DAY 9: From Compartmentalization to Wholeness (Pt. 2)

When we read Jesus' reply to Martha we almost automatically insert a scolding tone into the narrative. Here she comes storming in, inappropriately interrupting not only the cheerful company of the disciples but also the famous teacher Himself with a cutting remark, an outright accusation and a forthright order. I am sure Martha's outburst had been preceded by several unsuccessful attempts to win her sister's attention and as the evening wore on, anger and frustration kept brewing inside of her until she boiled over.

Naturally, when we act in the flesh we expect His rebuke. When we fail we expect His disappointment and rejection. But when the Lord said: Martha, Martha it was a term of endearment and love. Jesus loved Martha and I know this with absolute certainty. Why? Because the Bible actually tells us so. In John 11:5 it says Jesus loved Martha. Mary is not even mentioned by name. John is the latest of Gospels that was written down. Decades later after the city of Jerusalem was no more John still remembers that Jesus loved Martha.

She accused him of not caring (cf. Luke 10:40) but He cared more than she would ever know. He loved Martha too much to keep her bound by restlessness and worries. Naturally, we assume that His correction means the withdrawal of His love. Instead, Jesus's correction is always an invitation to experience His love on a deeper level. It is His kindness in our weakness that leads us to repentance. It is in receiving His love in the moment of our greatest failure that true transformation comes.