When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.
Martha went and Mary stayed. Martha was the mistress of the house and was very conscious of hospitality and doing things for others. She went out to see Jesus because she felt that she must. Her grief was no less than that of Mary, but her sense of responsibility was certainly greater. She sacrificed in order that she could welcome Jesus. Mary, on the other hand, gave into her emotions and remained in the house grieving. She was too overwrought to go out to Jesus until summoned by Him. Had Martha acted as Mary we may never have had the great declaration of Jesus that He is the resurrection and the life. How would you have acted in these circumstances? Do you let your emotions or the happenings of this life affect the time you spend with Jesus? Going to Him involves effort on our part and it also involves sacrifice, but it is unbelievably worth it!