Definition: Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat [still] in the house.
Explanation:
Okay, let’s break down this short passage from John 11:20. It's a really important part of the story about Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem and how Martha reacts.
Here’s what it means, explained simply:
The Basic Story:
Jesus was about to arrive in Jerusalem for a big celebration. Martha, who is a close friend of Jesus’s, is worried because she’s expecting news from him. She goes to meet him and finds him… waiting.
What Happened Next:
“Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming…”
– This means Martha immediately realizes something important is going to happen. She's not just curious; she’s anticipating it.
“…went and met him:”
- She travels a short distance to see him.
“but Mary sat [still] in the house.”
– This is the crucial part. Mary, who is known for being peaceful and steadfast, sits quietly in her home.
What it Means Figuratively:
This isn’t just about Martha sitting still; it's a powerful metaphor. It means:
She’s waiting with patience and hope.
She’s not rushing to greet him or get excited.
Her stillness represents faith.
It suggests she’s holding onto something – perhaps a belief in Jesus, or a quiet expectation of his arrival.
Why is this important?
This scene highlights the idea that God has a plan for us. Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, and Martha, with her quiet waiting, shows us that we too should be ready and steadfast in our faith – holding onto hope and trust, even when things aren't clear.
In short:
It’s a beautiful image of anticipation and quiet devotion, suggesting that God's plans are unfolding, and we should be prepared to receive them with patience.
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