What a special place the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus was! So is the home of those who believe in God, the Creator. The psalmist noticed that birds made their nests near the altars of the Lord, and Mary understood that at the feet of Jesus there is an altar where one learns the rights of the children of God: Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young—even Your altars, o Lord of hosts, my King and my God. (Psalm 84.3). Could there be a better place to stay? Believe!

Martha, in Greek, means lady, mistress of the house, which is why we see her ability to manage the house after her parents died. Martha must have heard of Jesus, and when she learned that He would visit her village to teach and pray for the sick, she invited Him to her home. Christ gladly accepted. He never rejected an honorable invitation to go to someone's home to rest and eat. The Savior did good work there!

The name Mary (Greek) derives from Miriam (Hebrew). This was a common name in Israel. It appears more than 50 times in the New Testament in reference to six Mary’s: the mother of Jesus; Martha's sister; Mary Magdalene, from whom seven demons were cast out; the wife of Cleopas; the mother of John Mark; and a worker in Rome. Probably, in Israel, there were many women with the names Mary or Miriam.

Miriam was notable in the life of her brother, Moses, and helpful in his ministry. One day, however, she allowed herself to be overcome by jealousy and spoke ill of God's chosen one. For this reason, she became leprous. And when the cloud departed from above the tabernacle, suddenly Miriam became leprous, as white as snow. Then Aaron turned toward Miriam, and there she was, a leper (Numbers 12.10). She had to stay outside the camp for seven days and only returned after repenting. Never rebel against those whom God has chosen. It is dangerous!

Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, was wise and noble, for she sat at Jesus' feet to listen closely to the eternal Word, which changed her completely. In doing so, she left us a great lesson: those who want to learn the Word of God need to stay as close to Jesus as possible. Mary wanted to hear and understand what the Master taught, and that helped her greatly.

The saved must always be close to the Lord to know Him and do His will. Those who follow Jesus from afar forget the biblical warnings, like the young man mentioned in Mark 14, who was not dressed appropriately for that hour: Now a certain young man followed Him, having a linen cloth thrown around his naked body. And the young men laid hold of him, and he left the linen cloth and fled from them naked (Mark 14.51,52).

To this day, many name their daughters Miriam or Mary. Now, I think that one should not name their children Jesus, for that Name is above every name (Philippians 2:9). Respecting Him is good and does us good. Nor should one take the Name of the Lord in vain (Exodus 20:7; Matthew 1:21).         

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares