George Hutcheson
29 Assoone as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him.
30 Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him.
In the second place is recorded Maries obedience unto this call; He arose and went to him, where he yet stayed without the town. Whence learn, 1. Whatever jealousie or prejudice mourners have at Christs dealing; yet he will be still welcome newes unto them, and they ought not to stay away from him; for, though she was under the same tentation with Martha, yet she also arose and came to him. 2. Newes of Christs approach will make fainting mourners revive, and be active to run and meet him; for, she who sate drooping and faint in the house, as appears from ver. 20, 31. now, when she heard that, she arose quickly and came to him. 3. Such as have the opportunity of comfort from Christ, will preferre him to all the comforts they can receive from friends; Therefore she arose quickly, and came to him, leaving all that were in the house comforting her. 4. In the dayes of Christs flesh, his calling went nearest his heart of any thing, and he preferred the opportunities of doing good, to all his own case and accommodations: Therefore it is marked, as a reason why Mary went out unto him, Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in the place where Martha met him. He had not so much as entered the town to refresh himselfe, not for fear of the Jewes, (for his hand and providence brings them out afterward, ver. 31,) but he choosed this as a sit time and place to comfort Mary in, and his minde was upon working the miracle before he rested. And all this tends to shew what a faithful and merciful high Priest he is, and how enlarged his heart is toward his people, when now he hath no particular necessity of his own, to divert him.
