary’s Immediate Response (vv. 28-29) • She rises “quickly” • She goes “to Him” • She leaves the houseful of consolers behind What This Reveals about Faith and Trust • Responsive faith – Like sheep who recognize the Shepherd’s voice (John 10:27), Mary responds the moment she hears Jesus is near • Personal trust in Christ’s character – She does not delay to analyze circumstances; she trusts that if Jesus calls, good awaits (Romans 8:28) • Prioritizing the Lord above all else – Cultural expectations, grief, guests—nothing ranks above being with Him (Matthew 6:33) • Confidence in His invitation – The Teacher “is asking for you”; Mary believes His summons includes her by name (Isaiah 43:1) • Movement from sorrow to hope – Grief had immobilized her (v. 20), yet trust propels her forward (Psalm 30:5) • Example of whole-hearted obedience – Similar to Samuel’s “Speak, for Your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:10) and Isaiah’s “Here am I; send me” (Isaiah 6:8) Practical Takeaways • Cultivate a heart that hears—regular time in the Word tunes us to recognize His voice • Respond immediately—delayed obedience weakens faith’s muscle • Trade the comfort of company for the comfort of Christ when He calls • Believe His call is personal—He knows your name and circumstance (John 20:16) • Let trust move you out of paralyzing emotions into purposeful action • Evaluate priorities—anything that keeps you from moving toward Jesus is misplaced Wrapping It Up Mary’s swift, unhesitating movement toward Jesus in John 11:28-29 models a faith that listens, trusts, and acts. When the Lord calls, true trust gets up—quickly—and goes straight to Him. |
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