Enduring (The Scent of Water)

"The gospel of John tells the story of the death of Lazarus, the brother of Martha and of Mary - the one who would later, with tears of joy pour perfume on Jesus' feet and wipe them with her hair in an act of worship. Jesus would defend her and honor her. But first came another encounter.

Lazarus became sick, and the sister immediately sent word to Jesus. They believed in him and knew he could do miracles. They must have thought he would come right away, but he didn't. He waited. And during that time, Lazarus died.

When the sisters heard that Jesus was finally coming, Martha ran out to meet him, but Mary stayed inside. I wonder if she felt betrayed. She had believed in him; she had called on him. But he seemingly ignored her. He didn't show up in time for something that meant life to her.

The Bible tells us that Martha returned inside and told Mary that Jesus was calling for her. Instantly, she stood up and ran out to him. I picture this wounded little girl, her head resting on a table, sobbing because her heart is hurting. She feels abandoned by the one person she put her faith in. She felt hurt, perhaps even angry. She hears that he is near, but she doesn't go to him. After all, he had forgotten about her.

But then she hears that he called for her by name, and she quickly goes to him. Maybe she knew that the one she had felt betrayed by was the only one who could comfort her. Maybe when Jesus called for her, she knew it meant that he had not forgotten her.

And so Mary goes to Jesus and falls at his feet, weeping. One day, she would fall at his feet in humility, knowing he had saved her, but first, she would fall at his feet, pouring out a broken heart, thinking he had betrayed her. She had experienced enormous loss - a loss that she believes he could have prevented. Jesus takes one look at her as she weeps, and the Bible tells us he was deeply troubled. And what did he do? He cried, even though he knew that life was about to be resurrected and her pain relieved. But first, he wept right along with her.

How much, then, would Jesus grieve with one who must endure loss? Would he also say, "Where have you put him?" And would she show him, not the grave, but her heart? And he would come and sit by this tomb and weep. For twenty years - for ever."

The Scent of Water by Naomi Zacharias (Chapter 9 Enduring)