The Healing Jesus: An Advent Devotional to Encourage Anybody and EverybodySample

MARY OF BETHANY: THE ONE WHO'S HEART WAS BROKEN

Hello, I am Mary from the city of Bethany. I am generally optimistic and supportive, but sometimes, I can be too willing to go along with others to keep the peace. I want everything to go smoothly. This is why my sister Martha and I get along so well. She is the more aggressive type. When people come over, she takes charge and keeps the ball rolling. I am grateful for her.

When Jesus visited us, I felt drawn to sit near him and listen. It is expected that women take care of all the details, but I craved Jesus's presence. I could have stayed at his feet all day, even if it meant a simple meal or letting chores wait. Martha wasn't as patient, though. She wanted me to help her. Instead of talking to me directly, she brought it up to Jesus. When Jesus declared that I had chosen better, I could finally relax. He didn't think I was out of line.

But later on, the unthinkable happened. Our brother Lazarus got sick. We begged and begged Jesus to come. I just knew that if he were here, everything would be ok. But he didn't go, and Lazarus died. It was the worst day of my life. When Jesus finally arrived four days later, I couldn't even go out to see him. But Martha wanted answers and went out to meet him. When she returned, she told me that Jesus had arrived and asked about me. I was so heartbroken I didn't even know what to say. I went to him and fell at his feet. I said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died."

It was then that I noticed Jesus was crying, too. He wasn't just crying; he was weeping with me. Jesus was hurting, just like I was. He didn't speak but went immediately to the tomb. When Lazarus appeared, still wrapped in strips of linen. After Jesus called to him, I went numb with disbelief. From that moment on, I trusted Jesus no matter what. I'm still complacent sometimes. I still simplify problems or minimize upsetting things. But no matter what comes my way, I know Jesus loves me.

Jesus is healing your heartbreak.

Questions for Talk it Over:

1. Why didn't Jesus come right away to heal Lazarus?

2. Think of a hard time you've struggled to recover from. What happened?

3. How has Jesus worked through that heartbreak?