Upon greeting Jesus, Mary falls down at His feet. This may be “in grief and dependence” as McGarvey thinks, but is probably also done out of reverence and homage. The Jews who were in the house consoling her are following her and are probably within visual sight of her, but she doesn’t hesitate in committing an action that would be disapproved by most of them. The sense is not that she calculates what she does, but instead that she operates out of her emotions. (She appears to be more emotional than her sister.) However, there is no hesitation on her part for fear of what anyone may think of her. Even though emotions may have an important role in motivating her, fear of others does not. She is going to do what she thinks is right regardless of the opinions of others. It is easier to be brave when we are in desperate need than when we are not.

Her first words to Jesus are the same as her sister’s. They have undoubtedly said these things to each other over the past few days and her words express a faith in the ability of Jesus to heal the sick Lazarus, but they go no further than that.