Tag Archives: Jesus

Why I Admire the New Testament’s Martha, Mary, and Lazarus

August 20, 2022Scriptures, SiblingsJesus, Jesus and women, Lazarus, Mary and Martha of BethanySarah Patten

If I could hang out with anyone in the Bible, it would be the siblings, Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. It’s because their house sounds the most fun–and peaceful. They are relatable. When the mistress of the house, Martha, got stressed (which happens to me all the time), it’s neat to see how Christ reached out to her when he said,

Martha, Martha, thou art careful and trouble about many things.
Jesus (Luke 10:41)

Jesus reached out to Mary and Lazarus as well.

Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.
John 11:5

The three siblings worked together to maintain a refuge. Their house was outside of Jerusalem, in the town of Bethany, where Jesus, and his disciples, would visit to take a breather. It was a place to be comfortable. Family trying to work together, who are imperfect, and yet find peace in Christ, sounds like a great place to be!

Mary and Martha tending to their brother Lazarus, who is ill.

In fact, four days after Lazarus died, Mary and Martha still had visitors ready to comfort them and who would witness the extraordinary miracle about to take place when Jesus arrived. Jesus cried with the mourners. But before that extraordinary miracle, we’re treated–and comforted– by one of my favorite scriptures,

Jesus wept.
John 11:35

The onlookers were moved how Jesus wept with them, and many believed in Christ when Lazarus came forth from the dead. I infer that some of those observers were prepared to believe because Mary and Martha both talked how they believed in Jesus having mighty power and that he was the son of God. Mary and Martha–as well as Lazarus–were good examples of service to the community that led to people noticing their beliefs.

Each sibling contributed to make sure Jesus felt welcome. At another house in Bethany, Mary washed his feet, a very sacred ordinance–and with expensive ointment–which made Judas complain that she was wasting money. Oh, Jesus had a talk with him–informed him this is a sincere service that would be remembered. The beginning of the conversation included Jesus saying this,

Let her alone; why trouble ye her?
Jesus (Mark 14:6)

That is so perfect! Jesus gave Judas and others present a much needed talk while standing up for a friend. It’s easy to see why Jesus loved this family, and they loved him.

I love this family because they remind me of how I personally feel at certain times. The family also reminds me of certain family members, and friends that feel like family members. Mary, Martha, Lazarus, and those I just mentioned are such powerful examples of what I hope to be. I hope to be like them in their conviction, faith, and selfless acts of service.

Peters, Pattens, and Preparing by Caring for Family

August 17, 2019Blog, Fathers, Mothers, My Family, Scriptures, True LoveAquila, Her storyline, Jesus, Priscilla, Simon Peter, Simon Peter's wifeSarah Patten

In my last post, I compared my parents to Aquila and Priscilla, and now I wish to compare my parents to Simon Peter and his wife. I believe that Mrs. Peter went with her husband on his missions—just like my mom and dad have gone together. Long before their missions, though, both couples took care of the wives’ mothers. This act is brave and selfless as well as good preparation to share the loving teachings of Jesus Christ. Perhaps it’s one of the best preparations. One memory that left a lasting impression on me was my dad driving Grandma to early morning appointments.

Because of such memories, I feel a connection to the story of Jesus healing Simon Peter’s mother-in-law.

And when Jesus was come into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother laid, and sick of a fever.

And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them” (Matthew 8:14-15).

I’m in awe when I read this passage. I feel a warmth and inspiration that I can’t really explain.

Further reading:
Alice
Matthew 8; Mark 1; Luke 4

Featured Image from painting Christ Healing the Mother of Simon Peter’s Wife by John Bridges.

Women Who Literally Followed Jesus

July 13, 2019Blog, ScripturesJesus, Jesus and womenSarah Patten

When Jesus called his original twelve apostles to follow Him, they didn’t say, “See ya,” to their families and left them for good. The Gospels reveal women were included in Christ’s traveling group and used their own means to support the entourage as well as minister to others. I believe some of those women were the mothers and wives to the apostles. At Christ’s death, it’s revealed that some of the apostles’ mothers brought spices and ointments to His tomb.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, is also acknowledged by Him during the ministry and at the time of His death.

One time when Jesus was preaching, the crowd pointed out his mother. Jesus then taught:

“For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother”
(Matthew 12:50)

Jesus cares about families and their unity. Even if one’s family might be dysfunctional, He still wants us to be included as a member of His family.

Painting: Women at the Tomb by Benozzo Gozzoli

Women Present at the Death and Resurrection of Christ

April 8, 2015Easter, ScripturesHer storyline, Jesus, Mary, Mary Magdalene, Women at Crucifixion, Women Present at the Death and Resurrection of ChristSarah Patten

Throughout His life, it was clear that Jesus cared for women and they cared for Him. As His death was approaching, we read of women who were standing up for Him and ready to attend to His needs.

If a good woman nowadays could travel back to that point, I think she’d be supportive and proud of these women.

These women were risk takers. You had to be brave if you chose to associate yourself with Jesus. And some were willing to stay with Him to the very end.

The Cross

While Jesus was on the cross, “many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him.”

Jesus paid special attention to Mary, his mother, while He was on the cross. He addressed his mother and told his apostle John to care and take her away to safety.

When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple [John] standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!

Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. (John 19:26-27)

Mary Magdalene’s name shows up in all gospel accounts at being present during these dramatic events. The gospels named and described some further women.

According to Matthew: “Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee’s children.” (The mother of Zebedee’s is John’s mother. John, the beloved and the one who brought Jesus’ mother to safety.)
Mark said, “Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome….and many other women which came up with him unto Jerusalem.”
John added, “his [Jesus’] mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas.” The women who were identified were close or related to Jesus or his apostles; it’s a very moving.
Also, the “many women” and “many other women” mention is extraordinary!

The Tomb

Most of those identified women are mentioned again when they traveled to the tomb and had “prepared ointments and spice,” for the body of Jesus.

A very special moment occurred on the first day of the week, when Mary Magdalene and the “other Mary” went back to the tomb with spices to discover it’s empty but angels were there who tell them exciting news:

“Why see the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen.”

These two Marys plus a Joanna and “the other women that were with them” reported to the apostles who at first didn’t believe them. But Peter and John went back with Mary Magdalene to see the tomb was empty.

The Resurrection

After Peter and John left, Mary Magdalene stayed.

And Jesus appeared to her.

Jesus didn’t go to the apostles first– “he appeared first to Mary Magdalene” who reported back to some still doubting disciples.

Women played an active part in the Easter story. They tried to protect Jesus, and he acknowledged them and their importance. There were those who were identified, but there were may other women also ready to help. This episode in the Bible demonstrate how much women are valued by Jesus Christ.

Bonus video
Produced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

References:
Matthew 27 and 28
Mark 15 and 16
Luke 23 and 24
John 19 and 20

Further reading:
Mary Magdalene–Tower of Strength

Images:
La Madeleine painting by Pierre Subleyras

The Three Marys at the Tomb painting by Mikołaj Haberschrack, 15th century

The Resurrection Day, after Heinrich Hofmann, published on Bible card; found http://thebiblerevival.com/clipart27.htm

Pilate’s Wife: She Tried to Intervene For Jesus

April 4, 2015Easter, ScripturesEaster, Her storyline, Jesus, Jesus' Trial, Pilate, Pilate's Wife, St. ClaudiaSarah Patten

“What is truth?”

Pilate asked Jesus that question. It’s a very appropriate one because of the confusion going on at that time. Within the last day and a half, Jesus had suffered for the sins of the world in Gethsemane which would have killed anyone else. He was betrayed, denied, and left alone by friends. He was moved from court to court being questioned by the Jewish and Roman officials for hours. Any other person would have cracked under such circumstances. But there he stood poised. What was going on? It’s no surprise Pilate “Marvelled greatly.”

Pilate’s wife probably shared those views and worries. She must have struggled with the question “What is truth?” That question—or something similar—likely hovered over her head. Somehow she knew some important truths and was brave enough to step forward. As her husband deliberated, she tried to intervene on Jesus’ behalf.

When he [Pilate] was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.

As I have pondered that verse, one word sticks out.

Just.

But Pilate was persuaded by Jewish leaders to release a robber in place of Jesus , and put Jesus to death through crucifixion. Even after the declared death sentence, Pilate still tried to convince the people not to crucify him.

He tried to prolong it and did remember the words of his wife. He said to the crowds, “I am innocent of the blood of this just person”

Though Pilate’s wife was no Martha or Mary in describing the divinity of Christ, she knew he was an extraordinary man who was innocent of all the accusations. She was not one of the women who saw the resurrected Lord, but she also had to be brave to face the future.

A few years later, Pilate’s career plummeted, and she might have been alive when it’s thought he committed suicide. What happened to her? She had been married to a man that Jews and Romans didn’t respect. Did she feel shame? Did she survive?

Some believe her to be Claudia, a converted Christian, mentioned in 2 Timothy. Romans were weary of Christianity and perhaps early Christians viewed her with suspicions. It would have been a dangerous life.

She was brave in her attempt to intervene for Jesus. In that way, I feel like she could be counted among the women who made sacrifices to champion Him. I can’t help but think of a James E. Talmage quote:

“The greatest champion of women and womanhood is Jesus Christ.”

She knew little about Jesus Christ, but she was brave in sharing what she knew as truth.

(Click here to view a video that gives an overview of Gethsemane, Jesus’ trial and crucifixion, and Resurrection entitled “He is Risen: John the Beloved’s Witness of the Resurrection”)

Sources
Matthew 27
John 18
http://www.womeninthescriptures.com/2009/05/pontius-pilates-wife.html
The Illegal Trial of Christ by Steven W. Allen
2 Timothy 4

Images:
The Message of Pilate’s Wife. by James Tissot
The Dream of Pilate’s Wife by Alphonse Francois
Ecce Homo by Antonio Ciseri

Mary and Martha, Sisters of Bethany

March 31, 2015Easter, Scriptures, SistersHer storyline, Jesus, Lazarus, Mary and Martha of Bethany, Palm Sunday, Triumphant Entry into JerusalemSarah Patten

Jesus had made certain preparations to enter while he was in Bethany. While there, he raised Lazarus, brother of Mary and Martha, from the dead.

The family of three had already had encounters with Jesus.
He praised Mary for her choices and comforted Martha about the many things she felt she needed to do.

Jesus comforted Martha and Mary again at the time of Lazarus’ death. He also talked about his upcoming death and resurrection. He said to Martha:

“I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?”

And then Martha responded:

“Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.”

Keep in mind, she said this before Lazarus rose from the dead. She wasn’t aware he would perform the miracle. She and Mary both had testimonies and a love for Jesus. And “Jesus loved Martha, and her sister [Mary], and Lazarus.”

Jesus shared their grief. They cried, and “Jesus wept.”

Four days after, Jesus called, “Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave clothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.”

This miracle strengthened the faith of those who already believed and hopefully those who were impressed would study and pray more of Jesus’ teachings. There were those, though, who didn’t share in the happiness at all.

They were the ones who went to the Pharisees. “Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles. If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation…then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.”

While others were plotting Jesus’ death, he was preparing for it. He and his apostles spent time pondering in the wilderness and he purified the temple. Jesus came back to Bethany six days before Passover. “Martha served.” “Lazarus…sat at the table with him,” and Mary “anointed the feet of Jesus.” These acts of the three siblings were examples of their dedication—though Judas Iscariot was critical of Mary’s sacrifice, saying she should have saved expensive ointments for the poor (in reality, he was ready to put the spices in his bag for himself). Jesus told him “to let her alone” and gave a lesson about sacrifices and the poor. This teaching moment also included that men need to respect women.

Jesus was grateful for Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. His stay in their town would strengthen him for the week to come. While in Bethany, Jesus had disciples get a donkey that had never been sat on so he could enter Jerusalem. The Son of God would enter not as a worldly king who would enter a city on a horse (which sometimes symbolizes war), but a king that would offer hope. Jesus was the “prince of Peace.”

As Jesus entered the city, people “took branches of palm trees and went forth to meet him” and like Martha, knew His importance. “When citizens heard Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, they “cried Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.” Many Jews and even other people of different nations came to worship Him. Others were still plotting. Jesus would continue to teach, perform miracles and show he loved all his children.

Sources:
Luke 10; John 11; John 12; Luke 19; Mark 11; Matthew 21

Paintings:
“Christ in the House of Martha and Mary” by Johannes Vermeer
“Raising of Lazarus” by Carl Bloch
“…Of Saints Mary and Martha” Creator: Mast of the Wielowies Tripych

Wise Men, Wise Women

December 23, 2014ChristmasBeverly Cleary, Christmas, Christmas stories, Her storyline, Jesus, Mormon Messages, Romana and Her Father, Share the Gift, Wise Men, Wise Men Still Seek Him, Wise WomenSarah Patten

“They saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshiped him.”

We know wise women who are as dedicated and faithful as the Wise Men who followed a star to find Jesus. I love the phrase. “Wise men still seek them.” I include women in that statement too.

We’ve seen whom I consider the “wise women of Christmas.” Mary, Elisabeth, and Anna. And the other figures in the nativity that included women. We’ve seen wise women in our lives.

I love this passage from Beverly Cleary’s Romana and Her Father:

*Romana was puzzled. “I thought they were supposed to be wise men,” she said.

“The boys backed out at the last minute,” explained the girl with the blackest eyebrows. “Mrs. Russo said women can be wise too, so tonight we are the Three Wise Persons.”

The idea seemed like a good one to Ramona. *

And it’s a good idea to me.

How can we seek Him? We can turn to others and learn of Him through the scripture. Ask ourselves: “What would Jesus do?” Thoughts?

“When they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts: gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.”

We can’t offer gold, frankincense, and myrrh. So what can we offer?

What the Lord requires of us is to love one another.

I recommend the two clips below. One is the popular “Share the Gift” and the other is called “Wise Men Still Seek Him.”

References:
Matthew 2
Romana and Her Father by Beverly Clearly

Anna, the Prophetess

December 23, 2014Christmas, ScripturesAnna, Anna and Simeon, Anna at the temple, Christmas stories, Elsbeth Young, Her storyline, Jesus, Joseph, Mary, Share the Gift, Women of the ScripturesSarah Patten

Anna the Prophetess

Who?

She lost her husband when she was young. She had been married for less than ten years. When we meet Anna in the second chapter of Luke, she’s an elderly widow of many years.How did she go on with life? But she did her best and served at the temple. She and another person named Simeon recognized that the baby Mary and Joseph brought to the temple was Jesus. The baby would someday be the Savior of mankind.

I first learned about Anna when my mom was playing a new Christmas song at the piano. She was putting music to a poem written by our friend, Sally Wise.

Sally writes of Anna:

She came to the temple,
Anna the faithful.
She was old and wise, she fasted and she prayed.
When she beheld the baby, her heart was filled with joy.
She gave thanks and spoke of Him, Savior to all men.
She knew, she knew, she knew her Savior.

Anna is a significant person in the Christmas story because she is another witness that Jesus had indeed been born. We need to pay attention to her.

She had gone through a lot while remaining faithful to the Lord. She knew the real meaning of “good tidings of great joy” and peace, and we can as well. We probably all know Annas who endure while seeing the good in life.

Sally ends her poem by showing how we can be like Anna and Simeon:

At this Christmas season,
I will remember
The birth of Christ our Savior, the babe of Bethlehem.
As I read the scriptures I can feel His warmth.
And I know He lives today, Savior to all men.
I know, I know, I know my Savior.

References:
Luke 2
“They Came to the Temple” by Sally Wise
Images:
Featured and second image in post: The Substance of Hope found on alyoung.com. Copyright by Elsbeth Young. All Rights Reserved. Courtesy of Al Young Studios.
Simeon in the Temple by Rembrandt

Each of Us Is An Innkeeper

December 22, 2014Christmas, ScripturesBethlehem, Christmas stories, Duck Dynasty, Each of us is an inn keeper, Her storyline, innkeeper, Jep Robertson, Jesus, Joseph, Make room for the savior, Mary, Mormonads, Neal A. MaxwellSarah Patten

“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn” ~Luke 2:7

Traveling with a pregnant women can be scary. Imagine Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. Perhaps they traveled in a caravan for some parts of the journey, made quite a few stops, and lagged behind. And when they finally arrived in Bethlehem, it took time to find a place to stay. The inns were full.

Just how significant is the innkeeper in the story?

When the Robertsons put on the Christmas play last year, Jep Robertson insisted it was an “important role…if the innkeeper hadn’t turned them down, you see’d this entire play in a hotel room.”

In all seriousness, though, did the innkeeper regret turning away a pregnant woman ? Did the innkeeper suspect Mary was carrying the King of Kings? Someone told me, “I bet all the innkeepers are kicking themselves right now.”

Joseph must have been really bargaining. I heard a theory that he might have even helped build the manger. Whatever the case, Mary and Joseph arrived in the stable. Soon Jesus was born, and Mary laid Jesus in a manger.

Jep reflected more about the innkeeper and related the role back to Mary and Joseph. How it must have taken a lot of faith on their part. After all, they didn’t have the internet or phones. Couldn’t make reservations.Though they were turned away from the inn, they found a place to stay. I wonder how they reacted to the prospect of staying in a stable? Yet the birth itself was “good tidings of great joy.” Soon afterwards, the stable would get special visitors who had easier access to a stable rather than an inn. So that was a blessing.

But how is the innkeeper relevant to us? Elder Neal A. Maxwell pointed out, “Each of us is an innkeeper who decides if there is room for Jesus!” I’ve been thinking about that statement a lot. What’s your take?

Luke 2
All images from lds.org–Media library : https://www.lds.org/media-library

Mary, the Mother of Jesus

December 22, 2014Christmas, ScripturesChristmas stories, Gabriel, Her storyline, Jesus, Joseph, Mary, Mother of JesusSarah Patten

Naturally, Mary was surprised by angel Gabriel’s visit.. Even after the angel assured her she was highly favored and she was blessed among women, she was still frightened.

“Fear not,” said the Gabriel, “for thou hast found favor with God. And behold, thou shalt conceive a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. And he shall be great.” The angel told Mary the many great things Jesus would be. That’s a lot of pressure. Mary asked, “How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?”

The angel answered, “The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also the holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be the Son of God. And behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she has also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.”

The angel concluded, “For with God nothing shall be impossible.”

She would need those words. She traveled to her cousin Elisabeth. As previously mentioned, their visit was an uplifting one.

And Joseph, her betrothed, would also need to know Mary was pregnant. And she was not carrying his child. She was not married. How would he react?

Joseph’s Reaction:

It was a shock when Joseph found out his fiancé was pregnant. What could he do about it?

The Bible describes Joseph as a “just man, and not willing to make her [Mary] a public example, was minded to put her away privily.” This meant he didn’t want Mary to face public humiliation. He “desired to release or divorce her secretly.” This also meant Joseph really respected women.

Deep in thought, he had a dream where an angel appeared and said, “Fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.”

Joseph must have been relieved Mary was faithful to him. But since she was carrying a son that was “to save his people from their sins” that meant Jesus would need to be raised very well. Could you imagine the responsibility Joseph must have felt knowing he was to be the guardian of the Son of God?

But Joseph was up for it. He “did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him.” He married Mary. He was obedient to God’s commandments as well as a law abiding citizen

Because Caesar Augustus decreed his empire should be taxed and the citizens go to the place of the heritage, Joseph needed to go to Bethlehem.

Joseph had to travel to pay taxes and take his pregnant wife, who was carrying a baby-who would be the Savior of the World- safely to Bethlehem. Joseph had a lot on his mind. Perhaps he also had in mind the saying the angel brought to Mary: “For with God nothing shall be impossible.”

Joseph would need both physical and spiritual strength to make the journey.

King James Version of Bible
Matthew 1 and footnotes
Luke 1, 2

All photographs from lds.org–Media library : https://www.lds.org/media-library
and https://www.lds.org/bible-videos/?lang=eng

The Aunnunciation: The Angel Gabriel Appears to Mary (lds.org)

Mary and Elizabeth-_by_Sweet_Media

“The Dream of St. Joseph” (circa 1770s) by Anton Raphael Mengs.