She then returns home to tell Mary secretly that Jesus has finally come and calls for her communion. Without hesitation, she arises to meet her Master. Falling at His feet, she fervently fixes her focus on the same reasoning that her sister followed. "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died" (John 11:32).
Through the tears, they take Jesus to the tomb. There, He expresses His emotions concerning Lazarus, as sympathy exudes from His spirit. "Behold how He loved him!" (John 11:36). The compassionate crowd wondered why Jesus did not heal Lazarus if His love was so great toward him. Jesus once proclaimed that "the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live" (John 5:25). His prediction will now be fulfilled concerning Lazarus! This action will be a foretaste of the future resurrection. Before the gathering audience, Jesus raises His eyes to heaven and acknowledges the power of His Almighty Father. "Lazarus, come forth" (John 11:43).
Amazingly, Lazarus appears at the entrance of the tomb. As the crowd stood motionless and shocked to see such a spectacle, Jesus admonishes His followers to "loose him, and let him go" (John 11:44). The "new life" of Lazarus has become the gift of evangelism! Many believed on Jesus as the Son of God after seeing such a monumental miracle (John 11:45).
A Festive Feast
A festive feast becomes the final episode in which this family is found with Jesus. Simon the Leper has prepared a sumptuous banquet for his friends and invites Jesus, as well as His companions. "Martha was serving" the guests, and her brother, Lazarus was privileged to recline "at the table with Him" (John 12:2). As an honored guest, he testified of the marvelous majesty of His Master. While all were enjoying the meal, Mary approaches Jesus with an alabaster container of costly ointment. She pours the oil upon His head before a rapt audience. Judas Iscariot sees no value in this action. He condemns the extremely unwise act of extravagant waste. And his criticism is contagious. Everyone agrees.
But Jesus is not affected by this commotion. "Let her alone" (John 12:10) is his defending response. Her "good work" (Matthew 26:10; Mark 14:6) will become a memorial for all generations. "This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men" (Titus 3:8).
There was great significance in Mary's gesture. With voluntary submission and venerable sensitivity toward her Savior, she offered a valuable substance "Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7). Mary showed to her critics what Christ would do for all mankind. Her motivation was love. As the ointment filled the room with a fragrant aroma, so the imminent death and resurrection of Jesus, "this Gospel" (Matthew 26:13; Mark 14:9), will fill the whole world with the sweetness of saving grace.
It was a great sacrifice. It cost Mary something. (This perfume may have been purchased for the burial of Lazarus, her brother. Now, it would be used for the One who would die in his stead.) Mary was not stingy in her application. She used it all; she saved none.
Her deed has become a great symbol. Mary gave her "glory" to the Son of God, as she washed His feet with her hair (1 Corinthians 11:15). Cleary, "she hath done what she could" (Mark 14:8) and her Master will do what He could upon the cross for all creation. "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God" (1 Peter 4:10). Mary presented her gift of giving "with liberality" (Romans 12:8).
Jesus said, "Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you" (John 15:14). This family of three clearly obeyed the wishes of Jesus. "And since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let each exercise them accordingly" (Romans 12:6). Martha, Lazarus and Mary shared with their friend Jesus and reaped the satisfaction of continual fellowship. "Indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write, so that our joy may be complete" (1 John 1:3-4).
Rob Zapotoski,
SMS Acting Director
