One of the greatest needs all of us have is to be comforted in our time of sorrow. Although babies and small children receive much comforting in the first few years, we never outgrow the need to be comforted. During this time of pestilence many older people that live in care facilities are in desperate need of comfort and human touch.
There is something deeply emotional that happens when a person is comforted. As people we become calmer and we can think more clearly. A comforting hand has often saved people in a car accident from going into shock until medical help can arrive. When we are comforted, we feel loved and affirmed. Although our situation may not have changed, the time of comfort helped us move forward in life.
Comfort in Time of Grief
Many people had come out from Jerusalem to console Mary and Martha. Jesus knew how important comforting others was. He demonstrated this to the disciples as He ministered to the family of Lazarus in person. Just a short time before this, the Pharisees in Jerusalem wanted to kill Jesus. He entered enemy territory to visit Mary and Martha. Comfort is more than just giving people a hug and includes spending time with them in person. This is called the ministry of presence.
John 11:17 When Jesus arrived at Bethany, he was told that Lazarus had already been in his grave for four days. 18 Bethany was only a few miles down the road from Jerusalem, 19 and many of the people had come to console Martha and Mary in their loss. 20 When Martha got word that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him. But Mary stayed in the house. 21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask.” 23 Jesus told her, “Your brother will rise again.” [1]
Comforted so We Can Comfort Others
Jesus had arrived and comforted Mary and Martha with His words and physical presence. How have you been comforted? How has that affected you? What did the Lord teach you through a special time of comforting? How can be open to the Lord’s prompting to comfort others change you and the person being comforted?
2 Cor. 1:4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.[2]
To hear more about Mary and Martha’s encounter with Jesus, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/encountering-jesus-with-lazarus
[1,2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.