Gospel Meeting 12/01/2014

LUKE 10 vs.38-42, JOHN11 vs.1-5, 18-44, JOHN 12 vs.1-3.

As you will have noticed on these three occasions Mary was at the feet of Jesus.

First of all Who is Jesus; Hebrews 1 vs.1-3

 Secondly what did He do; Philippians 2 vs.5-11 

2Co 8:9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.   

Thirdly why did He do it; John 10:10, John 12:46, Galatians 2:20, John 17 vs.3-4. 

Mary Listened, LUKE 10 vs.38-42

In this passage we see two different approaches to the presence of the Lord Martha thought that the preparation and chores were the most important thing and although they are very necessary it is not good to put busyness before  sitting at the feet of Jesus. How do we come before God?  We should come and sit at the Masters feet in humility and drink in what He says to us not questioning in an aggressive way or thinking we know best. Mary was a good listener and she had respect for the one she knew was different, she must have realised the things He was saying were true and she was prepared to sit at His feet and drink it in.

1 Peter5 vs.5  and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

6  Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

7  Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Mary Learnt, JOHN11 vs.1-5, 18-44

Again we see two different approaches to this very sad situation and I am not saying Martha was wrong she had a very normal and natural response to her brother’s death also she showed a remarkable understanding of Jesus and His power. When Jesus said in vs.25.

John 11 vs.25  Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

26  And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

She said: 27  She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

Mary started off saying the same thing they both appreciated something of the power Jesus had and that is quite something to believe that Jesus could have prevented their brother Lazarus’s death, but Mary fell at His feet and said nothing else but she wept and she was going to learn that not only could Jesus have prevented his death but He had the power to raise him from the dead.

Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

It’s lovely to see the genuine compassion felt by the Lord Jesus towards His friends.

He shared in the sadness that they were feeling, and with us too.

Mary is always at His feet in humble acceptance that He knows best even though she was distraught at her brother’s death.

What a joy it must have been to them when Lazarus was raised from the dead. The experience of seeing God working in our lives teaches us to trust Him more step by step.

Mary Loved. JOHN 12 vs.1-3.

Again Mary at the feet of Jesus pouring out her appreciation of Him  showing her love and devotion and expressing her worship of Him by washing His feet with very expensive ointment as we know it was the job of the lowest servant to wash the visitors feet. Her gratitude and appreciation cost her something it wasn’t just words or empty actions it was real and genuine she had grown and developed in her understanding and affection for her Lord.

When we bring our worship has it cost us something, I’m not talking about financial cost but to live a life for God costs us our will and accepting His will, it costs us time and effort. The Lord accepted Mary’s worship “for His burial” and He longs that we will give Him our hearts our lives our all.

He died that we might live He paid the price by shedding His precious blood it cost Him His all that we might have forgiveness and abundant everlasting life.  

Lazarus died again eventually but when we put our faith in the Lord Jesus we receive everlasting life.

John 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

He became poor that we might be rich, He came down that we might be raised up, He died that we might live.

Let us like Mary listen, learn and love, and enjoy a close relationship with the Living God both now and in Eternity.