Then, when Mary came where Jesus was, and saw Him, she fell down at His feet, saying to Him, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.”
John 11:32
In John 11:32, we witness a profound moment of vulnerability and raw emotion as Mary, grieving the loss of her brother Lazarus, falls at the feet of Jesus. Her words echo the questions that can sometimes fill our hearts in times of pain and confusion.
Mary’s journey to Jesus was undoubtedly filled with a mix of emotions—grief, hope, and perhaps even a tinge of disappointment. She knew that if Jesus had been present, her brother might have been spared from death. In her sorrow, Mary’s response is an authentic pouring out of her heart.
Mary’s action of falling at Jesus’ feet illustrates the beautiful truth that our Savior is a safe place for our pain. He invites us to bring our questions, doubts, and grief to Him. He understands the depth of our emotions and invites us to lay them at His feet.
Mary’s words reveal her honest conversation with Jesus. God desires us to approach Him with our unfiltered thoughts and emotions. When we express our heartache, we create space for God to respond with comfort, understanding, and the assurance of His presence.
At the feet of Jesus, we learn the power of surrender. Mary’s words, while expressing her desire for a different outcome, also demonstrate her willingness to place her trust in Jesus’ sovereignty. Her posture teaches us to surrender our control and entrust our circumstances to Him.
Reflect on moments when you’ve felt like Mary—overwhelmed by grief, confusion, or disappointment. How can you cultivate an authentic dialogue with Jesus in those moments? Consider how falling at His feet can be an act of surrender and an invitation for His comfort.
Pray
Lord, in times of grief and confusion, I thank You for being a safe place for my pain. Help me to bring my raw emotions to You, knowing that You understand and care for my heart. Teach me to surrender my control and trust in Your sovereignty, even when circumstances are difficult. In Jesus’ name, amen.
