Scripture Reading: “Surely You love the people; all the holy ones are in Your hand, and they sit down at Your feet; each receives Your words--” (Deut. 33:3)
“She had a sister named Mary, who also sat at the Lord’s feet and was listening to what he said. ‘…but one thing is necessary. Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her.’” (Luke 10:39, 42)
“I do not call you servants any longer, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you [My] friends, because I have revealed to you everything that I have heard from My Father.” (John 15:15 AMP)
“How do you spend time with Jesus, Dad?”
“Hmm, mainly prayer, I suppose. How about you?”
“The same, but sometimes I just imagine we’re throwing the baseball around.”
There is no sweeter insight into our son’s spiritual life for me. The Holy Spirit has revealed Jesus to my boy as his companion and champion. He’s worshipping Jesus by spending time with him in his mind, by practicing his presence in a way that is adoring to our Savior. Our son feels welcomed into a relationship with Jesus, rather than feeling he must do something to be in his presence.
We see this act of drawing near to Jesus in reverent friendship throughout scripture, but I am particularly drawn to the love between Mary, Martha, Lazarus, and Jesus. They were friends Jesus loved. John 11:5 (NIV) tells us, “Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.” These siblings lived together in Bethany near Jerusalem where Jesus would visit in their home. They were like family to him.
I especially enjoy how Mary enjoyed Jesus’ company. In Luke 10:40, we see that Mary left her sister and their hostess duties to jump at the chance to listen to Jesus teach while he was visiting. “She had a sister named Mary, who seated herself at the Lord’s feet and was continually listening to His teaching” (Luke 10:39 AMP). Mary clung to Jesus’ every word and felt welcomed by this family-friend to leave her responsibilities and enjoy his company, at ease, listening and learning like the other disciples - an unusual circumstance for an ancient Middle Eastern woman. Can you imagine her sense of awe as Jesus unveiled His Father’s love through scripture and the peaceful authority that emanated from him? The joy that must have filled Mary’s heart as he assured her frustrated sister, “There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:42 NLT).
It’s not coincidental that in the very next paragraph we learn from Jesus how to pray. He teaches us to draw near in prayer as his friend, as a child boldly asking for what we need. Notice these illustrations are mentioned after the adoring example of Mary who did not work to get into the presence of Jesus. She sat by him as a beloved friend.
I want to encourage you to leave your responsibility for a minute and forget the expectations of others. In a posture of prayer sit yourself close to your most precious friend Jesus and enjoy his company. Imagine the love in his eyes as he welcomes you. Listen to what he may say to you. Spend time adoring Jesus and be loved by him. Like my son, the Holy Spirit may reveal Jesus to you in a very special way! This good thing will never be taken away from you because you are Jesus’ very own treasured friend and family.
Heavenly Father, thank You for what your Word reveals about your desire for me. Please help me to be like Mary and come to You knowing that I am always eagerly welcomed. I ask for the gift of knowing Lord Jesus as my closest friend. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.