A Tale of Two Sisters

Sisters hold a bond stronger than glue. I am the oldest of three girls. To say we are close would be an understatement! My mother always told us that we were one another’s greatest friends and treasures. You certainly don’t ever want to come between sisters, but sisters can have a unique relationship.  One minute you can be laughing about something hysterical, and the next minute you are furious because she ruined your favorite sweater! Only a sister can get away with a sharp correction of your bad attitude and then ask you to go to lunch! 

One lively example in the Word, is the “Tale of Two Sisters: Mary and Martha.”

In our own family trees, we can share certain traits with others from our family line that we cannot deny. We all become our mother in some way, shape or form. We may laugh like our sister, or smile like grandma. Even Mary and Martha shared characteristics and tendencies that are often overlooked. In our church circles, Martha is frowned upon as the busy gal, and Mary applauded for her gentle heart. Yes, Mary is merited by Jesus for choosing the better way in Luke 10, but if you take a step back to look at another account in scripture you see these two are not too far different from one another

Let’s get to know the girls from John 11:1-45 and Luke 10:38-42.

• Both attempt to state their own intelligence over the Lord’s: (John 11:21; 32)

  Jesus takes His time coming to the scene of their deceased brother Lazarus. Did you ever wonder why Jesus took so long?  It would only take about 30 minutes to walk from Jerusalem to Bethany.  It is when we are awaiting Him to show up on the scene, that it feels like forever.  From the sisters’ point of view, HE missed HIS opportunity to show up and show off! He gently puts these gals in their place, as He does with all of us.  Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Remember, He is never late, rarely early, but always on time. 

• Both meet Him outside of town as soon as they hear He arrives: (Jn 11:20,29,30 32)

  As soon as they both learned of Jesus’ arrival, they ran to meet him.  Though their first words are questions of his delay, He then soothes their hearts with His words and actions.  Do you find yourself dragging your feet when you know the Master is new? 

• Both believe: (Martha in word-John 11:27; Mary in action- Luke 10:42)

  Jesus asks Martha if she believed.  Her response is quick to confirm her trust in Him.  Mary’s heart and belief is known by the Lord, and He is moved with compassion, even groans, at her heart-itude. Let is not be asked of you if you truly believe! May your walk with Jesus prove your undying belief and trust in Him!

• Both see the glory of God: (John 11:23, 40)

  Jesus states why he has come to visit and shows Himself faithful to complete what He promised! Can you imagine the look upon those sister’s faces as they watched their brother emerge from the tomb?! Where they were once divided in their approach to the Lord, they were brought together under the power of His mighty glory. In His presence, the playing field is leveled. We are brothers and sisters IN CHRIST!

So what can we, as sisters in the Lord, learn from this dynamic duo?

1.     Don’t question His timing.

2.     Go to where He is.

3.     Believe He will do what He says.

4.     Do not judge another sister’s walk with Jesus.

I want to leave you with this thought whether you are a Martha, a Mary, or a combination of both:

What have you recently been able to do so well without the help of God?

Let that simmer in your heart today as you go about your Father’s business.