Near the Mount of Olives stood a humble home in a hamlet which, for the most part was unnoticed by the casual passer-by and it might have been entirely unknown had the Son of God not passed that way. Nearby was a temple, adorned and impressive, yet it had no warmth to attract the Son of God on His earthly visit. The market of merchandise had replaced what was intended for a place of prayer for all nations, only adding to its cold, repulsive character.
Eventide had come, and the weary Son of God as Man, with no place to lay His blessed head, craved companionship with His creature. He had, in grace, acquired the physical likeness of His creature, truly human, yet truly divine. He learned practically, on earth, what men were passing through; His needs and theirs were the same. His great heart of love desired a willing ear to hear the message which He was sent from the Father to deliver. His mission was not one of rebuke but of grace and truth fur man's hope.
KINDRED FEELINGS
Looking round about upon all things, the Lord Jesus went out of the; temple and wended His way to Bethany, about two miles away. There He entered the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, where He was welcomed for who He was, and it was evident from the start that He must have the first place. How the hearts of those three, with kindred feelings in tune with His, must have thrilled as He came to talk, eat, teach and rest. He was a Guest from heaven there in Bethany, as with Abraham of old. No doubt there were other true hearts, but, they were still wrapped in tradition, engaging in forms, ritual, and service, not yet knowing the One who came down from heaven to commune with them, the One who in Himself replaced all ritual.
In Bethany He was with those who found their joy in hearing His Word, while He had His joy in their response to Him. The marvel to them was that He was there. Created worlds could not satisfy Him- repentant hearts could. Learning deep lessons was to be the occupation of the three as the Son of God would transport the souls of His listeners from earthly to heavenly realities. "Who can teach like God?" As they sat at His feet, feeling the warmth of His heart, He communicated to them the Father's love which He knew well. All came so naturally, for new birth is capacity.
Martha was serving, but did He notice the efforts of this true heart? Was it right for Mary to sit at Jesus' feet while Martha worked to prepare the meal? The thoughts of the heart escape from the lips quickly, "Lord, dost Thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me." Here a needful lesson was taught graciously and effectively, "Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: but one thing is needful; and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”
The better outweighs all other considerations; attention to His Person comes before service.
BOUND TOGETHER
Sorrow visited this home while Jesus was away, and torn, aching hearts, anxious for their brother, had sent a message to Jesus saying, "He whom thou lovest is sick." How did they know that He loved Lazarus? Jesus had become a part of that home, and there was the consciousness of being bound together in the same bundle of life with the Lord their God. These are the precious things of God that relate to His nature and His Spirit. There was not as yet the Spirit of God dwelling in the believer, but the work of the Holy Spirit had been wrought in the souls of these three with whom Jesus was so closely associated.
Death had come in, all for the glory of God. The Lord Jesus groaned at the grave in sympathy, as well as feeling, as none other, the depths to which man was subjected to the power of the enemy, seeing the havoc that sin had wrought. He called Lazarus forth again to have living fellowship with Him.
DISCOVERY
The discovery of Jesus as the Resurrection and the Life came home in demonstrated power at the raising of Lazarus from among the dead. All of these realizations led to worship as seen in John 12, where Mary had her ointment, Martha served from the heart, and Lazarus, a resurrected man, sat in fellowship at the table with Jesus.
Whatever we draw from this for Israel, it does not take away from the blessed picture of what our heavenly occupation will be. Jesus Himself, coming forth to serve His people at the table, will provide not the least part of the atmosphere of heaven as the Father lavishes His love upon His children.
Mary said little, but many of the Jews who came to Mary and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on Him. This is the result when Christ is the Object. What a lesson for some of us whose ways are so much like Martha's rather than Mary's! How meditation on occasions like this leads to the restoration of our souls, if perhaps we have grown cold, even while serving Him! The Holy Spirit had not yet come, yet there was a response from the hearts of these three in fellowship, service, and worship.
UP INTO HEAVEN
After Christ's death and resurrection He met the little company of believers and led them out as far as to Bethany, from whence He was carried up into heaven. How touching to see Him blessing them as He rose into the bosom of the Father, with one hand on His people and the other on the throne of God beside His Father. To be seated, a Man, beside the Father was the joy set before Him in Heb. 12:22Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2). Soon this joy will be ours when seated beside Jesus on His throne.
May I suggest that the little hamlet of Bethany and the persons who have occupied us, present a picture of the assembly of God on earth-the heavenly family drawn to Jesus by His love and grace. May our hearts be weaned from all in this world that does not have the character of Bethany.
C. Lunden