Monday, August 15 Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.​—John 11:5.

[Áine]

Monday, August 15

Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.—John 11:5.

 

Jesus treated all women with dignity. (John 4:27) Jesus, however, had special regard for women who did the will of his Father. Significantly, he viewed them as sisters and mentioned them along with the men whom he viewed as part of his spiritual family. (Matt. 12:50) Jesus also was a true friend to them. Consider his friendship with Mary and Martha, both of whom were apparently single. (Luke 10:38-42) By his words and actions, Jesus obviously made them feel comfortable. Mary felt welcome to sit at his feet as a disciple. And Martha, disturbed because Mary was not helping, felt free to tell Jesus what was on her mind. In that informal setting, Jesus was able to help both women spiritually. And he showed his care for these women and their brother, Lazarus, by visiting with them on other occasions. (John 12:1-3) It is no wonder that when Lazarus fell seriously ill, Mary and Martha knew that they could turn to Jesus for help.—John 11:3. w20.09 20 ¶3; 21 ¶6

[Wayne]

Monday, August 15 Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.—John 11:5.

Lesson for Us

 

Today, both men and women are found among those who respond to Jesus’ invitation to “take life’s water free.” (Revelation 22:17) Moved by love, some—much like Martha—do their utmost to minister to the needs of fellow believers. They are practical-minded and quick to take action, and Jehovah promises to reward their labors of love. (Hebrews 6:10; 13:16) Others perhaps more closely resemble Mary. They are quiet and contemplative. Their eagerness to meditate upon God’s Word helps them to stay solidly rooted in the faith.—Ephesians 3:17-19.

 

Both types of individuals fill a vital need in the Christian congregation. In the end, however, all should ‘choose the good portion’ by putting primary emphasis on spiritual things. By making sure of the more important things, we will have Jehovah’s favor and blessing.—Philippians 1:9-11.

 

[Footnote]

 

That Martha was a spiritual woman of great faith is evident from her conversation with Jesus following the death of her brother, Lazarus. On this occasion, it was Martha who showed a greater eagerness to meet with her Master.—John 11:19-29.

W99 9/1 pg 30

[Wayne]

Tuesday, August 16 "They thought that the Kingdom of God was going to appear instantly.—Luke 19:11.

Appropriately The Watch Tower of June 1, 1906, stated concerning God’s execution of judgment: “Time will fully manifest the divine wisdom in what seems to short-sighted humanity like pitiless delay . . . God has kindly brought us to his standpoint of view and bidden us look into the glorious future . . . and in proportion as we are able to comprehend and believe it, we may rest and rejoice in it. But in the meantime, being thus graciously refreshed by the cheering prospect, we must patiently wait for the end, however painful the waiting season may be.”

And wait we will, with this full conviction: “It will without fail come true. It will not be late.”—Habakkuk 2:3.
w85 5/1 pp. 5-7

 
 

[Wayne]

Tuesday, August 16 "They thought that the Kingdom of God was going to appear instantly.—Luke 19:11.

 

 

Appropriately The Watch Tower of June 1, 1906, stated concerning God’s execution of judgment: “Time will fully manifest the divine wisdom in what seems to short-sighted humanity like pitiless delay . . . God has kindly brought us to his standpoint of view and bidden us look into the glorious future . . . and in proportion as we are able to comprehend and believe it, we may rest and rejoice in it. But in the meantime, being thus graciously refreshed by the cheering prospect, we must patiently wait for the end, however painful the waiting season may be.”

 

And wait we will, with this full conviction: “It will without fail come true. It will not be late.”—Habakkuk 2:3.

w85 5/1 pp. 5-7l