When she had said this, she went and called her sister Mary, saying in private, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.” And when she heard it, she rose quickly and went to him. Now Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was still in the place where Martha had met him. When the Jews who were with her in the house, consoling her, saw Mary rise quickly and go out, they followed her, supposing that she was going to the tomb to weep there.
I find this to be an interesting phrase here, “when she had said this she went and called her sister Mary.” “When she said this” is of course a reference to Martha’s confession. I have to wonder did the very act of her confession strengthen her faith and prompt her to get her sister. At times when we are bewildered or despondent the very act of confessing (bringing to memory) what we believe can give us a fresh focus and strengthen “weak knees and feeble hands that hang down.” While there is no replacement for the Scriptures, creeds and confessions are very helpful connectors to our faith. Catechisms are not for mere rote memory, but to give us a concise statement or touchstone of our faith. Martha’s confession appears to prompt her to go get her sister. It might be helpful if we knew what Martha said to Mary in secret, but all we know was it was enough to motivate her to immediate action. I would say that part of the reason for Martha’s secrecy was to protect Jesus from the Jews. It may be as well that Martha assured Mary that their “feelings” about Jesus tardiness were inappropriate. None the less Martha’s words struck a chord in Mary and she hopped up immediately to meet Jesus. As it is a very useful and important act for the church to corporately confess what they believe, it is equally useful and important to personally confess as well.
Bill
Heidelberg Catechism
Q. 15. What sort of a mediator and deliverer then must we seek for?
A. For one who is very man, and perfectly (a) righteous; (b) and yet more powerful than all creatures; that is, one who is also very God. (c) (a) 1 Cor.15:21; Jer.33:16; Isa.53:9; 2 Cor.5:21. (b) Heb.7:16,26. (c) Isa.7:14; Isa.9:6; Rom.9:5; Jer.23:5,6; Jer.23:6; Luke 11:22.
Τω αγαπησαντι ημας και λουσαντι ημας απο των αμαρτιων ημων εν τω αιματι αυτου.
Rev. 1:5b
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